On June 2nd, 2026, COPPR hosted 60 arts educators at El Pomar Foundation’s Penrose House for the inaugural “Arts Education Symposium: United by Creativity.”
Arts educators from 12 different school districts across the Pikes Peak Region engaged in professional development sessions around advocacy, best practices, arts for mental health, and arts integration, while connecting with each other and 12 local community arts partners as part of a showcase of PeakArtsEd. PeakArtsEd is the “one-stop-shop” for local arts education programming across the region.
Laurie Schell from Elevate Arts Ed presented an inspiring lunch keynote rallying the arts educators around advocacy for the cause of arts education within their schools and districts. In a highlight of the learning sessions, community partner The Mindfulness and Positivity Project offered real strategies for wellness for both teachers and students. Live performances included Ormao Dance Company’s “Hands Are for Holding” program dancers, and Wanda & Ron Cousar of Sande/Economic Strategolutions’ storytelling through African dance and drumming.
This was a unique experience where we recognized the essential role of arts education, strengthened connections between schools and local resources, and supported a more unified and creative arts education community in the Pikes Peak region!
Many people were involved in making the Arts Education Symposium a reality. Many thanks to Joseph Henry Edmondson Foundation for financial support. Our sincere appreciation to the extensive planning committee/facilitators/session leads, PeakArtsEd featured arts organizations, El Pomar Foundation and Penrose House, Summit Catering, and photographer Mike Pach of 3 Peaks Photography & Design! A full list of thanks is also included in the event program via the button above.
