Studio Arts Boulder is undergoing an evolution, and this next chapter comes with a new name – Groundworks Art Lab. With the opening of its new building later this summer, Groundworks Art Lab is embracing an expanded identity and offering more services including pottery, blacksmithing, printmaking, glass and woodworking.
“The vision for the next iteration of Groundworks Art Lab is to expand the types of art forms available to the community,” said Kari Palazzari, Executive Director. “The creation of our new building was a process years in the making, and we are so excited to open our doors later this summer. Our building design maximizes space for art education while also incorporating a tremendous amount of green energy practices like solar power and geothermal heating.”
While the scope and the name may be changing, the mission of Groundworks Art Lab remains rooted in providing a space for community education and connection. “We have students complete evaluations at the end of each class, and it always reminds me why our organization exists,” said Palazzari. “We often hear that our classes help people let go of stress and routine, build social connections with others, express creativity and problem solve, and even help heal the body and mind. There is so much data that points to the host of positive outcomes that interactions with the arts have, particularly on young people. They cultivate skills to envision a final product, troubleshoot and practice resilience, often done in a collaborative way. This provides a sense of personal agency – and it might be one of the only places a young person feels empowered to make a difference.”
Groundworks Art Lab is a recipient of multiple Boulder Arts Commission Cultural Grants. For anyone interested in pursuing funding, Palazzari advises reaching out to others for help. “Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of Arts and Culture for assistance, and contact other arts organizations for tips. Create a compelling story for what you do and why. As an arts organization, every dollar counts. Being a grant recipient also helps build community, which is a side benefit of receiving funding.”
The new Groundworks Art Lab building is scheduled to open later this summer. For more information about upcoming programs and classes, visit their website at GroundworksArtLab.org and follow them on social media @groundworksartlab.