The Wooden Hawk Foundation’s Arts in Schools (AIS) program—presented in partnership with Ovation West Performing Arts and made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Michele Vanags State Farm Agency—brings high-quality performing arts education directly into our foothills schools.
“At the heart of it, the arts inspire creativity, confidence, and connection—things every student deserves.”
Born from the urgent need to counteract the impact of systemic budget cuts, AIS ensures that K–12 students can access theater and choral arts experiences regardless of financial barriers.
In its inaugural year (2024–2025), the program gave King Murphy Elementary students a year-long after-school theater opportunity, culminating in two original performances at Center Stage Theater. Bradford K-8 School in Littleton also benefited from a three-day theater intensive led by Ovation West.
For the 2025–2026 school year, AIS will expand to include supplemental theater and choral programs at Evergreen High School and Evergreen Middle School. All programming is provided at no cost to students or families, ensuring that the transformative power of the arts remains accessible to everyone.
“When we invest in the arts, we invest in imagination and opportunity for every student.”
“Budget cuts impact our schools every year, and those cuts directly affect the learning opportunities available to our students,” notes Michele Vanags, Chair of the Wooden Hawk Foundation. “When we invest in the arts, we invest in imagination, problem-solving, and the ability for students to see the world in new ways.”
AIS is not just about performance—it’s about helping young people thrive, equipping them with creativity, confidence, and connection that lasts a lifetime.
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