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As the Boulder JCC’s Jay and Rose Phillips Early Childhood Center wrapped up its school year, it also concluded its highly successful, thoughtfully curated, and inspiring Art Show in May 2025. The Early Childhood Center’s main meeting space, usually a hub of activities from food creations to tummy time, turned into a full-on art gallery experience with easels, display boards, labels, artist statements, and more! 

In the face of recent challenges both in Boulder and across the globe, the Jewish community continues to remain resilient and persevere—continuing to support one another, and discover moments of meaning and joy in the rhythms of everyday life. Whether through acts of service, education, or simply gathering in solidarity, the community demonstrates the power of coming together to create something greater than ourselves.

More than fifteen thousand people filled Pearl Street for the largest Boulder Jewish Festival in the event’s more than 30-year history—transforming what was planned as a celebration of culture into an unforgettable expression of strength, solidarity, and healing. Exactly one week after a violent antisemitic terror attack targeted peaceful demonstrators at the same site, the Jewish community and its allies showed the world: we are still here, and we are not backing down.

The day began with a community welcome and powerful remarks from faith leaders, activists, and family members of hostages still held in Gaza. Among the featured speakers were:One of the most emotional moments of the day came as thousands marched arm in arm through the heart of Boulder in the weekly Run for Their Lives walk, honoring the 55 hostages still held in Gaza and showing the world that peaceful resistance will not be silenced. The walk, always planned as part of this year’s festival, took on even deeper meaning and urgency following last week’s attack. The crowd stretched for blocks, united by grief, determination, and an unshakable belief in the dignity of every human life.

The program opened with moving remarks from Rabbi Marc Soloway of Congregation Bonai Shalom. “Our lives have changed in this last week.  We are hurt, sad, grieving, angry, and afraid. And yet we are deeply comforted by our resilience and the strength and love of this community, our beloved Jewish community, and the wider circles of friends, neighbors, faith leaders, and elected officials here and around the world.  We feel seen and we feel loved, and the gratitude that we have is part of our healing.” 

“Today, we showed the world what resilience looks like. What resistance looks like. What it means to be proudly, visibly Jewish in the face of fear and hatred. We gathered not only to share our culture and our joy—but to send a clear and unwavering message: Jew hate will not win; hate will not win,” said Jonathan Lev, Executive Director of the Boulder JCC. “What happened last week could have broken us. But instead, we came together. Stronger. Louder. More united than ever.”

Miami native Artie Sandstone is an energetic visionary pop artist with a gift for discovering pathways where others meet barriers and uncovering splashes of vibrant color where others see only specs of white.

At the intersection of pop art and whimsical storytelling, Artie’s work aims to evoke a sense of wonder, joy, and nostalgia in viewers of all ages. Artie is inspired by the colorful world around him and the boundless imagination of the inner child in all of us.

Artie’s artistic journey began with a deep appreciation for the pop art movement, which led him to explore vibrant colors, bold compositions, playful themes, and unique character-driven art. Drawing from popular culture and the wackiness of everyday life, Artie creates original artwork that resonates with a wide audience, inviting them to explore familiar subjects through a fresh, contemporary lens.

Artie’s inexhaustible passion for living each moment to its full potential is a palpable current permeating every niche of his being. His art is generated for a straightforward purpose...to make you stop, think, and smile!

Join us on Thursday, June 12, from 5:30 - 7 pm at the Boulder JCC Messinger Art Gallery for the opening of Artie Sandstone's new exhibition, Smile. Enjoy an evening of beautiful art, light fare, and incredible discussion. Register for the event on the Boulder JCC website.