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Exploring the intersection of the arts and social advocacy, Flourish is an arts nonprofit committed to loving the city through creative expression. Comprised of three areas of focus – dance, fine art and community outreach – Flourish is dedicated to promoting the generative potential of the arts in life-affirming community.

“In ten years with the Community Arts Program, I have found a mother, sisters and a family who dance through life with me,” said Evelyn Wyss, dance instructor and member of Flourish Dance Co. “And, as a teacher, I can pass that same involvement and acceptance to young girls who need the embrace of community and creativity in their lives.”

Harnessing the power of the arts to invade an unjust world with truth and beauty, Flourish is active in the Colorado Springs community through a Community Arts Program (art and dance classes), gallery events and dance presentations (Flourish Dance Co., ages 18-adult, by audition). Set in an inclusive, welcoming environment with a focus on developing both heart and skill, Flourish’s Community Arts Program offers dance and art instruction to ages 3 through adult at nominal cost.

Gallery events like the “Shine Like Stars” installation, recently hosted by Flourish in downtown Colorado Springs, are known for infusing messages of hope and renewal into difficult life realities. Flourish partnered with orphan care nonprofit Hope’s Promise to display art created by Kenyan orphans, as well as original works by artist Colleen Briggs. The gallery conveyed stories of courage and hope, while providing a glimpse into the dreams of orphaned children in Kenya.

“Inherently a hopeful act, art is a powerfully transformative force, as it speaks of all that is mysterious, beautiful, confusing, inspiring and sometimes sorrowful,” said Maria Pompea, Flourish founder and director. “Invading our lives that are often ensconced in the matrix of comfort and mediocrity, art offers the potential to stun us out of complacency, urging us to rise up and be more.”