Residences in Artistry

In partnership with the Broomfield Library, Arts, History and Cultural Council and Denver Botanic Gardens, Creative Broomfield brought in Broomfield's first Art in Public Places Artist in Residency. The Alebrijes Iluminados exhibit displayed three magnificent Alebrijes puppets from Mexico for members of the community to enjoy at the Broomfield Library.

To kick off the month-long exhibit, there were two workshops at Broomfield schools and a public workshop at the Broomfield Library Eisenhower room on Saturday, March 4, 2023. Children and adults got the opportunity to hear from the Alebrije artists and create their own mini versions of the Alebrijes. 

On Sunday, March 5, 2023,  the illuminated puppet pieces came alive as the puppets were showcased for a free dance performance to start the One Book Jr event at the Broomfield Auditorium. 

The project was intended to highlight the beauty and fantasy of the Alebrijes, as well as celebrate Hispanic Culture. The Alebrije is one of the many manifestations of popular Mexican art. Alebrijes are fantastical figures that are a hybrid of various animals, whether real or imaginary and are characterized by their vibrant colors and elaborate details. Alebrijes Iluminados are inspired by the traditional cardboard Alebrije and are a modern way of presenting them, constructed from recycled materials, decorated in brilliant colors, and illuminated from within by LED lights. These sculptures were made by Mexican artists Rubén Mica and Óscar Becerra.

This program is supported by the Arts History Cultural Council Arts in Public Places Program and through a partnership with
Denver Botanic Gardens. 

Quarteto Nuevo - May 2022

The 2022 Guest Residence in Artistry group was Quarteto Nuevo. Quarteto Nuevo is a jazz ensemble that melds the music of ancient worlds and faraway places with a contemporary groove that enchants audiences of all ages!

Quarteto Nuevo started their Residence in Artistry by working with music students from Academy of Charter School and Intermezzo Broomfield Youth Symphony. Students were taught tips and techniques to improve their musical skills and worked interactively with the band to learn pieces that they would perform alongside Quarteto Nuevo during their public concert at the Broomfield Auditorium. 

Quarteto Nuevo also recorded a music video at various Broomfield locations of their rendition of “Blue Columbines”, a music piece written in Broomfield and found in the Broomfield History Collections. Blue Columbines was written by Mary Lake Ross in 1939.

On their third and final day, Quarteto Nuevo performed for seniors at the Broomfield Community Center Senior Services Luncheon and wrapped up their residence in artistry with a concert performance at the Broomfield Auditorium. They performed with students from both Academy of Charter School and Intermezzo Academy of Music.

Jarabe Mexicano - November 2021

Creative Broomfield launched the Residence in Artistry program in November 2021. Jarabe Mexicano was Broomfield's first Residence in Artistry. As a part of the Residence in Artistry program, Jarabe Mexicano performed multiple mini-concerts and music workshops for students at Centennial Elementary, Westlake Middle school, The Salvation Army After School program, Front Range Community College music students, and seniors at the Broomfield Community Center.

Jarabe Mexicano brings their audience on a joyride through a versatile songbook of Mexican Folk as well as Rock & Roll, Tex-Mex, Latin Rock, and Reggae-Cumbia with the eclectic border spirit of Jarabe Mexicano. 

Performing on stringed folk instruments accompanied by lively percussion, Jarabe’s dramatic, harmonized vocals in Spanish and English have gained them the admiration of audiences across the country.

This Guest Artist in Residence received support from Colorado Creative Industries, WESTAF (the Western States Arts Federation), and the National Endowment for the Arts.