4th Annual Community Gathering - Energy of Life

Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of a community focused on well-being, beauty and vitality. See you there!

The date and time are September 1, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Address is 2949 N. Federal Blvd.

This year we will learn about the Chicano inspired community created art installation idea that has been born as a result of the last three community gatherings! We will hear from visionary artist, David Ocelotl Garcia, about how we are creating a visual legacy of Escuela Tlatelolco that will live inside Nurture Denver, and will emphasize cultural inclusivity.

The gatherings’ intentional conversations about healing and transformation of displaced and gentrified communities have brought us to this exciting place. The Community Gathering fosters inclusivity and growth.

We Invite you to be part of this collective expression! Why? Because art heals, inspires and gives people hope.

This event fee is $10. Even if you cannot attend, your support is greatly appreciated!

To help us with our fundraising efforts for this installation art piece please contribute here:

Venmo @Neena-Massey

Zelle @Neena Massey

PayPal [email protected]

Escuela Tlatelolco/

The Escuela Tlatelolco Centro de Estudios was founded by Corky Gonzales, initiated by the struggle of the Chicano Movement in the 1960’s. His daughter, Nita Gonzales, nurtured the school in a way that inspired direct activism from students, staff and families. The school closed in 2017 after 46 enduring years. The Escuela community was separated and the murals inside and outside the building were erased. Many people felt a sense of sadness and grief because the artwork was symbolic and meaningful to many Denver residents. The school was located on Speer and Federal Blvd., for 29 years.

Nurture Denver/

As a "home for the whole human" Nurture invites all walks of life to embark on their own journey to successful self-care with committed members from all areas of the WellCare sector. With over 60 vetted, independent beauty, wellness, fitness, café, and retail businesses, Nurture provides a place for our community members to meet all of their WellCare needs under one roof. Nurture is currently located in the formerly known Escuela Tlatelolco building. It is Nurture's intention to support the efforts of remembrance and inclusion. To stay in the know with Nurture, you can follow them at @visitnurture

Rewild Happy Hour bites and drinks will be available at Nurture for purchase.

David Ocelotl Garcia/

Colorado-based artist David Ocelotl Garcia is accomplished across several mediums including painting, sculpture, and murals. His work can be seen in national and international public art commissions, and both museum and private collections. His level of sensitivity is perfect for this project because one of his murals was painted over in 2020 and restored in 2023. His mural Huitzilopochtli on 8th and Federal is now federally protected. His role is designing, fabricating and installing the art installation “Energy of Life.” He will also oversee the community painting sessions prior to installing “Energy of Life” at Nurture.

Neena Expressions/

Neena is the visionary of the Community Gathering. She studied Chicano muralists as her undergraduate thesis at UCD, and then worked at Escuela Tlatelolco for 15 years. After the school closed in 2017, she obtained my MFA-IA in Performance Art Education from Goddard College. She now works in the capacity of personal and community healing through artistic expressions, raising awareness and sensitivity to struggles that individuals and communities face, from different perspectives and viewpoints.

This project brings attention to communal wounds that need attention and acknowledgement, and is very special to Neena because of her love and respect for Escuela Tlatelolco, its timeless teachings, and the artistic murals in Denver.

Text or call Neena at 720-314-0616 with further questions. To learn about future healing art events by Neena Expressions and David Ocelotl Garcia, email [email protected] to be added to the mailing list!

Thank you Nurture, for hosting this gathering, and to the Spirit of Tlatelolco for bringing us together at our former home base. Viva Corky! Viva Gerry! Presente!

We’re excited to see you soon!

Best,

Neena and the Incredible Participants of the Community Gathering

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Nurture • A Wellcare Marketplace, 2949 Federal Boulevard, Denver, United States