ArtReach 40th Anniversary – Fabulous at Forty

Forty years is a long and respectable period of time for an organization to flourish. ArtReach, Inc. has proven to be an important Denver organization for people who believe in art and, for spreading the love of art. Starting with a passion for art and a desire to give back, Art Reach’s art programs have given an art-life to many who may have never had the opportunity to participate in the joys of art.

Saturday night at Wings Over the Rockies, there were hundreds of art people who celebrated the “Forty and Fabulous” party and ArtReach Dine & D’art.

It was a true celebration for the organization’s 40th anniversary. Artists, volunteers, sponsors, friends of ArtReach, funders, past and present Board members and staff convened to honor those who have helped to advance the organization over the years.
Two tireless volunteers received the highest honors. Susan France received the ArtReach Art Star award and Eric Matelski received the ArtReach Ginger Merelli Special Event Volunteer award recipient.

Guests were wined & dined among the towering vintage airplanes, as they gawked at the many beautiful art works donated by local artists: Kyle Banister, Jeff Barton, Kelle Brooks, Hakan Carheden, Michael Carr, Rosa Chick, D. Todd Clough, Kathryn Cole, Sarah Dempster, Sean Doherty, Dan Ericson, Bethany Fette, Deborah Griffith, Chris Guarino, Pamela Kelker, Ivadell Marie, Robert Martinez, Eric R. Matelski, Judson Monroe, Tony Ortega, Mimi Platte, Robert Platz, Brad Ramsey, Kay Ray, Barbara Reasoner, Todd Reid, Lyndsey Rosenberg, Molly Ross, Beth Sanders, Chris Schranck, Natasha Seideneck, Peter Sidley, Susan Smith, Karen Spotts, Natalie Starnes, Sidney Summers, Jennifer Yoswa, Bruce Zander,  and many ArtReach supporters, collectors and donors.

The event’s new money-makers were the Mystery Boxes, 50 in all, ranging in price from $25 to $100. Literally, they flew off the table quickly and were a surprise kick with the guests. Box buyers anxiously awaited the goodies inside which were donated by many Denver businesses such as Augustana Arts, Canvas on Demand, Curious Theatre, Denver Art Museum, Harlem Globetrotters, Landmark Theaters, Newman Center, The Arvada Center, Denver Brass and many other generous individuals and businesses.

Trending with a Forties theme. many of the guests dressed to please, sporting vintage outfits and hairstyles. Savoring the combined visual feast of classic airplanes and Hollywood hairstyles, reminiscent of Howard Hughes and Joan Crawford, gave authenticity to the  evening’s 40th salute to ArtReach and the never forgotten swing era. Many envisioned Jimmy Dorsey’s ghost smiling down as the Freedom Swing Band provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of art, music, food and celebration for a job well done – Forty Years is just plain phenomenal.

ArtReach programs enhance lives within the community by providing access to arts and cultural experiences for people of all ages who would not otherwise have the opportunity.

For more information on how you can be a part of this artful program call 303.433.2882 or go to their website at http://www.artreachdenver.org.
MAP