As you have heard me mention before, a long holiday weekend is the perfect opportunity to be a “tourist” in your own city, and this weekend is no exception. While you can attend the tried and true Taste of Colorado, located at Civic Center Park, you can also expand your horizons and attend some interesting artistic indoor and outdoor events that are family friendly.
An interesting event that hits it all is Designers Rock – a Fashion, Music and Art Event. This event features talented artists in the world of Runway Fashion, Art and Live Performances. Tickets are $20.00; show times are 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sunday, September 1st, 2013 with the event being held at Timbers Hotel 4411 Peoria Street, Aurora, CO 80011.
The Biennial of the Americas continues through September 2nd, with locations around the city that are free. The Mine Pavilion located just off Speer Boulevard, was created by Architects Mauricio Pezo and Sofia von Ellrichshousen of Chile, it is to “address the concept of distance, both actual and perceptual, within our urban fabric, by creating a pedestrian friendly structure that bridges downtown and the Auraria Campus. A wooden structure standing 50ft high, 50ft long and 10ft wide, Mine Pavilion pays homage to Colorado’s rich mining history and welcomes all to come explore.”
Imagined Realities presented by Redline “is a temporary exhibition at Sustainability Park (SPark) that is dedicated to artistic research that explores the intertwined concepts of energy and sustainability. This exhibition considers concepts interwoven in both challenges and solutions to sustainable living, from the conundrum of envisioning utopia to the aura of the apocalyptic potentials that often drive sustainable endeavors.” Sustainability Park is located at 26th and Arapahoe, Denver, CO 80205. This is a free event, however, they are accepting donations. Show times are at 9:00 a.m.
Playground presented by Sandra Phillips Gallery located at 420 West 12th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204. “Playground artists Margaret Kasahara and Ashley Benton were both honored to the chosen by Colorado’s leading curators as “Women of Influence” and explore issues of personal identity and pop culture using vibrant textured colors. Upon closer inspection, nothing is as simple as it seems.” A free event.
Already have too much packed onto your weekend plate? Then next weekend, Saturday, September 7th there are two events that you shouldn’t miss that are also family friendly.
Valverde Bazaar Urban Outdoor Market at Eron Johnson Antiques, 389 South Lipan Street, Denver, CO 80223. “This is not your traditional flea market. The Valverde Bazaar brings together emerging artisans and small independent Colorado businesses selling a mix of vintage, antique and hip handmade products.”
There will be over 60 businesses that will set up shop for this “1-Day only Pop-Up market in the outdoor space of Eron Johnson Antiques surrounded by our garden and architectural antiques.” This event takes place Saturday, September 7th, opens at 9:00 a.m. and is also a free event.
And lastly, the Family Saturday Workshop presented by the Dikeou Collection is a fun way to introduce you and your children to the arts. Saturday, September 7th will be the 6th installment of “our Family Saturday Workshop series. This month we will focus on artist Johannes VanDerBeek. The Dikeou Collection is home to a spectacular art installation by Johannes called “Newspaper Ruined” (2008), and it will serve as inspiration for this month’s workshop. Johannes’s “Newspaper Ruined” is a large imaginary city made of out the New York Times. This piece brings together elements of sculpture and collage and is a favorite at the Dikeou Collection.” The Dikeou Collection is located at 1615 California Street, Suite 515, Denver, CO 80202. This event is free and runs 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, September 7th.
So get Out and About this weekend and next. Be a tourist in your own city and don’t forget to buy yourself a souvenir.
Please Note: Some information, quotes were researched and gathered directing from event websites, including Denver.org, ColoradoArtSeen.com.