It recently occurred, to me that I haven't explained much about the location of the mural.
Cleo Parker Robinson sits at 119 West Park Ave. It's usually home to various types of dance and music classes including ballet, zumba, modern, African, hip hop, jazz, drumming, pilates. But now it's home to our seven 4'x8' panels.
To check out their dance/music schedule visit: Cleo Parker Dance Class Schedule
According to their website, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is a Denver-based cultural arts institution established in 1970. The organization is comprised of a professional dance ensemble, year-round dance academy, a 300-seat theatre and education services. CPRD programs come together to create an oasis where a varied population - by gender, race, age and ethnicity - gather to study, share, grow, celebrate and appreciate a modern, cross-cultural approach to community and personal development. Today, CPRD represents one of the largest arts institutions in the Rocky Mountain region serving more 60,000 people each year.
But Cleo Robinson isn't just passionate about dance, but about the power of dance to heal and transform. She is recognized for her work with gang members and young at risk off the streets into her school. She sees her outreach programs as pivotal to her own artistic goals and responsibility as an activist.
She recognizes the power of art to invite outsiders in and positively change communities. "With dancers, oftentimes we're just talking to each other about art," she said. "But if we don't build that larger community, you won't have people understand what it is you do and why you do it."
While African or modern dance classes have dancers flinging their sculpted bodies to music with deep bass and complicated rhythms in Studio A and B, you can find us hidden away in Studio C, painting. Each time, we bring in the panels and set up supplies. We get many curious looks, but mostly nice compliments from dancers who pass by. It's a place where visual and performing arts meet at a crossroads. A place where we each believe in the power of art to transform, to heal, and to inspire.
But Cleo Robinson isn't just passionate about dance, but about the power of dance to heal and transform. She is recognized for her work with gang members and young at risk off the streets into her school. She sees her outreach programs as pivotal to her own artistic goals and responsibility as an activist.
She recognizes the power of art to invite outsiders in and positively change communities. "With dancers, oftentimes we're just talking to each other about art," she said. "But if we don't build that larger community, you won't have people understand what it is you do and why you do it."
While African or modern dance classes have dancers flinging their sculpted bodies to music with deep bass and complicated rhythms in Studio A and B, you can find us hidden away in Studio C, painting. Each time, we bring in the panels and set up supplies. We get many curious looks, but mostly nice compliments from dancers who pass by. It's a place where visual and performing arts meet at a crossroads. A place where we each believe in the power of art to transform, to heal, and to inspire.
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| The six panels that sit in Studio C. |
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| An updated view of the "Socialization Masculine Aggression" panel. |
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| Update view of the Lady Justice guiding people to a candle light vigil for those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. |
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| A precious moment. Cleo hugs artist Suzie Matthews, thanking her for her contribution to the mural. |
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| Leticia shows the mural to an onlooker. |
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| Leticia, Suzie, Cleo, and I pose for a photo! |
