I’ve recommended Foothills Art Center’s classes and programming before. I even asked a friend to write about her memoir class experience before finally taking the class myself (I loved it!). But what has stayed with me is how quickly a room of strangers began to feel like a community through the vulnerability of our art. These spaces are important.

That’s what I heard in a recent letter from Foothills’ executive director, Maura Adamson. People may walk in to make art, but they leave knowing one another. Maura graciously gave me permission to share her words below which were featured in Foothills’ recent newsletter. Thanks Maura for all that you do for Foothills Art Center!

After a long day of meetings and administrative work (especially when I’m feeling a little cranky), Marley the Art Dog and I like to stop by the Creative Campus to say hello.

It isn’t to check on the endless list of facilities projects or to keep an eye on our teachers. I go because I want to feel the same spark of joy and connection that I hope everyone experiences when they walk through our doors.

Usually, two or three completely different classes are happening at once: ceramics in the studio, artists exploring the elements of art, or the Colorado School of Mines Art Club gathering after classes. Every room is filled with friendship, smiles, laughter, and usually a few cookies.

Marley and I visit with longtime students and introduce ourselves to people we haven’t met yet. People tell us this is the only place they want to be after a long workday. Others come looking for community during college or in retirement. They arrive for the art, but they also find one another.

In a world that can feel increasingly disconnected, this kind of shared, creative space matters more than ever. Walking through those classrooms reminds me why I chose art in the first place and why it is such a privilege to lead Foothills Art Center.

We have built something real together: a place where people care for themselves and one another, feel welcome and connected, and create alongside people from different generations and walks of life.

Thank you for helping make Foothills a place where people can create, connect, and belong. Whether you teach, volunteer, support our work, take a class, visit an exhibition, or tell someone about us, you are part of what makes this community possible. That is what it means to create stronger community through art. And it always makes me a little less cranky.

If it has been a while since you walked through our doors, come see what we are creating together. Take a class, visit an exhibition, bring a friend, and stop by and say hello. Marley and I would love to see you.

Maura Adamson
Executive Director

Will keep this Fall highlights list going for a bit as more events pop up!

Fall FINALE at the Golden Farmers Market - Join for the last Farmers Market of the year and “extra autumnal activities,” including Blaster the Burro (8-10am), a magician (10-11am), plus “face painting, yard games, a fall photo booth, kids activities, giveaways, live music, and more!”

Mines Homecoming Weekend This Weekend - Head’s up that this weekend will be extra busy around campus and town, with events Friday through Sunday. On Saturday is a 5K and then the football team plays at noon.

Shred-a-Thon on Saturday (9am-12pm) - “It's time to shred! Join the Jefferson County Library Foundation and its partners at Goodwill Industries for a Shred-a-thon on to securely shred and recycle files and electronics (no TVs or large appliances)! Limit 3 boxes of shreddable items per car - suggested donation $10 per box.”

Register for Golden Hell Week - Five trails. Five Days. (And free) “Planning to join us? Add your name so we can count you in and send you the details you’ll need for the week.” Golden Hell Week takes place Oct 26-30.

North Ford Complete Street: Design Open House (10/1 @ 5:30-7:30pm) - “This open house will be an opportunity to review draft engineering plans based on the community's preferred alternative.” Taking place at the Golden Community Center.

Yard Waste Collection Days are Nov 2-6 - Just a reminder as you plan your seasonal yard work. “Yard Waste Collection Days happen twice a year–once in the spring and once in the fall for residents who participate in the Pay-As-You-Throw waste collection program.”

Reminders:

Bike Walk Golden is looking for a board member - “We’re looking for someone to join us to organize special events and advocacy initiatives. No prior knowledge or expereince is needed, just a passion for making getting around Golden safer” Email [email protected].

Ash Borer Treatment Rebate - “City of Golden residents may apply for an approved re-imbursement from the City of Golden (up to $500) for treatment or removal/replacement of eligible ash trees to protect against EAB.”