Most of us have been summoned at one time or another by our friends, family, and even our own conscience to support a good cause by attending this event or that marathon. But when it’s finally the weekend, attending a fundraiser doesn’t always sound like the unwinding session we’d like to have after an intense workweek.

Luckily, Denver tends to be on the creative side with its charity events. One such celebration that you shouldn’t miss: the summer solstice event at Golden City Brewery (GCB). It’s definitely not your typical fundraiser (for one, you’re encouraged to enjoy one (or several) of GCB’s brews on their patio). The event welcomes in the summer season and it also benefits a local organization and the kids they work with.

One of the brewery’s owners, Janine Sturdavant, is also the co-founder of Arvada-based Art Reaching Kids (ARK). The nonprofit teaches at-risk youth how to canvas paint. Sturdavant, and co-founder Steve Tracy, head to places like Arapahoe House and Shiloh House to teach children and adolescents to paint using the “three three’s” method—the concept of using three different colors in three different amounts—a sure way to create aesthitically dynamic, and pleasing art, Sturdavant says. The artwork produced by the youth ARK works with has even been featured, and sold, at First Fridays in Denver.

The kids’ of ARK will be live painting at GCB’s summer solstive event, and some of their creations will even be for sale, with all sales going directly to the painter. The brewery will also have specially-made, logoed pint glasses that come with a free fill of your favorite Golden brew. All profits from the special pint glassses will be donated to ARK.

Get Involved: Buy a painting, have a beer, or both at Golden City Brewery’s Summer Solstice event on Saturday the 22nd.

—Image courtesy of Bob Hirsch

Jerilyn Forsythe
Jerilyn Forsythe
Jerilyn Forsythe is a freelance writer and editor, and 5280's former digital associate editor. Follow her on Instagram or Twitter @jlforsyt.