National Arts and Humanities Month

Colorful Paint Palette - photo by Elena Mozhvilo

Artober

October is National Arts & Humanities Month (NAHM)—also known as Artober.

The purpose of this month-long celebration of the arts is to:

  • FOCUS on equitable access to the arts at local, state, and national levels

  • ENCOURAGE individuals, organizations, and diverse communities to participate in the arts

  • ALLOW governments and businesses to show their support of the arts

  • RAISE public awareness about the positive impact of the arts and humanities in our communities and lives

We want to join in the celebration by specifically highlighting some of the distinctive features of the Greeley Creative District along with some ideas about how to enjoy it.

Follow us on Facebook (@GreeleyCreativeDistrict) or Instagram (@GreeleyCreativeDistrict) and check back here for updates throughout October!


Writers, magicians… Professional Spooks

October 31st isn't only Halloween, it's also National Magician's Day!

Did you know that in 2020 residents in the Greeley Area earned over $6 million in wages from jobs in performing and writing?

Check out Greeley native Paul Noffsinger's video podcast The Mystery Collection Conversations.

In an episode filmed earlier this month, he interviews fellow local writer, performer and magician Rob Walker—who is currently the High Plains Library's writer in residence. We hope you enjoy their comedic antics and shared love for all things spooky!


Visit Greeley

Did you know that the Colorado Creative Districts are a part of the Economic Impact Department of the State of Colorado?

While the Greeley Creative District focuses on engaging with local residents and artists, the hard working folks at Visit Greeley (with the Greeley Chamber of Commerce) focus on reaching those outside of Greeley to let them know about all it has to offer!

We're proud to have Heather Anderson, Director of Visit Greeley on our board. She is a critical partner in drawing folks here to enjoy Greeley's Creative talents!


Culinary Artistry

October 15 was #NationalDessertDay!

With so many amazing bakeries and shops we thought we'd sweeten your day with a selection of our favorites from the Creative District.

Here are some fabulous places to find delicious, sweet-treats in the Creative District:


ornamental Manufacturing

October 7 was #NationalManufacturers day.

Did you know that Greeley is home to over 330 jobs in architectural and ornamental works (metal and wood) generating over $21 million in 2020.

The ornamental signs at the entrance to Centennial Village and Island Grove were created by Jim Emmett and his team at Magnolia River Manufacturing.

What are some of your favorite architectural creations in Greeley?


Black Poetry Day

October 17 is Black Poetry Day!

One of our favorite black poets is Denver-based Suzie Q. Smith who presented a virtual workshop for us in 2020. If you weren't able to attend, fortunately we have a recording of the fabulous event.

Did you know that in 2020 the Greeley area was home to more than 75 writers and authors?

We encourage you to take some time to find a new author or poet to read today!


UNC Day OF Art

This all-day event on Friday 10/14 features live music, visual art and theatrical performances brought to us by UNC arts students.

Performance Schedule & Art Installations:

The Bean Plant Studio

701 7th Street
Violins and Visual Arts

  • Visual Arts Exhibits from 12:00-5:00

  • Faiths Elegant Crafts 

  • Delightfully Gruesome  

  • Wearable Art 

  • Smoke and Shadows 

  • Colorful Oddities  

  • 1:00-1:45 Les Tres Amigas Violin Trio

John Galt Coffee

709 16th St.
The Bach Collective

  • 12:00-12:15 Jaidan Ursich - Solo Bach on Cello

  • 12:15-12:30 Seth Sanburg - Solo Bach on Violin 

  • 12:30-12:45 Seth Wolfe - Solo Bach on cello

  • 12:45- 1:00 Daniel Vazquez - Solo Bach on Cello 

UNC Garden Theater

1820 10th Avenue
UNC Ensembles

  • 1:30-2:00 UNC Choirs

  • 2:00-2:30 UNC Wind Ensemble "Chamber Winds"

Midnight Oil Bookstore

827 10th Street
A Musical Mix

  • 2:00-2:30 Trombone Choir  

  • 2:30 – 2:45 Teddy Bear Barbershop Quartet 

  • 3:00-3:30 Phoenix Dane on Guitar 

Luna's Tacos and Tequila

806 9th Street
A Cappella and Theater

  • 3:00-3:45 Northern Lights A Cappella

  • 4:00-4:30 CHAOS Improv 

  • 4:30-5:00 Hello my name is...  


GREELEY’S UPTOWN TREES PROJECT

Did you know that, since 2014, the city has “planted” 31 beautiful, sculpted trees along 8th Ave? Inspired by the Port of San Diego’s “Urban Tree” program, these fantastical designs all start with a trunk and a planter--beyond that, each “tree” is as unique as the artists who designed them.

If you have never walked from UNC to the downtown along 8th Ave, take a stroll and check them out!


Sheet music and Violin

Opportunities to Learn

Have you ever wanted to take a creative course? Aside from classes at Aims or UNC, there are several other local businesses and organizations offering creative classes, clinics and workshops. Find one that’s right for you!

Image Credit: Tshirt Superstar - Music

Fine Art

  • Showcase Art Center
    With a lifetime of experience in a variety of media, owner Colette Pitcher shares all the secrets she has learned over the years. Join her online or in person for watercolor, oil or acrylic painting classes.

  • Wonderhand Studios
    Rediscover your creative side by joining a printmaking workshop, scheduling a private lesson, renting studio space or by signing up for a studio membership that affords access to a wide array of printing equipment.

Dance

  • Colorado Dance Collective
    This non-profit dance company, based in Greeley, offers a variety of drop-in adult dance classes to the Northern Colorado community. Check out their schedule to find the genre that's right for you.

  • Dance Factory
    Established in 1973, the Dance Factory has provided quality dance instruction in Tap, Jazz, Ballet and Hip Hop for over 50 years. With classes for kids and adults there's a little something for everyone.

Music

  • Flourish Music Academy
    "We subscribe to the growth mindset philosophy—that you don’t have to be talented or naturally good to grow as a musician. If you are willing to put in the effort, we can help you get there." With private instructors equipped to teach a variety of instruments, you're sure to find the child or adult lesson that's right for you.

  • Music Depot
    In the market for a new instrument and looking for more flexible, in home private instruction? Stop by the Music Depot for some sage advice and list of expert instructors in our area.

Arts, Crafts & More

  • Work of Art Greeley
    Stop in for canvas/pottery painting, kids art classes, wheel throwing or to pick up a to-go-art-kit! You could even book a private party.

  • Mariposa Plants & Flowers Creative Workshops
    Want to explore creative journaling or create a beautiful terrarium? Check out their event calendar to see what events are coming up.

  • Lincoln Park Emporium Artist Workshops
    Want to make seasonal decor, decorate holiday cookies or explore the culinary arts? Check out their event calendar to see what events are coming up.

Pottery

The Clay Center of Northern Colorado
Have you ever thought it would be fun to create your own cups, plates, bowls, a sculpture for your garden or anything you can imagine? Join a class at The Clay Center and find out how enjoyable and relaxing working with clay can be.

Literary Arts

High Plains Library District
Join writer in residence workshops, author events or a writers' group. Check-out the HPLD event calendar to find out when these great programs are happening!


MY Greeley

My Greeley is a platform dedicated to celebrating Greeley's unique cultural identity and the people who make it so vibrant!


Check back throughout the month as we continue to add more ideas and information to this page!

Greeley Creative District