Cultural Commission

 "She Aint Heavy" by designer Walt Horton

Cultural Commission works to bring cultural events into the community, while expanding appreciation for creative activity, and raising awareness of the importance of the arts for everyone.

The active group of volunteers who serve on the Commission recognize and facilitate the arts in the community. They have a clear mission and vision of what the commission is tasked to do, simultaneously recognizing and welcoming the ideas and energy of individual members.

The Cultural Commission hosts the annual Wheat Ridge Reads program. The author of the selected book holds readings throughout the community and the program is promoted to increase literacy and an appreciation for reading.

In partnership with Localworks, the Cultural Commission also facilitates and funds professional chalk artists as part of Chalk of the Town and during RidgeFest 

Additional projects have included a collaboration with Localworks on the ArtSpace Feasibility Study, summer Performances in the Park, the Poet in Residence program, facilitating the purchase and installation of Sweet Grass Dance, a public sculpture in Anderson Park, updating the Discovering Neighborhood Art Project, and managing the Wheat Ridge Cultural Events Facebook page. The Cultural Commission also presents an award each year as part of the City of Wheat Ridge Business Awards Event. 

Wheat Ridge Reads

This year's book selection is Mesmerized by best-selling author David Matthew Barnes. While being punished for writing a controversial article in her high school paper, Serena Albright is befriended by the enigmatic loner Brodie Wiles. Serena witnesses the first time that Brodie meets Lance Royal, who is secretly rehearsing to compete in The Showdown, the biggest dance contest of the year. Immediately, Serena is drawn into their world, inspired by the love she recognizes between them. Through her close friendship with Brodie and Lance, Serena finds comfort for the grief and guilt she feels over the brutal death of her older gay brother, the victim of a hate crime. Frustrated that her deep-in-denial parents spend endless hours in front of the television and refuse to acknowledge the death of their son, Serena accepts the challenge to have a face-to-face meeting with the boy who killed her brother. Set in Sacramento in 1986, this novel for young people received a Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Coming of Age/Young Adult Novel.

Grab a book and plan to attend one of the three free events with the author. Find the book for rent or purchase it at one of three places:

  1. The Wheat Ridge Library
  2. Wheat Ridge “little libraries” (first come, first served!)
  3. Online at Amazon.com

Wheat Ridge Reads Events

  • Wheat Ridge Book Club CANCELED
    Thursday, January 20, 9-10:30 am
    Ketner Room, Active Adult Center, 6363 W 35th Ave.
  • Virtual Event to “Meet the Author”
    Wednesday, January 26, 6:30-8 p.m.
    Sign up required https://bit.ly/3oTN0yw
  • Local Business Appearance                     Tuesday, February 1, 6:30-8 p.m. Swiss Flower & Gift 9890 W. 44th. Ave

Wheat Ridge Reads 2022

Wheat Ridge Reads 2021

Wheat Ridge Selects Poet in Residence

In December of 2018, Sharon Heinlen was named the first Wheat Ridge Poet in Residence as part of the celebrations planned for the City’s 50th Anniversary in 2019. Heinlen will create original works of poetry to read at several Wheat Ridge events in 2019. She will also conduct poetry education programs at Wheat Ridge schools in 2020.

Heinlen was selected by the Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission for her poem “Neighborly Inspiration” as well as several other original poems and for her commitment to the community. An 18-year resident of Wheat Ridge, she is a retired Regis University and University of Denver professor, and has written and performed poetry and music at multiple venues throughout her life.

City Council Poem 2020

Holiday Tree Lighting 2019

Carnation Festival 2019

"Sweet Grass Dance", Anderson Park, Poem

50th Anniversary, Tree City USA, Poem

Anderson Park Dedication Poem

Ridgefest Poem

Other Special Projects

Greetings from Wheat Ridge Campaign

See the "Greetings From Wheat Ridge" slideshow here.

50th Anniversary Signature Quilt

The “Many Colors of Wheat Ridge” signature quilt was created by Cultural Commissioner Milly Nadler in celebration of the City’s 50th Anniversary. Signatures include those of community members and City leaders.

Milly Nadler, signature quilt

Mission Statement
To promote culture and the arts, to oversee public art, and to provide art enrichment opportunities to benefit the residents of the City.

 Wheat Ridge Cultural Vision 2018
Approved Resolution 2018
 

Meetings 

Find us on Facebook at Wheat Ridge Cultural Events

Subscribe to Notify Me-Updates on changes to this page as well as special events notices  

Second Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m.

Wheat Ridge Recreation Center
Conference Room
 4005 Kipling St.

Meetings are open to the public

 Agendas and Minutes

Members