In a celebration blending history with creativity, Castle Rock's first dedicated center for the arts, Tri Arts Project (TAP), officially opened its doors in September with a lively ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly renovated Cantril School Building. A crowd of local officials, business owners, and community members gathered to witness the highly anticipated event and tour the facility.
“We had 200 name tags, and we ran out!” says Dana Frazee, President of TAP. “The turnout was beyond our wildest expectations.”
Founded in 2022, TAP is a non-profit organization powered by volunteers and sustained by a network of private donors. Its creation was driven by a deep community desire for a central space dedicated to the arts. Partnering with the Town of Castle Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department, TAP secured space in the historic Cantril Building to establish the arts center.
At its core, TAP’s mission is to provide a place for the education, creation, and presentation of the arts. It’s a bold and promising vision that has already garnered enthusiastic support from residents and town leaders alike.
The center’s launch comes with an impressive slate of offerings—nine diverse classes in its inaugural month, and another 12 being offered in November. The workshops range from watercolor painting and videography to cookie decorating and felt hat making. Each class carries a modest fee, covering materials and providing a stipend for instructors. It’s a formula designed to make the arts accessible while supporting local talent.
One such talent is muralist Erma Woodis, who will lead a class on large canvas painting techniques. Woodis is particularly passionate about welcoming beginners, especially those who doubt their own artistic potential.
“My goal is to teach people who think they’re not artists that they can learn,” she says. “I love showing people how creative they can be!”
The setting for these creative pursuits is the historic Cantril School Building, a landmark that has graced Castle Rock since 1897. Located just outside the town’s downtown, the two-story Italian Villa-style building is rich with character, offering a beautiful blend of history and potential. Currently, TAP utilizes two classrooms in the 14,000-square-foot facility, with more spaces expected to open as renovations continue. It’s a fitting home for a center that aims to foster both community and creativity.
In May 2023, the Town of Castle Rock officially purchased the building from the Douglas County School District, laying the groundwork for its transformation into an arts center. The city has been funding the work to restore the building and bring it up to code.
Beyond its classes, TAP seeks to offer rotating exhibitions featuring a wide range of talent from the Castle Rock area including special exhibitions showcasing work from TAP teachers and students. These exhibitions will aim to engage the community and showcase its diverse artistic talent.
As the first of its kind in Castle Rock, TAP is setting the stage for a new chapter in the town’s cultural life. With a packed schedule, exciting classes, and a community eager to participate, TAP is quickly becoming a cornerstone of creativity in the region.
For more information or to sign up for classes, visit triartsproject.org.
TAP’s mission is to provide a place for the education, creation, and presentation of the arts.
"My goal is to teach people who think they’re not artists that they can learn."