PlatteForum

Are you interested in volunteering at our first-ever Arts & Community Fair this Sunday, August 4th? Email [email protected] to learn how you can help!

About our Arts & Community Fair:
Our goal is to bring our community the opportunity to get to know nearby organizations and artists, create fundraising opportunities, celebrate the arts and our youth, and, most importantly, have fun!

When: August 4th, 2-6pm (volunteer times may vary)
Where: Mestizo-Curtis Park

Event

📢 Reminder: You can still apply for free to be an artist vendor until our deadline of June 28th. Be a part of our first Arts and Community Fair celebrating our support to our youth and broader community along with other organizations! Link to application in bio.

After being selected, there is a one-time fee of $75 and artists would bring their own tent/setup to display their art. *PlatteForum will take no commissions from sales.

---Arts and Community Fair---
When: August 4, 2024, 2pm-6pm
Where: Mestizo-Curtis Park
Questions? Email Ilan (he/him) at [email protected]

Join us Friday May 3rd from 6-8pm at our Annex Gallery for the opening reception of 'What Makes it Home', by resident artist ! ✨🏠

Explored will be the notion of “home” as a site for dialogue about socio-political issues. Through an immersive and interactive installation, viewers will be invited to settle in and engage with domestic objects and settings as an intersection of private and public space. We will consider questions of shelter, health, and safety and how they are inextricable from each other and economic and political contexts.

Amid growing housing crises, refugees seeking asylum, genocidal conflict, and the ongoing effects of a global pandemic, how can we expand our ideas and beliefs about “home” to radically welcome not only other people, but also fully embrace our own selves? Can we reanimate our most intimate spaces and admit these places of dialogue and conflict, illness and healing, cohabitation of private and public selves?

Opening Reception: May 3rd, 6-8pm
At out A.I.R. Annex Gallery: 3575 Ringsby Ct. Unit 103 Denver, CO 80216

On display May 3rd - 26th, 2024
Gallery hours: Weds, Thurs, & Fri 12pm - 5pm | Saturdays 12pm - 4pm
Or by appointment at [email protected]

Join us for an artist talk with Tricia Waddell, the creative force behind 'The Moon in Her Mouth' this coming Friday, March 15th, from 6-7pm at our Annex Gallery!

Explore the emotional depths of her soft sculptures and conceptual self-portraits, delving into raw internalized emotions and mental health struggles. These evocative pieces traverse a spectrum of feelings, from anxiety and anger to the isolating depths of loneliness, trauma echoes, insecurity, and the instinct for self-protection. Rooted in the interplay of dye, cloth, texture, and form, breathes life into these intimate beings, transcending conventional expression. This artist talk offers insight into Waddell's exploration of shared human experiences, providing a glimpse into the process of molding powerful emotions into beautiful physical forms.

Annex Gallery:
3575 Ringsby Ct #103 Denver, CO 80216

TOMORROW! Attend the opening reception of Tricia Waddell's compelling series of soft sculptures and conceptual self-portraits, The Moon in Her Mouth, from 6-8pm at our Annex Gallery!

"It is a cathartic act to take emotions we often hide, feel overwhelmed by, or feel too vulnerable to express and give them a conceptual physical form... These intimate beings personify the mental health struggles we all deal with but keep stuffed deep inside." -

See the full pieces for yourself tomorrow, March 1st 6-8pm, at our A.I.R. Annex Gallery!

3575 Ringsby Ct. Unit 103 Denver, CO 80216

On display March 1st - 17th, 2024
Gallery hours: Wed & Thurs, 11am - 2pm
By appointment at: [email protected]

Last week in ArtLab: Field trip to ! With current Resident Artist, Tricia Waddell, our interns got to explore more of the power of expression through the use of color, form, and composition. All of which is culminating in their individually sowed soft-sculptures made with hand-dyed fabrics!

See them for yourself March 1st 6-8pm during the opening reception of The Moon in Her Mouth at our A.I.R. Annex Gallery, by !

3575 Ringsby Ct. Unit 103 Denver, CO 80216

Join us March 1st, 6-8pm, for the opening reception of The Moon in Her Mouth, by Tricia Waddell!

Envisioned with an understanding of raw internalized emotions, The Moon in Her Mouth unfolds as a compelling series of soft sculptures and conceptual self-portraits that delve into the very core of our emotional landscapes. Each piece serves as a testament to the unspoken battles waged within ourselves, giving form and substance to the complex tapestry of visceral emotions and mental health struggles. These sculptures navigate emotions that range from anxiety and anger, to the isolating depths of loneliness, echoes of trauma, insecurity, and the instinct for self-protection.

Rooted in the intricate interplay of dye, cloth, texture, and form, breathes life into these intimate beings. Each sculpture becomes a vessel transcending the boundaries of conventional expression, resonating on a profound emotional level. In this evocative tapestry, a shared human experience is unveiled, where the hesitancy to expose these inner battles is met with an invitation to confront and acknowledge the depth of our collective emotional existence.

On display March 1st - 17th, 2024
At our A.I.R Annex Gallery: 3575 Ringsby Ct. Unit 103, Denver, CO 80216
Gallery hours: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 11am - 2pm
Or by appointment at [email protected]

Know before you apply! If you're interested in our Artist Residency Program and are interested in learning more, join us at Redline on February 22nd. Learn what it means to be a PlatteForum Resident Artist from start to finish!

February 22nd, 5-6:30 pm
Redline Contemporary Art Center
2350 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80205

Welcome Ilan & Jade! Joining our team are two talented individuals who bring passion and expertise to our creative endeavors.

Ilan Gutin, Curator & Engagement Director

As an artist, educator, and curator, Ilan brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role. His goals include promoting and supporting artists, raising awareness about the arts, and building creative communities. With a background that includes receiving an MFA in Printmedia from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, co-founding a gallery for emerging artists, and teaching in the Fiber and Material Studies Department at SAIC, Ilan's interdisciplinary approach, extensive world travels, and focus on themes like screen painting and fiber arts enrich our creative environment.

Jade Peterson, Executive Assitant to ED & Admin Coordinator

With a passion for viewing the world through the lens of her camera, Jade's work has been showcased at prestigious venues such as The Kennedy Center, ItalianVogue, and Google. Her profound belief in the power of photography to preserve moments and create a bridge between fantasy and reality reflects her passion for the medium. We are delighted to have Jade's unique outlook and sense of humor as we strengthen our organization.

ilangutin.com


jadewarner.com


Visit our website for more details on our staff!

PlatteForum Using the arts as a bridge, we connect youth and artists with resources to reach their full potentia

Exploring the world of fabric dyeing with our talented ArtLab interns under the guidance of resident artist Tricia Waddell. Handcrafted hues and artistic collaboration at its finest!

Opening Reception
March 1st • 6-8pm

At our A.I.R. Annex Gallery
3575 Ringsby Ct. Unit 103 Denver, CO 80216

Exciting news! Our 2024 ArtLab application is now open. Are you currently in the 8th through 11th grade and look to immerse yourself in the arts and social justice, all while being paid? Look no further!

Be a part of our in-depth arts exploration internship where you'll be paired with professional artists in a series of creative and social justice workshops! All levels of experience, from beginner to knowledgeable, are welcome as you'll have opportunities to explore and develop new skills in creative expression.

8th - 11th grade are eligible to apply.
Ready to join the change? Apply by March 24th,

Join our vibrant arts community as a Resident Artist! Our 2024-2025 Artist in Residency application is now open.

Our innovative model connects youth with professional artists, creating meaningful collaborations on a variety of topics. With wrap-around resources like mental health support, groceries, stipends, and tech supplies, we embody values of equity and accessibility.

Application closes March 15. Apply now and make an impact!

We're excited to welcome Tricia Waddell, our first resident artist of 2024! is the textile artist behind Studio Blkbird, based in Denver, Colorado in the Santa Fe Arts District. Inspired by her degree in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a variety of surface design workshops, her work combines painting and screen-printing with reactive dyes and resists to create visual textures inspired by abstract art, ceramics, and graphic design. Often incorporating mixed media and fiber elements, her current work focuses on soft sculptures that are interior self-portraits exploring mental health issues from processing raw internalized emotions to depression and negative self-talk. Inspired by the beliefs in many cultures that objects and dolls can hold protective, healing, and magical powers as talismans, she strives to create intimate works that embody quiet emotional power and empathy. Her goal is to create space for people to feel seen and heard, while also removing the stigma of discussing mental health, particularly in marginalized communities. 

Residency: January 16th - March 1st
Exhibition Opening: March 1st

Today is Colorado Gives Day and the last day for you to JOIN THE WORK! Since 2002, PlatteForum has been a pioneer In Denver Nonprofits by blending arts education for youth with our artist residency program. Through this, we focus on the intersection of art, youth development, social justice, and equity.

Our Impact in the last year alone:
• 2500 individuals reached
• ArtLab expanded to 50 fully supported interns
• 100% high school graduation rate
• 60% college attendance rate
• 92% post-high school employment rate
• "2023 Best Youth Arts Program" by Denver Westword

Big or small, every contribution helps fuel our mission to empower youth, artists, and communities, promoting inclusivity and a thriving future for all! The link to donate is in our bio

The Oracle of AI, by Paulus van Horne
Opening First Friday, November 3rd

Using spheres to represent an oracle, Paulus invites viewers to ask questions, seek answers, and be vulnerable in the space with AI.

Opening November 3, 2023 6 - 8 pm

platteforum.org
PlatteForum’s Annex Gallery
3575 Ringsby Ct. #103
Denver, CO 80216


Exhibition Dates:

November 3rd - 28th, 2023

Gallery Hours: 11 am - 2 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays

Always open on First Fridays!

Our ArtLab interns carving some spooky decorations in time for Halloween! Which is your favorite?

Sushi-making and team-building activities at ArtLab this past week!

Thank you to the Colorado Health Foundation for continuing to assist in our support of youth resiliency and social-emotional wellness through workshops, access to mental health professionals, technology access, tutoring services, translation needs, transportation assistance, and food pantry support at ArtLab. The support from allows us to strengthen our community of young artists through team building activities such as collectively making yummy sushi! To find out more about how your company can support PlatteForum head to our website!

Yesterday at ArtLab Underground... Office decorating and snack making! It's getting spookier and spookier by the minute here at PlatteForum 🎃🍁🦇

Last week, our ArtLab interns kept working with our resident artist, Paulus van Horne, in preparation of their upcoming exhibition! For instance, here are our interns contributing to the abundance of orbs that will be seen in 'The Oracle of AI' (opening reception November 3rd).

Tune in on November 8th to hear Michael Gadlin, our executive director, talk about Bob Ragland and his legacy alongside other artists of the Denver art scene! This event will be hosted virtually from 12:30 pm - 2:00pm. See for more details.

We're now 3 weeks away from Paulus Van Horne's opening reception of 'The Oracle of AI' and we couldn't be more thrilled! Photo credit: the wonderful

Opening Reception: November 3rd from 6-8 pm
Exhibition runs Nov. 3rd - 28th, 2023
Gallery Hours: 11 am - 2 pm Wed & Thurs
Always open on First Fridays!
Or by appointment at [email protected]

PlatteForum’s Annex Gallery
3575 Ringsby Ct. #103
Denver, CO 80216

We're thankful for SCFD's support towards our artist in residency program! It's always so exciting to see what our amazing artists accomplish, and assists us in making their creations accessible to everyone through our exhibitions. To find out more about how your company can support PlatteForum head to our website!

Join us for the opening reception of 'The Oracle of AI' this November 3rd from 6-8pm! The Oracle of AI explores the near-spiritual intimacy of our relationship with computers. Paulus van Horne’s (they/them) work in the exhibition comments on the increasing use of AI to replace human care and empathy in settings such as therapy, confessional and life coaching. Paulus says: “Increasingly, AI is being implemented for its supposed divinatory power. This trust in autonomous algorithms to tell us about the world and offer advice for the future is potentially quite dangerous.”

is a multimedia artist and PhD candidate in Critical Media Practices at the University of Colorado Boulder where their academic research focuses on the history and design of gendered computer voices. Their creative practice and research covers Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, game design and large-scale audiovisual installation often featuring (supposedly) autonomous digital technology.

Using spheres to represent an oracle, Paulus invites viewers to ask questions, seek answers, and be vulnerable in the space with AI.

Opening Reception: November 3rd from 6-8 pm
Exhibition runs Nov. 3rd - 28th, 2023
Gallery Hours: 11 am - 2 pm Wed & Thurs
Always open on First Fridays!
Or by appointment at [email protected]

PlatteForum’s Annex Gallery
3575 Ringsby Ct. #103
Denver, CO 80216

Thank you to OZ Architecture for supporting our artist-in-residence program! With annual support from PlatteForum is able to grant our Resident Artists a stipend, a studio, an art gallery, and an exhibition at the end of their residency. To find out more about how your company can support PlatteForum head to our website!

Thank you to everyone that came by for yesterday's First Friday to check out our amazing photo set made by our ArtLab interns! Stay tuned for the next projects we will be working on 👀

arts

We thank the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation for a generous grant in support our ArtLab program! This funding allows us to increase the hourly stipends for ArtLab youth Interns from $10/hr to $11/hr and to increase the number of youth Interns from 40 to 50 this school year, both widening our reach, and deepening our impact serving historically under-resourced Denver metro area youth.

Finishing up our decorations for this First Friday! Join us this October 6th from 6 to 9 pm at and jumpstart your spooky season with us 🍁🎃

3501 Wazee St. #100
Denver, CO 80216

Our ArtLab interns are diving into the creation of art through code! With Paulus van Horne on their 4th session with our interns, they are continuing their exploration of how to create art through randomized patterns.

Busy preparing 👀🎃! On Tuesday's first session of ArtLab underground, we held an open studio time as well as an opportunity to start working on our booth for this upcoming First Friday at Zeppelin Station! Join us this next Tuesday for another change to contribute towards this artistically spooky pop-up!

Jumpstart your spooky season with us on October 6th 6-9pm! We will host a pop-up at full of fun with a mask-making station, a photo booth, and more. Invite your friends and families, and bring your costumes! 

3501 Wazee St. #100
Denver, CO 80216

We’re getting ready for tomorrow’s opening with Michael Dixon!
Come and see Once Lost Now Found: One Drop of Blood Between Us featuring work by our ArtLab Interns. Hear Dixon’s recent story of finding out he’s one of eleven siblings and see all of the new (new) work he’s created on the subject as an Artist in Residence. Friday, July 28th 6-8pm at our Annex Gallery 3575 Ringsby Ct. Denver CO 80216