Library, Recreation and Cultural Services
14949 E. Alameda Parkway – Aurora, CO 80012 303-739-6640 – 303-739-6586 (Fax) – Cultural Services@auroragov.org
The City of Aurora Cultural Arts Program offers classes to the public and to school education programs in: fine arts, dance, pottery and music. Performing arts classes are offered through the Aurora Fox Arts Center. The Cultural Arts Program is recognized for providing events such as the Banks in Harmony summer music concert series, fine art/pottery sales and exhibits, as well as dance recitals and performances. Partial funding for programs and exhibits is provided by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). The City of Aurora Cultural Services Division provides the Cultural Arts Program. View our catalog or Register Online
DANCE Aurora Dance Arts Office Meadowood Recreation Center 3054 S. Laredo St. Aurora, CO 80013 303-326-8308 303-699-6506 (Fax) Established in 1973, Aurora Dance Arts is a comprehensive, year-round program with an established curriculum for dance education. Studios, located at various recreation centers, offer 100 classes weekly. From ballet to country western dance, the City of Aurora dance program has something for everybody and has proven to be extremely popular. Classes are available for all ages; fees vary. For a complete listing of dance classes, please click on the link labeled “View or catalog” above. Use the Key Word: Dance to access class information. -Year-round classes in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern, Pom, Lyrical, Funk and Pointe are available for ages 3 to adult. - Social dances include Ballroom Dance, Belly Dance, Country Western, Latin Dance and Greek Folk Dancing. - One performing group, annual spring recitals, bi-annual performances of the Are We in Kansas Yet? and The Nutcracker Ballet. EVENTS Pottery Sales Sculptures, hand-thrown and functional pottery are wonderful to own and fabulous to give as gifts. Expect reasonable prices and high quality unique designs. The Aurora Potters’ Guild sponsors two sales each year on the first Saturday of May and December. The Sales usually take place at the Aurora Senior Center, 30 Del Mar Circle. This year’s sale will be outdoors at the Bicentennial Art Center on June 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The Gateway to the Rockies Art Exhibit Co-sponsored by Aurora Artist Guild and the City of Aurora Cultural Services Division, this exhibit has been a favorite for local, regional and international artists to feature their works. With more than 220 compositions by artists of local, national and international importance, you are bound to find multiple pieces that appeal to you. The art exhibit is free of charge and shows during the month of October at the Aurora History Museum. For artists interested in showing their works, a prospectus will be available in May. Call 303-739-6520. Call For Entries Gateway Prospectus 2008 Banks in Harmony Concerts in the Park Banks in Harmony is the annual free summer concert series in Aurora sponsored by local banks, the City of Aurora and the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. The concerts are held in city parks around Aurora on Thursday evenings. A wide variety of music from pop to big band swing is played by regionally known ensembles. Bring a picnic dinner or purchase dinner from local food vendors and join the fun. Aurora’s Cultural Events Guide The City of Aurora Cultural Affairs Commission publishes a calendar of citywide cultural events. The calendar includes theatre, dance, music, fine arts, history programs and special events offered by numerous organizations in Aurora. Document Links: Cultural Events – Jan to Mar 2008 Cultural Events – Apr to May 2008 News Letter Cultural Quarterly This quarterly newsletter provides you with updates on projects, programs and events in the Cultural Services Division. It is published in January, April, July and October. Document Links: Current Newsletter Newsletter Subscriptions		POTTERY, FINE ARTS and MUSIC Bicentennial Art Center 13655 E. Alameda Ave. Aurora, CO 80012 303-344-1776 303-341-7985 (Fax) Originally a satellite building operated as part of the Lowry Air Force Base, Bicentennial Art Center now serves as a fully functioning pottery studio. Bicentennial staff not only coordinates pottery programs but also organizes music and fine arts programs scheduled at City of Aurora libraries and recreation centers. All of our programs are offered year-round and are taught by instructors with advanced degrees and/or expertise gained through years of experience. Classes are available for all ages; fees vary. For a complete listing of pottery, music, and visual arts classes, please click on the link labeled “View or catalog” above. Use the Key Words: Pottery, Music, Art to access class information. Pottery You can learn how to throw on a potter’s wheel, mold an original masterpiece, or just brush up on techniques previously learned. All levels of pottery are available in wheel throwing and handbuilding. Potters may join the Aurora Potter’s Guild to particpate in sales and “open hours” at the center. Popular children’s classes include Kids on Wheels and summer camps. Workshops and specialty classes are offered for adults at various times of the year such as Clay Angels, Glass and Fusing, and Low Fire. Fine Arts There are many mediums under fine arts to experience. Try them all! Artistic ability is not required. Classes are available year-round for all ages and all levels of expertise. Our program offers: -Drawing Classes: Pen and ink, pencils, colored pencils, and comic book drawing. -Painting Classes: Oil, acrylics, gouache, watercolor and mixed media painting. -Workshops: From Floral Painting in Pastels to Bob Ross's Wet on Wet, these one-day workshops are fun and informative. -Creative Arts: Stained glass, photography, altered books, woodcarving and kaleidoscope classes are offered at various times throughout the year. View photos of sample class projects: Acrylic Miniature Floral Painting Workshop Artists Journals & Altered Books Bob Ross Wet on Wet Mosaic Watercolor Wildlife Woodcarving Woodcarving Music If you or a child have access to an instrument or would like to take up singing, join our music classes. Our music program includes guitar, piano, and voice classes. EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS AHA! Discover what Aurora offers in history and arts at your school. Offering over 60 programs to enhance any curriculum by educating young minds through creativity! Call 303-739-6520. - Build a catapult using math and physics. - Learn about science and math through music and art. - Establish a drama club at your school. - Have a traveling museum exhibit teach your students about the history of space flight. Educational programs include: field trips, tours, workshops, clubs, performances, lectures, seminars, and demonstrations in topics ranging from art, dance, drams, history, and music. Our programs have the flexibility to fit scheduling needs and integrate arts and humanities into curriculum standards. Home-schooled groups are welcomed. In collaboration with the Aurora Fox, the Aurora History Museum, and the Cultural Arts Program, the City of Aurora Cultural Services Division provides outreach and free on-site programming throughout the year to approximately 40 schools. Programs have previously been scheduled for elementary, middle, and high schools in the following districts: Aurora Public Schools, Cherry Creek Schools, Boulder Valley, Westminster, and the Colorado Home School Network.
Art, Dance, Music are programs of the Cultural Services Division, Library, Recreation & Cultural Services Department, City of Aurora. The Cultural Services Division is the largest single provider of arts and culture in the City of Aurora offering programs in performing arts, fine arts, history, public art, special events and festivals, and community volunteerism.