The Bridge to Bridge program will connect youth with world-class musicians, arts leaders, and college pathways through a partnership with the Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) and MSU Denver.
Centered on access, mentorship, and youth voice, the program combines virtual and in-person experiences that support students in building skills, confidence, and creative belonging.
In the weeks leading up to the in-person events, participating youth will take part in Zoom-based mentorship and learning sessions with Guitar Foundation of America artists and leaders, helping them prepare, connect with mentors, and build context for the experiences ahead.
To register, click the “Bridge to Bridge: Student Interest Form” button below.
Bridge to Bridge: Career Day at MSU
Tuesday, June 23 | 3:30–5:00 PM
Auraria Campus (MSU Denver)
Youth are invited to explore creative careers and college pathways during an afternoon of discovery in a supportive, youth-centered environment. Participants will engage in a college and arts pathways fair, enjoy lunch with professional artists, take a guided campus tour, and receive ensemble coaching alongside world-class mentors.
The afternoon will conclude with inspiring performances and concerts, offering students a glimpse into what a future in the arts and higher education can look like. Designed with equity and access at its core, Career Day centers youth voice while opening doors to possibility, belonging, and creative futures.
Bridge to Bridge: Youth Performance at the King Center
Saturday, June 27 | 3:30–5:00 PM
MSU King Center
Bridge to Bridge culminates in a powerful celebration of youth creativity and collaboration at the King Center. Young musicians will take the stage alongside peers and mentors for dress rehearsals and a final concert that highlights their growth, artistry, and collective voice.
This performance is the result of days of coaching, mentorship, and connection with international artists through the Guitar Foundation of America’s Bridge program. Families and community members are invited to witness youth as active contributors to Denver’s cultural life. Participants will be performing on a professional stage, sharing their stories through music, and claiming space within the city’s vibrant arts ecosystem.
The Teaching Artist Studio Series invites participants into the creative practice of a professional teaching artist. In a supportive, small-group studio setting, participants build new skills, receive 1:1 artistic mentorship, and explore themes of identity and storytelling through hands-on art making.
In this series, local artist Sol Aldinger guides students through collage, sewing, and found-object assemblage, techniques rooted in their personal art practice. Workshops encourage experimentation with new materials while sparking meaningful conversations about self-discovery and creative voice.
Workshop Schedule:
All sessions will run on Wednesday and Friday, from 12–4PM, at our studio.
Week 1: Intro to Collage
• June 17th – 2D Collage: Explore the theme of self-image through 2D collage using paper, photos, and mixed media to create a self-portrait.
• June 19th – 3D Collage: Explore the theme of memory through 3D collage using found objects and nature elements to create your own altar or ofrenda in this special Juneteenth session.
Participants may attend either or both sessions in week 1. Open to ages 12 and older, no prior experience required.
Week 2: Intro to Sewing
• June 24th – DIY Ragdolls
• June 26th – DIY Ragdolls II
Explore the theme of change while learning basic sewing skills. Participants will transform felt and fabric scraps into their own handmade ragdolls.
Participants may enroll in the first, or both sessions in week 2. Open to ages 12 and older, no prior experience required.
NCA Creative Lab Session 1:
Storytelling Through Art & Sound
June 8–12 | 9AM–3PM
Youth will explore creative expression through visual art and sound while creating their own storybook. Open to youth ages 8 and older. Enrollment is donation based.
NCA Creative Lab Session 2: One Week Creative Lab 2
July 6–10 | 9AM–3PM
A second week of hands-on creative exploration. Open to youth ages 8 and older. Enrollment is donation based. Additional details coming soon.
What is NCA Creative Lab?
NCA Creative Labs are hands-on, one-week summer camps that reflect New Cottage Arts’ mission to support youth voice, creativity, and peer connection through art and music. In a fun, supportive environment, students will learn to experiment with mixed media and build creative confidence under the mentorship of NCA teaching artists.
This summer, we’re offering NCA Creative Lab: Storytelling Through Art & Sound (June 8–12), where youth ages 8+ will create their own original storybooks using visual art and sound. Creative Lab enrollment is donation based. A second week of Creative Lab (July 6–10) is also open for enrollment, with more details coming soon.
NCA Summer Camp Stories
At New Cottage Arts, spring and summer camps are a fun way for kids to be creative, make friends, and learn new skills. Last year, students liked that camp was exciting and full of art making. They played instruments, made music videos, learned paper quilling, and painted murals together.
This year will have even more fun activities! Our Spring Break Camp theme is "Diversity in Our World!" Kids will learn about different cultures and their own community through art, music, and stories. Whether painting, drumming, or making crafts, they will see how creativity brings people together.
New Cottage Arts camps are free and open to kids ages 5 and up. With help from local artists and teachers, campers will have a great time learning, expressing themselves, and making friends.
We are excited to welcome young artists this spring and summer! Stay tuned for more details and join us for a fun, creative experience!
En New Cottage Arts, los campamentos de primavera y verano son una excelente oportunidad para que los niños se diviertan, hagan nuevos amigos y aprendan algo nuevo. El año pasado, los niños disfrutaron mucho de las actividades emocionantes y creativas que ofreció el campamento, como tocar instrumentos, crear videos musicales, aprender quilling en papel y pintar murales juntos.
Este año, ¡habrá muchas más actividades divertidas! El tema del Campamento de Vacaciones de Primavera será "Alrededor del Mundo". Los niños tendrán la oportunidad de conocer diferentes culturas y explorar su comunidad a través del arte, la música y las historias. Ya sea pintando, tocando tambores o realizando manualidades, aprenderán cómo la creatividad puede unir a las personas.
Los campamentos de New Cottage Arts son gratuitos y están abiertos a niños de 5 años en adelante. Con la guía de artistas y maestros locales, los niños podrán aprender, expresarse y disfrutar de nuevas experiencias mientras hacen amigos.
¡Estamos muy emocionados de recibir a los jóvenes artistas este primavera y verano! Estén atentos para más detalles y únanse a nosotros para vivir una experiencia creativa y divertida.
Join New Cottage Arts at Clayton Community Days for free, family-friendly art and music experiences that bring neighbors together through creativity, care, and connection. This community event celebrates the Clayton neighborhood with hands-on art activities, live music, and opportunities for all ages to create, gather, and enjoy time together.
Clayton Community Days is organized by New Cottage Arts as part of our commitment to making arts and music accessible to Denver youth and families year-round. Stop by to make art, listen to music, or simply connect with your community.
Free and open to all ages, all are welcome!
Want more information? Have questions? Want to get involved (vendors, community performances, volunteers, and sponsors needed)? Head over to the Clayton Community Days website below to learn more.