Becoming an Artist

Access Gallery artist Angel works on creating artwork at a studio table inside Access Gallery,

What Artists Can Expect at Access Gallery

At Access Gallery, artists are part of a working studio where their ideas, interests, and creative choices matter. Artists come here to make work, try new materials, build skills, and take the next step in their practice, from sharing their work publicly to teaching, collaborating, and exploring paid opportunities in the arts.

There is no single path. Access Gallery meets artists where they are and helps them keep making, learning, and building toward what matters most to them.

At Access Gallery, artists are part of a working studio where their ideas, interests, and creative choices matter. Artists come here to make work, try new materials, build skills, and take the next step in their practice, from sharing their work publicly to teaching, collaborating, and exploring paid opportunities in the arts.

There is no single path. Access Gallery meets artists where they are and helps them keep making, learning, and building toward what matters most to them.

At Access Gallery, artists are part of a working studio where their ideas, interests, and creative choices matter. Artists come here to make work, try new materials, build skills, and take the next step in their practice, from sharing their work publicly to teaching, collaborating, and exploring paid opportunities in the arts.

There is no single path. Access Gallery meets artists where they are and helps them keep making, learning, and building toward what matters most to them.

Meet the artists

Meet the artists

An Illustrated Intro to Access Gallery

Take a tour with one of the artists

Tristan, one of the artists at Access Gallery has illustrated a video introducing you to the space directly.

Tristan, one of the artists at Access Gallery has illustrated a video introducing you to the space directly.

Tristan, one of the artists at Access Gallery has illustrated a video introducing you to the space directly.

Learn about Tristan

Learn about Tristan

A Welcoming Space Where Artists Create, Connect, and Belong

Every artist begins in their own way. Some artists come with a strong body of work, while others are still discovering their creative direction.

We start by getting to know the artist, what they are interested in making, and what kind of support or opportunities may be a good fit. Staff and fellow artists help create a welcoming space where artists can explore ideas, build confidence, and share their work.

Every artist begins in their own way. Some artists come with a strong body of work, while others are still discovering their creative direction.

We start by getting to know the artist, what they are interested in making, and what kind of support or opportunities may be a good fit. Staff and fellow artists help create a welcoming space where artists can explore ideas, build confidence, and share their work.

Every artist begins in their own way. Some artists come with a strong body of work, while others are still discovering their creative direction.

We start by getting to know the artist, what they are interested in making, and what kind of support or opportunities may be a good fit. Staff and fellow artists help create a welcoming space where artists can explore ideas, build confidence, and share their work.

What's It Like Being an Artist at Access Gallery?

Questions About Becoming an Artist at Access Gallery?

Not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Find clear information about how artists get involved, what support is available, and what to expect at Access Gallery.

Not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Find clear information about how artists get involved, what support is available, and what to expect at Access Gallery.

Not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Find clear information about how artists get involved, what support is available, and what to expect at Access Gallery.

How do artists become part of Access Gallery?

Artists meet with staff, spend time in the studio, and get to know Access Gallery before joining the program.

Do artists need formal art training or experience?

No. Some artists have years of experience, while others are just beginning to explore their creative practice. Access Gallery values creativity, curiosity, and personal expression. Artists are supported at different stages of their creative journey, and there is space to learn, grow, and try new things over time.

What kinds of opportunities are available for artists?

Artists may participate in gallery exhibitions, workshops, mentorship, internships, teaching artist opportunities, community collaborations, and paid creative projects.

What kinds of support are available for artists?

Access Gallery works to create a supportive and flexible environment where artists can feel comfortable creating and participating in the community. Support looks different for every artist and may include guidance from staff, mentorship, collaborative projects, clear communication, or help navigating exhibitions and events.

Can artists sell their artwork through Access Gallery?

Yes. Artists may have opportunities to sell their work through exhibitions, special events, commissions, and other gallery programs.

Is Access Gallery wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Access Gallery works to make our space welcoming and accessible for artists and visitors with different mobility needs. If you have specific accessibility questions before visiting, we encourage you to contact us so we can help support your experience.

Do artists need to talk or communicate in a certain way?

No. Artists communicate in many different ways, and all forms of communication are respected at Access Gallery. We value each artist’s ideas, perspective, and creative voice.

What is a typical day at Access Gallery like?

Each day can look different depending on the projects, exhibitions, workshops, or events happening in the gallery. Artists may spend time creating artwork, collaborating with others, preparing for exhibitions, or participating in community projects in a supportive studio environment.

Can a family member, caregiver, or support person be involved?

Family members, caregivers, or support staff may be part of the initial conversation. Once an artist is accepted, weekday studio time is for participating artists and Access Gallery staff. This helps artists build independence, connect with others, and take part in the creative community.

Will I be expected to work or communicate like everyone else?

No. Every artist works, communicates, and creates differently. Access Gallery values different ways of thinking, making art, and participating. Artists are encouraged to work at their own pace, explore their ideas, and be themselves in the studio community.

Two ArtWorks Summer Internship interns sit at a studio table during a skill-building class at Access Gallery, with art supplies and blank paper in front of them.

ArtWorks Summer Internship Program

ArtWorks is Access Gallery’s summer transition program for students graduating from high school. For many interns, it is their first paid job and an important step toward adulthood and independence.

Through hands-on creative projects, interns build job skills while contributing to real work at the gallery. They may create artwork for an exhibition, support events, help with gallery operations, capture social media content, or take part in collaborative projects.

ArtWorks is Access Gallery’s summer transition program for students graduating from high school. For many interns, it is their first paid job and an important step toward adulthood and independence.

ArtWorks is Access Gallery’s summer transition program for students graduating from high school. For many interns, it is their first paid job and an important step toward adulthood and independence.

Through hands-on creative projects, interns build job skills while contributing to real work at the gallery. They may create artwork for an exhibition, support events, help with gallery operations, capture social media content, or take part in collaborative projects.

ArtWorks is Access Gallery’s summer transition program for students graduating from high school. For many interns, it is their first paid job and an important step toward adulthood and independence.

ArtWorks is Access Gallery’s summer transition program for students graduating from high school. For many interns, it is their first paid job and an important step toward adulthood and independence.

Through hands-on creative projects, interns build job skills while contributing to real work at the gallery. They may create artwork for an exhibition, support events, help with gallery operations, capture social media content, or take part in collaborative projects.

ArtWorks is Access Gallery’s summer transition program for students graduating from high school. For many interns, it is their first paid job and an important step toward adulthood and independence.

Learn more about ArtWorks

Learn more about ArtWorks

ArtWorks Sponsors

Sponsor logos: This grant program is made possible through the collaboration of the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and Denver Arts & Venues, and is administered by think360 Arts for Learning.

Artist Highlight

Brittany Murdock

Brittany began her artistic journey at Access Gallery, initially working with painting before expanding into creating pony bead bracelets and keychains.

Browse Brittany's Art

Browse Brittany's Art

Artist Highlight

Brittany Murdock

Brittany began her artistic journey at Access Gallery, initially working with painting before expanding into creating pony bead bracelets and keychains.

Browse Brittany's Art

Browse Brittany's Art

Artist Highlight

Brittany Murdock

Brittany began her artistic journey at Access Gallery, initially working with painting before expanding into creating pony bead bracelets and keychains.

Browse Brittany's Art

Browse Brittany's Art