Kristin Smith

Kristin Smith plays a key role in strengthening community engagement and ensuring DAVA’s programs remain welcoming and accessible to families across Northwest Aurora. Through her leadership in Open Studio, Family Arts, and the Intern and Volunteer programs, she helps create spaces where youth and community members feel a sense of belonging while exploring creative expression. Her work connects operations, education, and community outreach to deepen DAVA’s impact and cultivate meaningful relationships through the arts.

Arts Programs and Engagement Manager

Kristin is a dedicated visual artist and educator based in Aurora, Colorado, where she has lived for over 40 years. She earned a BFA in Interdisciplinary Art from Metropolitan State University of Denver, specializing in drawing and ceramics. Her artistic practice includes hyper-realistic colored pencil and detailed micron pen drawings that explore themes of human experience and emotional depth. Her work reflects a belief in the power of art to bridge gaps and foster understanding.

In addition to her studio practice, Kristin has extensive experience in arts program management, including operations management, office management, and gallery coordination. As Arts Programs and Engagement Manager at DAVA, she is committed to providing accessible and impactful artistic experiences for youth in the diverse Northwest Aurora community.

Through her work in Open Studio, Family Arts, and the Intern and Volunteer programs, Kristin helps create environments where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can explore materials, express themselves, and develop their creative voices. Her teaching philosophy centers on building empathy and connection through the arts, encouraging personal growth and shared humanity.

Rooted in community and collaboration, Kristin continues to contribute to Aurora’s cultural landscape while inspiring others to engage with creativity in meaningful ways.