Picture a hundred hands tracing the path of stars in paint or walking through a small town a hundred years gone by. Picture groups of children gathering in the front lobby and then traveling to a different time and place. It happens all the time at the Arvada Center — with Arts Days. Students have visited many worlds of art, and now with two new choices, they can venture even farther into space and time.

Recently, an Arts and Science Arts Day was developed to bridge the gap between the arts and science. It provides a great way for students to discover the similarities and differences between the two. Students learn basic scientific concepts in workshops such as Backyard Astronomy or Archaeology Uncovered that are brought to the Arvada Center through a collaboration with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Along with this science-related experience, students participate in a hands-on art activity like Painted Skies or Storyteller Masks where they create their own works of art and begin to understand the creative and cultural aspects of scientific concepts and objects.

Another new and exciting addition is Historic ArtsDay . Using the vibrant history, people and architecture of Olde Town Arvada, the Arvada Center developed an ArtsDay that enriches students’ understanding of Colorado history. Students explore Olde Town Arvada with a guided walking tour of historic landmarks like the Old Flour Milland Old School House, allowing them to experience first-hand what Arvada may have been like 100 years ago. Learning is enhanced even further through workshops ranging from an interactive play about the early West to building a 3-D clay facade that incorporates architectural elements of Olde Town.

Arts Days expanded over the years in large part due to the Arvada Center’s goal of working closely with teachers to support and enhance school curriculums. As a result, curriculum standards were incorporated into many of the workshops offered, and the Arts Day program continues to adapt to the needs of specific groups. By offering new and exciting Arts Days, the Arvada Center is able to meet the needs of a wider range of age groups and to explore curriculum that compliment the arts like history and science. Along with our always popular Theater Arts Days, Museum Arts Days and Special Events Arts Days, these new programs have added to the success and strength of ArtsDay. The students and teachers who participate count on the Arvada Center’s high quality and engaging activities to deepen their understanding of how art can be integrated into almost all aspects of learning. Because arts education can make a significant difference in kids’ lives, the Arts Day program is always looking for and incorporating innovative enrichment ideas and activities to enhance a child’s arts experience.

For further information, please contact Gail Arcese, Arts Day Coordinator at 720-898-7240.

Arts Day is sponsored in part by Post-News Charities, a fund of the Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation, St. Paul Companies, Inc. Foundation and LMC Community Foundation.