NoBo Art District is helping to melt away the chilly blues with an evening of live art, music and community in its Party for the Arts fundraiser, all in support of Boulder’s flourishing creative scene.

Kicking off at 5 p.m. tonight at Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl Suite, V3A, the party will usher in an evening lineup that includes live painting, dance battles, a drumline straight out of Carnival and an art auction. And, of course, the whole evening is for a good cause: Funds raised from the event support a variety of NoBo programs, from exhibitions at the Bus Stop Gallery to the NoBo Art Center, as well as public art projects and the First Friday Art Walks and Markets.

“Each of these initiatives is designed to support local artists and create opportunities for the community to engage with art,” said Liz Compos, development director at NoBo Art District.

Compos highlights the importance of sustaining these accessible spaces for both artists and the public.

“Party for the Arts is about building an inclusive, resilient space where local artists can thrive and the community can really dig into Boulder’s cultural landscape,” she said. “As we get into the season of giving and Colorado Gives Day (Dec. 10), we want to remind everyone just how much art brings us together and brightens our lives.”

The event is pulling out all the stops, with the help of a couple of powerhouse partners — including the Boulder County Arts Alliance, Street Wise Arts and Roots Music Project — to bring to the party a wide range of musical arts and performances, including Riley J Band, MaSango, a live dance performance from Mi Chantli, Sound Flight Poetry with Beyond Academia and the Starjammer and live painting by Christine Stadnik.

Street Wise Arts, a nonprofit organization known for its murals and community-driven art projects seen around town, will bring a unique perspective to Party for the Arts. Its collaboration with the NoBo Art District for this event highlights a shared mission: to create accessible art that engages and inspires the community.

While admiring murals is cool and all, seeing them being created in the moment is a whole different story. Stadnik, known for her colorful, nature-inspired work, will continue the theme of Climate Action and Optimism, which served as the focus for Street Wise’s 2024 Mural Festival in September.

“My piece is meant to be a continuation of that theme, with bright colors to evoke a sense of happiness,” Stadnik said, offering a glimpse into her vision for the live piece.

Though most people would probably feel extra pressure when painting for an audience, for Stadnik, live painting in a public setting is a breeze.

“Time really flies when I live paint,” she said. “Community connection is integral to my work as an artist, so being in these spaces and interacting in person is my passion.”

As she works, attendees can observe her creative process up close, adding an educational — and immersive — element to the event.

Stadnik’s painting will be part of the evening’s art auction, with proceeds benefiting both NoBo Art District and Street Wise Arts.

“Supporting these events is so meaningful,” she said. “I hope people are inspired to be part of this impact.”

Helen Masango — also known as her artistic alias, HLNE — is a creative triple threat. A musician, visual artist and storyteller, she’s an active member of NoBo Art District with an exhibition currently on display at the Bus Stop Gallery. “UnMute — Melanin Musings: An Earnest Peek into the Margins” brings a poetic blend of artistry and activism to Boulder’s art scene and it is on display at the gallery, 4895 Broadway, Boulder, through Nov. 24.

Her high-contrast portraits, often rendered in dramatic black and white, pull viewers into the heart of untold stories and experiences. Her exhibition invites audiences to confront the realities faced by marginalized voices, using her work as a platform for connection and dialogue.

In addition to her visual work, Masango’s presence extends into music as one half of MaSango, an Afro-fusion duo with her husband, Zivanai. The pair will perform their signature rhythms of Zimbabwe and Southern Africa — a musical fusion of contemporary and traditional sounds.

Occasionally, said Masango, the duo invites guest musicians on stage to bring even more energy to their performance with traditional instruments like the mbira and marimba.

“Our music pulses with an infectious rhythm that promises to have audiences dancing from the very first beat,” she said, describing the dynamic energy of their live performances.

For Masango, performing at events like Party for the Arts that support NoBo’s mission feels deeply personal.

“As an artist, I’m hopeful about the inclusivity of the NoBo Art District and how it brings together a diverse range of creative voices,” said Masango, who is from Zimbabwe. “In a place like Boulder, where diversity is limited, NoBo is creating a space where artists from all backgrounds can share their work, learn from each other, and feel seen.”

She added: “Performing at an event that directly supports NoBo feels meaningful because it’s a chance to contribute to the ongoing conversation around inclusivity in Boulder’s art scene. I’m hopeful that these kinds of events will continue to create more visibility for all artists and bring us closer as a community. It’s inspiring to imagine what we can build together when we uplift each other.”

The event runs until 9 p.m. Tickets are free, but donations are suggested. To register for tickets, visit tinyurl.com/4kk5z7cj.