Redline, a non-profit art-awareness organization, held a celebration entitled “Artist Bacchanal” on Oct. 30 that DU students helped organize.The party was held as an annual fundraising event for Redline’s Artist- in-Residence Program, which gives 15-20 locally-based artists access to studio space for two years at a time.

In addition to their Artist-in-Residence program, Redline also has an Educational Partnership Initiative for the Creative Arts (EPIC) program where Redline works with kindergarten through high school educators to improve art programs in schools. They also have a REACH studio that supports homeless citizens by giving them art, business and management skills.

Freshmen Wendy Low and Janay Wright volunteer for Redline as a part of their Social Justice Living and Learning Community. They volunteer once a week for about two hours at the gallery helping to organize events like the Bacchanal.

“I decided I wanted to volunteer at Redline because I’m really passionate about the arts and I think that you can improve a community by creative discussion. Redline is an incubator for creative ideas and as young organization it has a lot of room to grow and make an impact,” said Low.

“I was interested in Redline because of the artistic aspect. I thought it would be really fun to work in an art gallery,” said Wright.

All of the volunteers got together to do a creative project before the event, painting a canvas with designs and words that have meaning to them. The painting hung near the entry way of the party.

“That evening we were also working at different booths and talking to different guests, making sure everyone had a good time,” said Low.

The Bacchanal took place at Redline’s art gallery on Arapahoe Street. It was given an elaborate gold theme, which was apparent in the shimmering decorations, gold costumes of the guests’, and even edible gold flakes in the food.

Redline wanted to bring in artists that are usually presented in a formal setting so that their art could be experienced in a more relaxed and affordable way.The party’s other attractions included Ballet Nouveau Colorado and Poetry Slam performances by the Denver Hip Hop Congress.

“The Artist Bacchanal, in a nutshell, is a celebration with a more irreverent and accessible approach to the traditional gala events that other cultural institutions stage during this time of the year,” said Robert McMullen, volunteer and membership manager for Redline.

The gallery’s studios were also open for guests to wander through. Each small room had a couple completed art pieces hanging on the walls while the rest of the room looked like a work space. Guests could see pieces in progress and the tools that the artists use to create their art.

“Redline seeks to galvanize culture and community, here in Denver in particular and beyond. Drag Queen Felony Misdemeanor, the Denver Hip Hop Congress and Ballet Nouveau Colorado are but three examples of the uniqueness of Denver’s culture. In the spirit of what Redline does, their inclusion and participation in the Artist Bacchanal is apropos,” said McMullen.

Redline holds numerous events each month. Redline’s annual artists exhibition Au opens Nov. 11 and runs through Jan. 1.