Diversity continues to blossom in the Denver Metro Area.  It's amazing how many people come to the region and create communities that have a strong presence in the social, political, economic and spiritual make up of our city.  This celebration of diversity is recognized by the 1st Annual Latino Art Show at The Other Side Arts (TOSA) in Aurora.  This is one more way that TOSA continues to honor the community by allowing self-expression to blossom.  I'd like to give a big thank you and congratulations to Crissy Robinette for her work in coordinating the outreach portion of the show because it allows us to develop a connection with people we have never met.

There were two groups comprising the outreach portion of the show.  MiCasa's CASASTART program at Lake Middle School works to advance self-sufficiency for primarily low income Latina's and youth.  The project brought to the students by the outreach team was to create a "culture box".  These boxes enabled them to identify what's important to them personally and for their culture.  It was phenomenal to see the students arrive at the show and to see the looks on their faces when their work was displayed was priceless.  When you look at their "culture boxes" you get an intimate glance at what makes these kids tick at what's foremost on their minds.

The other group was The Original Aurora Family Resource Center, empowering and building healthy families.  These women were asked to create metal sculptures representative of their culture.  The students took a playful poke at the culture question and the woman took an artful and heartfelt relation to their pieces.  You can see the strong part that faith plays in their lives.  The pieces were thoughtful and deliberate.  I know they will be treasured by these women for years to come.  The sculptures will be a great family heirloom as they talk with their children about their culture and their own hearts.

Outreach is vital to creating a cohesive community.  It's about inclusion and inclusion works both ways, the community organizations like TOSA take to heart the importance of honoring the community where they "live" and I hope the community embraces groups like TOSA and incorporate them into the community fabric.

Astonished...
Greg