The Holiday season is often a balancing act of scheduling and attending festive events that may only come around this time of year. This week’s Friday Experience takes us on an artistic awakening of the Arts and Culture that Denver and the surrounding communities have to offer, fun for the entire family.

Arts and culture during the holiday season this year

The Mercury Café, located at 2199 California Street, Denver, CO 80205 will be hosting Navidad Flamenca: Flamenco Christmas Show this Friday, December 19th Show begins at 7:30 p.m. and cost is $15.00. This will be an exciting and authentic Flamenco show presented by Natalia Perez Del Villar and the Flamenco Underground. “Celebrate the Holidays with an incredible Live Flamenco Show. The show includes a special program with Villancicos Flamencos (Spanish Christmas Caroles), RUFFLE: Basket with Spanish products and two Gift Certificates for a Paella Class at Tapas de Jerez.” Call for Reservations, as this event will book up fast, 303.294.9258.

 

Flamenco Underground - Photo Flyer Courtesy of Denver.org

Flamenco Underground – Photo Flyer Courtesy of Denver.org

Holiday Miniatures - Abend Gallery - Photo Courtesy of Denver.org

Holiday Miniatures – Abend Gallery – Photo Courtesy of Denver.org

If you are a collector, you know how important wall space is and may be down to 10×10 size or smaller pieces of artwork. This is why the Holiday Miniatures Show at Abend Gallery may be right up your alley. Over 100 artists are displaying over 500 paintings size 10×10 or smaller – “artworks represent a variety of artistic styles and subject matter. Plus Saturday, December 20th, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. there will be artist demonstrations.” Abend Gallery is located at 2260 E. Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80206, and is open daily 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

"Thought You Said We Were Going Hunting" Brent Learned - Photo Courtesy of Denver.org

“Thought You Said We Were Going Hunting” Brent Learned – Photo Courtesy of Denver.org

It’s never too late to learn more about the art, culture and history of our countries first citizens. The Native American Trading Company is hosting the “Descendants of Sand Creek” featuring the works of Cheyenne and Arapaho artists Brent Learned, George Levi, Nathan Hart, BJ Stepp and Merlin Little Thunder. The artist’s work is represented in several different mediums and all are in remembrance of their Sand Creek ancestors. The Native American Trading Company is located across the street from the Denver Art Museum in the Golden Triangle Arts District at 213 West 13th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204, 303.534.0771 and is open Wednesday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Show runs through December 24th, 2014, this is a must attend cultural and artistic awakening.

 

 

Gallery 1261, LLC also located in the Golden Triangle Arts District is hosts East and East. The “alternative visions a landmark exhibition of contemporary master painters Quang Ho and Vincent Xeus. This exhibition offers a once-in-a-generation survey on two of the most imaginative and groundbreaking artists.” Gallery 1261 is located at 1261 Delaware, Denver, CO 80204 and is open Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Please note that Gallery 1261 has special holiday hours and closures, please visit their website at www.gallery1261.com for more accurate hours of operation during this time frame.

"April Impression" Vincent Xeus 1261 Gallery - Photo Courtesy of Denver.org

“April Impression” Vincent Xeus 1261 Gallery – Photo Courtesy of Denver.org

One of my favorite holiday events is the Denver Christkindl Market located at 16th and Arapahoe, Skyline Park that includes “vendors and artisans from Germany and other countries, offering high-quality handcrafted gifts that include traditional hand-carved wooden figurines, handmade candles and ornaments. Traditional German food will tempt your taste buds while you sip on Gluhwein (hot spicy wine) as you listen to traditional Christmas carols and live German music.” Entry is free and fun for the entire family. Start your downtown tradition this year. This event runs through December 23rd, open daily from 10 a.m. into the night.

Denver Christkindl Market

Denver Christkindl Market

Several performance arts theaters will be hosting the holiday favorite The Nutcracker with a date and that will fit any schedule. December 19th, The Colorado Conservatory of Dance is presenting A Sensory Friendly Nutcracker at 7:00 p.m. at the Performing Arts Complex at Pinnacle Charter School, 1001 W. 84th Avenue, Denver, CO 80260. Tickets are just $10.00. “People with sensory, social and learning disabilities can fully participate in a cherished holiday tradition with their families.” Visit www.PCSArts.com for more information about this event and other Nutcracker productions.

Denver Ballet - Photo by Mike Watson

Denver Ballet – Photo by Mike Watson

The Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood CO, is presenting Ballet Ariel’s first season of performing The Nutcracker at the Lakewood Cultural Center. “Audiences will delight in this beautiful production of the Nutcracker to Tchaikovsky’s famous score.” Tickets are $25.00 – $35.00. Show times: Friday, December 19th 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, December 20th 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, December 21st 2:00 p.m. Visit www.Lakewood.org for more information.

The Colorado Ballet will be dancing with sugar plum fairies at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1000 14th Street, Denver, CO 80204 with several shows times: 1:00 p.m.; 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. through December 27th and no performances on December 25th. “This enchanting adventure will transport audiences to a magical world of awe and wonder. Bring the whole family to Colorado’s most joyful holiday tradition.” Visit www.OperaHouseDenver.com for ticket information.

Embrace the holidays and allow yourself and your family to get carried away in the magic of the season. The gift of art and culture is something that will always be cherished. Happy Holidays.