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Week of October 6, 2022
DENVER, COLORADO
A publication of
VOLUME 95 | ISSUE 46
Experience the beauty of culture through art Current McNichols Civic Center Building exhibits run through Dec. 18
Youth Employment Academy helps people obtain career, education goals
BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
“I’ve heard it said that the power of art is like a beating drum; you can feel it in your chest. That’s why people spontaneously cry when seeing certain artworks. It moves you and changes you and you can’t stop it.” These are the words of Shanna B. Shelby, the chief curator at the McNichols Civic Center Building in Denver. Responsible for bringing artists’ visions to life, Shelby organizes and manipulates the space to help tell an in-depth story. This season, Shelby has worked diligently with artists to shine light on the beauty and diversity of the human experience, highlighting Native American, Italian and Japanese American artists. Now through Dec. 18, Denver Arts & Venues will present three new fall exhibitions at the McNichols Civic Center Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave., and a companion exhibit at Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St. in Denver. Several exhibition-related events include the fourth event in the Cultural Fashion Runway Series, which celebrates Native American art and fashion. “I am always looking for diversity in themes, media, artists’ backgrounds and approaches. I believe very strongly in the power that original artwork has to educate, inspire and change people,” said Shelby. “More recently, I have been drawn to some international artists that are doing some really incredible work and pairing them with SEE ART, P6
Becoming successful in the workforce BY CHRISTY STEADMAN CSTEADMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Shanna B. Shelby, chief curator of the McNichols Civic Center Building, stands with the PHOTO BY CHRISTY STEADMAN art of prolific Navajo artist, Melanie Yazzie.
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 11
From a young age, Rudy JimenezDiaz knew he had an interest of going into the culinary field. His stepdad was an excellent cook, and was always trying new techniques and encouraging his family to try new things. Jimenez-Diaz also enjoyed working alongside his stepdad with the family-owned taco truck. But Jimenez-Diaz was not at all interested in pursuing a higher education. “I was interested in getting to work,” the west Denver resident said. “I was tired of school.” Then he learned of a program called the Youth Employment Academy. “They definitely got my career going,” said Jimenez-Diaz, who is now 27. “I’ve learned all the best and the worst of a kitchen. I’m happy for all the opportunities.” Jimenez-Diaz started with YEA right out of high school. He completed the program’s internship, then continued his culinary education at Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver. Currently, Jimenez-Diaz is a chef at the Osage Café & Mercado. In this role, he comes up with recipes, helped start the wholesale kitchen for the mercado and teaches SEE YEA, P2
CELEBRATING AUTUMN Fall festivals abound across Front Range
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