Center for the Arts Evergreen is committed to making the arts available to all through a wide range of community outreach programs designed to serve seniors, individuals with memory impairments, veterans, the under-housed, rural youth, and adults with developmental disabilities, amongst others. Through free and low-cost art classes, workshops, and creative experiences, CAE fosters artistic expression, healing, and connection for underserved populations. Programs such as veteran painting classes, senior creative sessions, and youth art scholarships bring the transformative power of the arts to those who need it most. By partnering with local organizations, CAE continues to expand its mission of providing meaningful arts education and engagement in the mountain community.

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CAE’s Share the Moment program is a special initiative designed for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia and their care partners. Through the beauty of art, this program fosters meaningful conversations, sparks creativity, and strengthens connections in a warm, welcoming environment. This free, 90-minute program is designed to be engaging, interactive, and accessible, allowing participants to enjoy and interpret art in their own way.

Each Share the Moment session includes:
* Guided Art Exploration – A trained docent, who has received specialized training from the Colorado chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, leads participants in engaging discussions about artwork, encouraging thoughtful observation and personal reflection.
* Hands-On Creativity – Following the discussion, participants create their own artwork in a relaxed and supportive setting, guided by a skilled artist.

Why Participate?

• Connect with loved ones and others in a supportive environment.
• Take part in a creative activity with no pressure or expectations.
• Enjoy a stress-free, welcoming space where self-expression is encouraged.

Interested in becoming a volunteer docent for this program?  Please check out our volunteer page to contact us.

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Join us for our monthly Creativity, Coffee & Conversation for mountain area seniors! Each month we offer the opportunity for artists, writers, and arts appreciators (aged 55 and better) to gather and find connection through art. The first portion of the afternoon is a tour with the curator, where you will learn about the current exhibit; stories behind pieces in the show, what it takes to find artists, and how an exhibition comes together. Then we enjoy coffee and cookies as we come together to create. We have multiple stations: one with an art project led by an artist or art teacher, one for writing, and one for simply chatting—the art of conversation. CCC is an opportunity to come together, make new friends, and learn something new. We are all at different stages of aging and we all handle it a little differently, but what we do know is that social interaction and community engagement keep us all a little healthier.

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Led by artist and Navy veteran Pem Dunn, this welcoming studio time is all about painting at your own pace, connecting with others, and enjoying the process — no pressure, no experience needed. All supplies are provided (but feel free to bring your own favorites or ongoing projects). We’ll have light snacks and good company — just come as you are and enjoy a couple of peaceful hours to paint, unwind, and create.

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