SEASON OF SHARING
Editor’s note: The Ouray County Plaindealer started publishing profiles of nonprofits between Thanksgiving and New Year’s in 2020 as a community service. The purpose of these profiles is to highlight the meaningful work being performed by these organizations and let the community know how they can help them even more, as the holidays approach and we reach the end of 2023. Nonprofit organizations that are based in Ouray County and serve Ouray County are eligible for these profiles. To participate, please email erin@ouraynews.com.
Year established as a nonprofit: 2004
What does your organization do for Ouray County?
We provide high-quality arts education, personal growth programs and cultural events while playing a leadership role in the arts. Through arts education, dance program and community cultural events, we are an essential part of the fabric making this region such vibrant, creative place. We are in the business of changing lives, nurturing dreams and helping both kids and adults discover their creative potential through the arts, including fine arts, fiber arts, photography, craftsman arts, creative writing, culinary arts, horticulture, topics tied to personal growth, languages, music, theater, movement, dance and more!
Our special events have enjoyed more than 18,000 participants annually. We organize several cultural events each year, including the Ridgway Fete de la Musique, the Ridgway 1k Rally thru the Alley, the Ridgway Rendezvous and two full-scale ballets. We also host an amateur sculpting contest and produce three youth theater performances a year (two are in collaboration with area schools). We also operate the 610 Arts Collective in Ridgway, with a gallery featuring the work of hundreds of artists in the gallery shop Weehawken also has needs-based scholarships to those who would like to take classes but need financial assistance. We also offer work-trade to families in need of additional assistance.
What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2023?
So far this year, Weehawken has offered 369 classes and has seen more than 1,910 enrollments in classes through Sept 25. Our special events, including theater and dance performances, have enjoyed more than 18,000 participants annually.
What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2024?
Among other things, we would like to pay off the property we purchased at 145 N. Cora St. in February 2023.
The total remaining debt on the building is $400,000.
We would also like to implement public performances for our aerial circus arts program and grow it for adults and youth. We would also like to resurrect the Amateur Sculpting Contest, which has been on hiatus since 2020, and schedule its revival with the reopening of the Old Ridgway Firehouse project completion.
Tell us how the community can help you do more here in Ouray County.
Weehawken seeks contributions to support its annual scholarship fund for youth. We are hoping to expand scholarship availability to our aerial students as well in 2024. We currently grant nearly $30,000 in financial aid/ scholarships annually. We would also like to receive donations toward paying off the property at 145 N. Cora St. and we’re always looking for volunteers for our special events. You can sign up to volunteer or make donations at weehawkenarts.org.
Thank you to Ashley King-Grambley for providing this information.
