Who We Are
Supported by a roster of established artists sharing their knowledge and expertise, East Side Art Institute is building a community that fosters art and education for everyone. Inspired by the belief that the joy of the creative process can enrich the life of anyone, the Institute welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
Our 14-acre campus provides opportunities to enjoy nature and engage in regenerative gardening as we nurture the land back to health and grow plants for use in art making.
To support our local community as we prepare for major construction, we currently offer a limited variety of Ceramics, Mosaics, Painting, and Woodworking classes and workshops in other disciplines.
Our Mission
To explore the art of being human through art-based education and experiences that encourage self-expression
Our Vision
At East Side Art Institute our goal is to bring people together and help create a healthier and more compassionate world through art.
The Institute offers a comprehensive art education program, teaching practical and professional skills generally not found in more traditional programs. Our supportive and diverse community of professional artists, art education teachers, advanced students, and beginners of all ages offers a variety of creative experiences to meet the needs of our students. We welcome anyone who wishes to engage in artistic exploration, learn a new skill, simply has curiosity about the arts, or just wants to have some creative space away from one’s normal routine.
The ESAI campus has open space to commune with nature, meditate or relax while visiting our sculpture garden, walking the labyrinth, sketching, writing, or quietly sitting on one of our benches watching the sunset over the mountains. We consider the natural world and our relationship to the environment essential elements in our lives.
Our lecture series, performances, and exhibits are designed to expose students and our local community to a broad range of creative ideas and enjoyment. At ESAI we promote opportunities for sharing and meeting each other as human beings, whatever our background.
Our Core Values
Kindness and Compassion To meet each other with kindness, support, and appreciation in all that we do
Diversity To welcome and include all, sharing and celebrating our individuality and our different perspectives
Sustainability To utilize environmentally sound practices and materials that protect our planet and its inhabitants
Community To bring people together through the arts as a creative vehicle for enhancing our lives and our human connections
Gratitude To live in harmony with nature, respecting all life and appreciating the interconnectedness of the world around us
Land Acknowledgement
East Side Art Institute acknowledges that 48 contemporary tribal nations are historically tied to the lands that make up the state of Colorado. We recognize and honor the Indigenous peoples of this region, the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Ute, and Sioux, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, whose ancestral lands now serve as the ESAI campus. We respectfully honor all Indigenous communities – past, present, and future.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We value diversity and welcome people of all ages, religions, races, genders, sexual/affectional orientations, ethnicities, and abilities.
At East Side Art Institute we strive to create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion. We value the diverse identity and perspectives of our students and staff and recognize that to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires self-reflection, dialogue, and ongoing review to be assured we are maintaining our commitment. We are dedicated to providing a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success. We believe learning together and sharing ourselves with one another makes all of us better individuals.
East Side Art Institute
