Denver Arts Week begins this First Friday, November 6 and continues on through Saturday, November 14. There is no end to the exciting level of art and culture during this week-long event. Denver, all arts districts and surrounding areas break out the introductory red carpet, so to speak to those who have never experienced Art Week before and high fives those who know what this week long event holds.

Do you know your Arts Districts? Metro Denver and the surrounding Denver areas are broken out into specified Arts Districts; each one offers a unique artistic experience. However, you don’t have to limit your experience to just the districts as there is plenty of art and culture out there that take you off the beaten path. Events listed will be FREE unless otherwise noted. This is just the short list of what you can experience, please visit www.Denver.org/denver-arts-week/events.  Shall we begin?

 

Arts District on Santa Fe located along Santa Fe Drive between 7th Avenue and 13th Avenue hosts 60 participating galleries, restaurants and artist studios. Santa Fe will also be closed during this First Friday event to extend the walkway for those attending. www.ArtDistrictOnSantaFe.com

FIRED: Arvada Center for Arts & Humanities. Photo Courtesy of DAW

FIRED: Arvada Center for Arts & Humanities. Photo Courtesy of DAW

West Metro Arts Districts include: City of Golden/Belmar in Lakewood/Olde Towne Arvada.

Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities open their doors on Saturday, November 7th for FIRED: Iron, Ceramics and Glass allowing the you to explore the “world of art created by fire, hosting a free artist discussion in the Main Gallery at 11:00 a.m. Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada, CO 80003. This is a FREE event. Visit www.ArvadaCenter.org for more information about this and other special Arts Week Events for the entire family.

 

 

Golden Triangle Museum District will offer a free Museum District First Friday circulating trolley from TownePlace Suites by Marriott and visit the museum and galleries opening receptions from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Walker Fine Art located in the Golden Triangle presents “New Works” showcasing paintings by Heather Patterson, sculpture by Barbara Sorenson in the front gallery while the Back Gallery features the work of Mark Penner Howell, Pat Finley and Mel Rae. Artist Opening Reception Friday, November 6th, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Walker Fine Art, 300 West 11th Avenue, Unit A, Denver, 80204. Visit www.WalkerFineArt.com for more information.

Walker Fine Art - New Works Exhibit - Denver Arts Week

Walker Fine Art – New Works Exhibit – Denver Arts Week

Navajo Street Art District is nestled in the Lower Highlands area of Denver between 41 & 34 Avenue host Pirate, Next Co-Op, Edge, Zip 37 Galleries, Clear Creek Gallery of Jewelry and Metal Arts and Patsy’s Italian Restaurant and The Bug Performance and Media Arts Center. A little something for everyone tastes. www.NavajoStreetArtDistrict.com

South Broadway/Washington Park/Old South Gaylord & South Pearl are just a bit south and East of downtown Denver; “both are home to many artists studios and galleries, along with one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants”.

Artist Patrick Kane McGregor putting finishing touches on Mural 35th & Wynkoop

Artist Patrick Kane McGregor putting finishing touches on Mural 35th & Wynkoop

RiNo (River North Art District) is offering more than 30 artist studio spaces as well as galleries to explore. The RiNo Art District “includes a remarkable concentration of creative business and artisans.” Visit www.RiverNorthArt.com.

Creative Convergence located in the RiNo District is literally a “multidisciplinary convergence” for the kick-off of Denver’s Art Week. The Converge members include: fine artists, photographers; filmmakers, designers, makers and more will showcase their work. First Friday Reception, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Creative Convergence/Converge Denver, 3327 Brighton Boulevard, Denver, CO 80216. Visit www.ConvergeDenver.com

Tennyson Street Cultural District has many participating galleries offering artwork starting at just $52.80… what a great way to start off your collection to the arts!

Tenn Street Coffee and Books is located along the Tennyson Street Cultural District. Join Tenn Street as they proudly host the 7th Year of hosting Regis University’s Advanced Digital Art Students’ Show with their Professor Judy Gardner. This exhibit will highlight the most up-to-date directions of digital creations.

Then take a short walk up the street to Lapis Gallery for “Hot Off The Press” where Judy Gardner is also showcased with Bryan Dahlberg, Sherry Hern, Tadd Moskal, Michael Rieger and many more showcasing their printmaking skills at Lapis Gallery/Lapis Design and Build, 3971 Tennyson Street, Denver, CO 80212. First Friday Artist Reception, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.  www.LapisArts.com.

Critters & Canvas - Animal Artwork - Denver Zoo

Critters & Canvas – Animal Artwork – Denver Zoo

How about a family friendly event at the Denver Zoo as they bring us “Critters and Canvas: abstract masterpieces of animal residents big and small that have channeled their inner van Gogh for this year’s Denver Arts week. Get a sneak peek of the artwork the Zoo will be auctioning off in support of animal care!” Visit www.Bidding ForGood.com to view and bid on 19 works of art, bidding closes on November 14th. Tickets can be purchased either at the Denver Zoo in person or on-line. Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street, Denver, CO 80205 or phone 720.337.1400 to find out more.

What about a Night at a one of your favorite Museums? Then mark your calendar for this Saturday, November 7, as the best of the best are open late and offering either FREE or a DEAL’s on admission between 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Visit www.Denver.org/denver-arts-week for a complete listing.

"Girl on a Horse" - Edwin Forrest Ward - WENDO Productions - Highland Park Lobby Art Series

“Girl on a Horse” – Edwin Forrest Ward – WENDO Productions – Highland Park Lobby Art Series

Off the beaten path can also lead you to artistic adventures showcased in Restaurants or Apartment Lobby’s. The purpose of Denver Arts Week is to allow you to explore the imaginative places throughout Denver’s growing culture where you can experience art.

As the week winds down and closes out, you will want to check out these next locations that are different but in no way less important places to view artwork and become a collector of Colorado’s finest artisans.

WENDO Productions in conjunction with Highland Park bring us the watercolor ink works of Edwin Forrest Ward with a “Meet the Artist/Meet your Neighbor” event on Friday, November 13th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Highland Park Lobby Art Series, 2424 West Caithness Place, Denver, CO 80211, (30th & Zuni). Edwin Forrest Ward’s work has been called the “Renoir” of watercolor inks.

"Denver After Dark" - Marcia Ward

“Denver After Dark” – Marcia Ward

 

 

 

 

Then wrap of Denver Arts Week with the fine photography artwork of Marcia Ward at In The Gallery of BRIK on York, as they host an Artist Reception, Saturday, November 14th 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. with a special short film presentation by Marcia Ward called “My Name’s Neal Cassady, What’s Yours?” featuring Andy Clausen. BRIK on York, 2223 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO.

Denver Arts Week is all about what Colorado in general has to offer in all areas of Culture not limiting you to just downtown Denver or limiting you to the “traditional” art locations… take the path less traveled and you might just find a gem.

Denver Arts Week offers something for everyone. A Night at the Museums, Stage, Theater, Historic Attractions, Music, Film & Literature, Dance and just so much more. Visit www.ColoradoArtSeen.com and www.Denver.org/denver-arts-week for more information to guide you on your cultural artistic adventure.

 

Please note: some information was gathered directly from DenverArtsWeek.com, some photos courtesy of Denver Arts Week, Denver.org, or the artist