AURORACREATES SUMMERTIME: camps, concerts, art, exhibits and you - City of Aurora
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AURORACREATES
Arts & History Worth Discovering
May - June 2022
SUMMERTIME: camps,
concerts, art, exhibits and you
LIBRARY AND
CULTURAL
SERVICES
MAGIC AND IMAGINATIONS
at the Aurora Fox this Summer!
The Aurora Fox is becoming increasingly known as a space
for fresh takes on classic ideas. Whether it was the modern-
day hero’s quest in “Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea,” or the
anti-holiday-pageant “Scientology Pageant,” the Aurora
Fox is not afraid to take what the audience expects and flip
it on its head.
So, it should be no surprise that the spins on Fairy Tales would
be more rock music and chaos and less nursery rhymes and
proper princesses.
First up: a contemporary musical retelling of the classic
Disney film “Freaky Friday.” When an overworked mother
and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have
just one whacky day to put things right again before mom’s
big wedding. With a score by Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Kitt, Cast of “A Very Merry [Unauthorized] Children’s
Disney’s “Freaky Friday the Musical” is a delightful little Scientology Pageant” during 2021 performance.
magical adventure for the entire perfectly imperfect family! Photo by Gail Marie Bransteitter
The show runs April 29 through May 22, and tickets are
available at AuroraFoxArtsCenter.org/Freaky-Friday.
After that? The Little Foxes will storm the stage to tackle the
fractured fairy tales in “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other
Fairly Stupid Tales,” by John Glore, based on the book by Jon
Scieszka and Lane Smith.
Unlike other area theater camps for young artists, Aurora
Fox’s “Little Foxes” program allows up-and-coming stars
to taste what a real professional theater experience is like.
Participants audition on day one, then jump into rehearsals
before playing multiple shows a week for friends, family
and area daycare centers. In “A Very Merry Unauthorized
Children’s Scientology Pageant,” several former Little Foxes
made their professional debuts this season. And perhaps
one of the greatest success stories is that of young Chandler
Reed, who made his Broadway debut several years ago as Chandler Reed on Broadway, photo
Elder Cunningham in “The Book of Mormon.” from his Instagram @chandlerreed.co
Invite any shining stars looking for a spotlight to enroll
them in the Little Foxes Summer Theater program through
AuroraFox.org. Who knows where their story may end!
ON THE COVER: The cast of the Aurora Fox’s satirical
musical comedy “A Very Merry
[Unauthorized] Children’s Scientology Pageant” performs a
number choreographed by Faith Angelise Goins-Simmons;
photo by Gail Marie Bransteitter. Top: mural “Parkside” by
Thomas ‘Detour’ Evans at ParkSide @ City Center located at the
corner of Alameda Parkway and Sable Boulevard; photo by Amy
Cheslin. Bottom: detail of “The Singing Tree” by Arturo Rivera, art
image part of the exhibit “Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora’s Mexican
Community” at the Aurora History Museum opening May 10.
Broadway veteran Piper Arpan and son
Tucker during rehearsal for “Freaky Friday
2 | AURORACREATES the Musical.” Photo by Ryan Landell
PUBLIC ART BRINGS BURST OF COLOR
TO ILIFF STATION NEIGHBORHOOD
How many times can you orbit the sun in a single day? Well, if
you are driving near Iliff Station the answer is many, many times.
Last summer, Fort Collins artist Tim Upham installed “Once
Around” in the roundabout just south of the light rail station,
East Harvard Avenue and Illiff Station Road. This artwork of
sandstone pillars, stainless steel tubing and brightly colored
polycarbonate elements can capture you in an endless sunrise
loop, as long as you are willing to keep driving or walking around
the circle. In the words of the artist, “As we travel through space
and time, the black night sky begins to transform into cobalt blue,
then azure blue, which eventually leads us to a rapid transition
of hues culminating in the burst and magic of a SUNRISE.”
The activity on this long-bare roundabout garnered
attention and curiosity as the artist and his team assembled
and installed this colorful whimsical artwork. Funded
through private development work within this Transit-
Oriented Development District, the project was managed
by Aurora’s Art in Public Places Program.
“Once Around” by Tim Upham, 2021. Photo by Nell Davis.
The artwork is intended to be viewed from a distance and in
passing. No crosswalks lead to the roundabout, and there assortment of water-wise plants. The site will be initially
is no path through the roundabout. The artwork is now part irrigated to help the young plants establish themselves and
of the city’s permanent public art collection. is designed for minimal irrigation after two to three years.
Landscaping is scheduled to be completed in late June To learn more about the Art in Public Places Program and
and is being designed and managed by the city’s Parks, its permanent collection, visit AuroraGov.org/PublicArt.
Recreation and Open Space Department. It will include an
Mural of Aurora’s second Poet Laureate Assetou Xango by Thomas “Detour” Evans, 2021. Photo by Amy Cheslin.
PUBLIC ART AT PARKSIDE @ CITY CENTER
EARNS DEVELOPER AN AWARD
Tim Fredregill, a development executive with Milender for depicting his dog, and additional art elements inside the
White, was recognized by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce main building. Together, these prominent art components
with the Arts + Business Connection Award for integrating create a unique identity for this development.
public art into Parkside @ City Center, located on the corner The developer worked with Public Art Services and 9 Dot
of Alameda Avenue and Sable Boulevard. The city requires Arts as public art consultants. Fredregill was nominated
private developers to include public art in Transit-Oriented for the Chamber award by the city’s Art in Public
Development Districts. Their plans called for a mural by Places Supervisor, Roberta Bloom, for the successful
Aurora-based artist Thomas “Detour” Evans depicting implementation of an ambitious public art plan and for
Aurora’s second Poet Laureate, Assetou Xango, a vertical going above and beyond the city’s requirements with the
mural of iridescent steel tile by Mel Ristau, and interactive inclusion of additional artworks.
paving stones by the team of Elmendorf and Geurts. They
added a second mural by “Detour,” called “Parkside” (cover
image), a mural by Patrick Kane McGregor, who is known MAY - JUNE 2022 | 3
MAY
07
Colfax Art Jams
Noon - 4 p.m.
Fletcher Plaza/MLK Library
Summer of
14 & 15 IMAGINATION
Summer of
Broadway Spectacular
7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.
IMAGINATION
Dive Into Reading
South Middle School, 12310 E. Parkview Dr.
Tickets at AuroraSingers.org/Upcoming-Performances
Dive Into Reading
Kickoff parties at different library branches. Learn
Peter Pan JR.
more at AuroraGov.org/SummerofImagination
Saturday, 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.
The People’s Building
20 & 21
Anything Goes
JUNE
Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. 04
The People’s Building
Colfax Art Jams
More information Facebook.com/PeoplesBuilding
Noon - 4 p.m.
28 & 29 Fletcher Plaza/MLK Library
Arts for a Better Tomorrow 12
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.
Tiny Tots: Music of the World
Aurora Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, 10 - 11 a.m.
Aurora Fox Arts Center
Stanley Marketplace
Tickets at AuroraSymphony.org/Arts-for-a-Better-
Tickets at tinyurl.com/tots-motw
Tomorrow.html
29 21
Aurora Rhythms Concert: MicroGrass Band
All Ages Jazz Jam
6:30 p.m.
1 - 3 p.m. (last Sunday of each month)
5:45 p.m. pre-show performance by Aurora Dance Arts
The People’s Building
Aurora Central Library
31 26
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales
All Ages Jazz Jam
9 a.m. to noon, May 31 – July 2
Sunday, 1 - 3 p.m.
The Aurora Fox Arts Center
The People’s Building
Register at: AuroraFoxArtsCenter.org
NEW PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS
This new class focuses on photography fundamentals and
acquiring a solid understanding of cameramanual modes.
Students will learn how to freeze motion, blur out backgrounds,
and frame composition. This is an ideal opportunity for people who
have never ventured away from auto mode to get better pictures!
The instructor, Gabriel Sucre, has a Bachelor of Fine Arts with
a photography concentration and loves sharing his passion
for photography with others. He specializes in environmental
portraiture, loves landscapes, and is excited to guide people
through this first step in finding a new love for photography.
A camera with manual modes and the ability to share files
digitally is needed to participate in the class. This class will be
available for registration at 8 a.m. on May 2.
4 | AURORACREATES
ONGOINGPROGRAMS
Aurora History Museum
Coal Creek Schoolhouse
June, July and August, Fridays, 10:30 a.m.
Coal Creek Schoolhouse
More information at AuroraMuseum.org
History STEAM-Powered
Summer History Camp
Details and registration AuroraMuseum.org
Aurora History Museum
Green Knights Theater Camp
Soldiers in Petticoats:
From Seneca Falls to Rocking the Vote!
June 25, 10:30 a.m.
SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS 2022 Tickets at AuroraMuseum.org
Beyond the Sea, Theatre Camp (Ages 7-10) Museum Lecture Series
June 13 - 24, Monday to Friday, 1 - 4 p.m. Noon, third Wednesday of every month
Aurora Central Library Aurora History Museum or online at
AuroraMuseum.org
Peter Pan, Theatre Camp (Ages 7-10)
July 11 - 22, Monday to Friday, 1 - 4 p.m. Theatre
Tallyn’s Reach Library | Code: 47269
“Freaky Friday the Musical”
The Red Dragon & the Green Knights, Theatre Camp (Ages 11-18) Through May 22
June 13 - 24, Monday to Friday, 1 - 4 p.m. Aurora Fox Arts Center
Aurora Fox Arts Center Tuedays, 4:30 - 5:45 p.m. | Code: 47268
“Blackademics”
Dune, Theatre Camp (Ages 11-18) May 20 - June 19
July 11 - 22, Monday to Friday, 1 - 4 p.m. Vintage Theatre
Aurora Fox Arts Center | Code: 47267
“Gypsy”
Storybook Alive! Summer Seaside (Ages: 4-7)
June 24 - July 31
June 14 - July 26 (skipping July 5), Tuesday, 4:30 - 5:45 p.m.
Vintage Theatre
Mission Viejo Library | Code: 47139
Stage Combat (Ages: 11-Adult) Exhibits
June 11 - July 23, (skipping July 2) Saturday, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
“Without a Home in Aurora”
Aurora Central Library | Code: 47140
Through May 29 | Aurora History Museum
SUMMER ART CAMPS 2022 Art Exhibit: “My Sister’s Garden”
by Sally Van Der Camp
Drawing (Ages 7-10)
Through May 31 | Tallyn’s Reach Library
June 20 - 23, Monday to Thursday, 1 - 4 p.m.
Code: 47089 Art Exhibit: Pen and Ink Drawings
June 27 - 30, Monday to Thursday, 1 - 4 p.m. by Jerry Morning
Code: 47090 Through May 31 | MLK Jr. Library
Draw Comics & Anime Style (Ages 11-15) Art Exhibit: Paintings by Bliss Coleman
July 11 - 14, Monday to Thursday, 1 - 4 p.m. June 1 - 30 | Tallyn’s Reach Library
Code: 47091
July 18 - 21, Monday to Thursday, 1 - 4 p.m. Art Exhibit: Prints by Calvin Newland
Code: 47092 June 1 – July 31 | MLK Jr. Library
Advanced Comics & Anime Style (Ages 11-15) Mosaic of Cultures:
July 25 - 28, Monday to Thursday, 1 - 4 p.m. Aurora’s Mexican Community
Code: 47093 Through April 2023 | Aurora History Museum
*All sessions offered at the Aurora Central
Library Studio
MAY - JUNE 2022 | 5
AURORA DANCE
ARTS RECITALS
A Cherished Tradition Revived
One of the rites of passage for dancers in the city of Aurora’s
dance program, Aurora Dance Arts, is the annual Spring
Dance Recitals. Since dance is a performing art, recitals are
one of the highlights of a dancer’s experience in this wonderful
program. Unfortunately, for the past two years, the fabulous
dancers of Aurora Dance Arts have had to forego this special
performance due to the pandemic. They have missed the Music
costumes, the choreography and the chance to shine under
the bright stage lights as they perform for family and friends! Instructor
Aurora Dance Arts is thrilled to revive this cherished tradition Excels at
in 2022. This incredible tradition allows dancers to share what
they have learned and see their hard work from the entire
the 3 P’s
year pay off. At the personal level, recitals boost confidence, Piano, Pottery
promote teamwork and create lifelong memories. and Painting
Costumes become treasured keepsakes, and recital pictures Aurora native Amy Thorne is a lifelong
become the highlight of photo albums and scrapbooks. musician who began piano lessons at the
Recital time also instills a passion for the art of dancing and tender age of 7. She went on to UNC as a
performing. It encourages dancers to continue their journey Piano Performance Major, graduating with
for many years to come and, for some, even make it a lifelong a Bachelor of Music. While she was busy
pursuit. It’s a very special time, and Aurora Dance Arts cannot pursuing her musical career, which included
wait to make new memories on stage this year. seven seasons with Opera Colorado, Amy
took pottery classes at Bicentennial Art
Aurora Dance Arts will be holding its Recital for the Pre- Center and watercolor painting classes
Level (Ages 3-7) “Magical Moments” at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, at the Aurora Center for Active Adults.
June 4, and the Beginning-Advance Level Recital “And The Today, Amy has come full circle and now
Beat Goes On”, for older students (Ages 7-19) at 6:30 p.m. teaches multi-level, electronic keyboard
June 4. All performances will take place at Aurora Central classes for the same department where
High School. Tickets go on sale May 2. For questions or ticket she practices her other artistic passions.
information, please call the Dance Office at 303.326.8308 or To learn more about Amy’s music classes,
visit AuroraGov.org/Dance. visit AuroraGov.org/Arts.
AURORA RYTHMNS
Concerts are Back
Join the rebirth of a time-honored tradition of free musical
concerts hosted by the city’s Library and Cultural Services
Department. This year the Aurora Rhythms Concert Series will be
offered monthly, from June to December, inside different library
locations throughout the city. Each concert event will include free
refreshments, creative activities for children and information
from the different programs offered by the Library and Cultural
Services Department.
The concert series will kick off June 21 at Aurora Central Library,
14949 E. Alameda Parkway, with music by MicroGrass Band, a
Denver-based band playing “a tasty blend of Americana and
MicroGrass Band bluegrass music, infused with sweet soaring harmonies, all
distilled to their high-energy, foot-stomping best.” The pre-show
will begin at 5:45 p.m. with a performance by Aurora Dance Arts,
followed by the concert at 6:30 p.m. Dates and more details for all
6 | AURORACREATES the concerts at AuroraGov.org/Concerts.
MOSAIC OF CULTURES: AURORA’S
MEXICAN COMMUNITY
Before American pioneers homesteaded the front range, people
of Mexican decent lived here, in what is now, Colorado. The
history of the state, and the West, is intertwined with Mexican
culture and traditions. Today, Aurora is a true mosaic of cultures.
One in five Aurorans are foreign born. According to the 2020
census, 20% of the city of Aurora’s population has family origins
from Mexico. “This unique community tremendously impacts
the cultural fabric of our city,” said Aurora History Museum
Director T. Scott Williams. “The people of Mexican descent who
call Aurora home come from all walks of life and have their own
individual stories of immigration or a long family history that
predates Colorado statehood.”
The Aurora History Museum and the Office of International and
Immigrant Affairs will celebrate Aurora’s Mexican population
with a new exhibition, “A Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora’s Mexican
Community,” set to open from May 10 to April 16, 2023.
“Mosaic of Cultures” is a series of exhibitions that promote
“The Singing Tree” by Arturo Garcia
understanding of the increasing cultural diversity in the city and
incorporate the voices of local communities into Aurora’s History
Museum. The previous “Mosaic of Cultures” exhibitions have
been about Aurora’s Ethiopian and Salvadoran communities.
“The goal of this exhibit is to educate the public about residents
of Mexican heritage living in Aurora including highlighting
individuals, businesses owners and their cultural traditions
and history,” Williams added. The exhibit will showcase vibrant
aspects of the community, such as popular music, art, dance,
religion, and popular foods.
Visit AuroraMuseum.org for hours and more details. Admission
is always free.
ARTSANDCULTURE
IN AURORA
CITY OF AURORA LIBRARY & CULTURAL SERVICES OTHER ARTS AND CULTURE ORGANIZATIONS AND VENUES
Aurora Dance Arts Aurora Rhythms – Concerts on the Lawn 5280 Artist CoOp Kim Robards Dance Inc.
Multiple locations 303.739.6520 | AuroraGov.org/Concerts 303.432.9162 | 5280ArtistCoOp.com 303.825.4847
303.326.8308 | AuroraGov.org/Dance KimRobardsDance.org
Bicentennial Art Center - Pottery Aurora Artists’ Guild
Aurora Fox Arts Center AuroraArtistsGuild.com The People’s Building (City Venue)
13655 E. Alameda Ave. 9995 E. Colfax Ave.
9900 E. Colfax Ave. 303.344.1776 | AuroraGov.org/Pottery Aurora Cultural Arts District (ACAD) 720.819.6680
303.739.1970 | AuroraFox.org 303.913.7508 | AuroraCulture.org ThePeoplesBuilding.com
Cultural Arts and Outreach
Aurora History Museum Theatre, music and visual arts classes at Aurora Singers Red Delicious Press
15051 E. Alameda Parkway multiple locations 303.343.3377 | AuroraSingers.org 9901 E. 16th Ave. | 303.366.2922
303.739.6660 303.739.6520 RedDeliciousPress.com
Aurora Symphony Orchestra
AuroraMuseum.org AuroraGov.org/Arts 303.873.6622 | AuroraSymphony.org Roshni, Voice of the Voiceless
Art in Public Places Multiple locations | 720.427.0404
Historic Sites and Preservation Office Community College of Aurora RoshniIsLight.org
Multiple locations 15051 E. Alameda Parkway Arts and Communication Department
303.739.6747 | AuroraGov.org/PublicArt AuroraGov.org/HistoricSites 303.340.7335 | CCAurora.edu Vintage Theatre Productions Inc.
1468 Dayton St. | 303.856.7830
Aurora Public Library Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA) VintageTheatre.com
• Central, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway 1405 Florence St.
303.367.5886 | DavArts.org Visions Performing Arts
• Hoffman Heights, 1298 Peoria St.
720.620.2316
• Iliff Square, 2253 S. Peoria St. Grand Design Inc. VisionsPerformingArtsCompany.org
• Martin Luther King Jr., 9898 E. Colfax Ave. 303.955.2724 | GrandByDesign.org
• Mission Viejo, 15324 E. Hampden Circle Inside the Orchestra
• Tallyn’s Reach, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road 303.355.7855
AuroraLibrary.org info@insidetheorchestra.org
MAY - JUNE 2022 | 7
LIBRARY AND
CULTURAL
SERVICES
Arts & History Worth Discovering
May - June 2022
COLFAX ART JAMS at Fletcher Plaza
Live music, art and food; first Saturdays from April to October
Every first Saturday of the month until October, continue to showcase the colorful mosaic of cultures
Fletcher Plaza, 9800 E. Colfax Ave., is being represented in the Aurora Cultural District and its
transformed into “Colfax Art Jams,” a series of various cultural celebrations, such as Cinco de Mayo
free concerts and performances surrounded by on May 7, featuring mariachi music; Juneteenth on
local artisans and makers. June 4, celebrating African American artists and
“Join us monthly as we jam and share some vendors; and Asian Heritage on Aug. 6. The Martin
amazing art along East Colfax,” said Bliss Luther King Jr. Library will also offer programs and
Coleman, executive director of Aurora Cultural family activities inside the library.
Arts District (ACAD). “Colfax Art Jams is a “We want everyone to know that the ACAD is offering
monthly first Saturday event that invites unique opportunities to come together through food,
musicians, artists, crafters, food trucks, and our art, storytelling, and culture,” added Coleman.
community to come together in celebration of the Colfax Art Jams is a free family event that runs
Aurora Cultural Arts District.” from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays May 7, June 4,
The event kicked off April 2 with the headline band July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3 and Oct. 1. To learn more,
Brothers of Brass. Each month, Colfax Art Jams will visit AuroraCulture.org
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