Bridge Art Show Raises $4K for Program

Posted on 05/04/2023

DCSD’s Bridge Transition Program recently held an Art Show, which also served as a fundraiser, at Union American Bistro in Castle Rock. The Bridge Transition Program serves young adults ages 18-21 with developmental disabilities to prepare them for life after high school. Bridge helps students strive for independence by helping them with life skills, employment, recreation and leisure, community access, financial literacy, functional math, social skills, and community connections.

Students from all locations (Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Parker, and Castle Rock) created art pieces to put on display and later sell to generate awareness and raise Students and art pieces at the bridge art show

funds for the program. Each class created art pieces based on themes such as spill art and animals. The DCSD Assistive Technology team provided ways for students that need alternative access methods to participate and become an artist! Some local artists even came out to help students create their masterpieces. Each piece was priced at just $25. The funds raised are used for groceries for cooking lessons, outings such as going to the movies or playing mini-golf, and other student or program needs.

This event, in its second year, is organized by Chuck Beckman, part-time manager at Union Bistro and staff member at the Bridge Program. Union Bistro partners with local artists throughout the year to display their work around the restaurant. This gave Chuck the idea to have Union Bistro partner with Bridge students to display artwork and generate awareness of the program in the community. “I felt it was a great way to mesh both of my jobs. I took the idea to the owner, Kim, who loved the idea and agreed,” said Chuck. “Overall it was a great show and the families and their students had a blast and that's what matters. This is a project I could not do without the support of staff members, students, and community.”

In total, the students created 170 art pieces and sold 147 of them! The Art Show raised close to $4,000 to support the Bridge Program. Thank you to Union Bistro owner Kim Heideman for hosting the artwork and this wonderful event, all of the Bridge staff and students who helped make this possible, and the entire community that came out to support the Bridge Program!