Local Artist’s Inspiring Journey a Highlight of Gala
April 16, 2024
Lauri Keener’s story illustrates Denver Health’s dedication to community wellness
Lauri Keener’s studio is in Globeville, not far from the Bernard F. Gipson Sr. Eastside Family Health Center—a vital hub for the community’s well-being. Her artwork, created live as one of the highlights of the 2024 Denver Health Gala reception, allowed guests to glimpse the vision of a neighbor like Keener, underscoring how every individual in Denver has benefited from Denver Health in some way.
Keener’s journey has been shaped by overcoming substance use disorder, addressing her general health, and embracing motherhood, all of which have driven her advocacy for crucial services such as women’s health, pediatrics, family planning, and substance use disorder support—each a mainstay of Denver Health services.
Acknowledging the role substance use disorder services played in her recovery, Keener emphasizes the importance of support systems like Denver CARES (Denver Community Addiction Rehabilitation and Evaluation Services).
“I’m thankful for the services and people that helped me when I was struggling. Addiction can be very scary and feel quite demoralizing, it’s helpful to see glimmers of hope on that long road,” she recalls. “I get to have a pretty beautiful life today, one that I easily could have missed out on. I’m grateful that services like those at Denver Health are available for others facing their own journeys.”
Denver CARES has been providing safe and humane withdrawal management for individuals with substance use disorders in the city and county of Denver for nearly five decades.
In addition to the Bernard F. Gipson Sr. Eastside Family Health Center, Denver Health operates nine other neighborhood clinics throughout the Denver Metro Area and in Winter Park, and 19 school-based health centers in partnership with Denver Public Schools.
Lauri was onsite at the gala to create a new piece during the event. The finished painting features a little girl riding a bicycle, with the Rocky Mountains and Denver skyline in background, and featuring Empower Field, Elitch Gardens, and the Eastside Family Health Center. Feathers at the bottom of the painting represent the local Denver Aztec dance troupe Journey Through Our Heritage that performed at the gala.
The theme of this year’s gala, “Thriving Denver,” perfectly encapsulates Keener’s artwork. With vibrant colors and imagery, her pieces mirror the spirit of Denver residents. As a proud Denverite, Keener creates art that serves as a testament to community, emphasizing the essential role of accessible health care in fostering creativity and enabling individuals to pursue their dreams.
“Advocating for organizations like Denver Health is important to me, because I know that it can make a difference,” Keener explains. “I hope for others to have the options available, when they are in need.”
Thanks to Keener and other local visual and musical artists, like Diego Florez-Arroya, Kayla Marque, and People in Between, the 2024 Denver Health Foundation Gala was a resounding success. Attendees united to support the mission of ensuring quality health care access for everyone in Denver, regardless of their financial circumstances.
“We have the opportunity to build a future where all can thrive,” Keener affirms. “And the role that organizations like Denver Health play in that will be vital.”
To see more of Lauri’s artwork, please visit her website.