Ah, the Summer Annual Art Festivals are upon us. Some have already come and gone, others are still to come and some are brand new to the Summer schedule. Shall we begin? Keep in mind that what I am presenting is only a fraction of the best, in chronological order.
Denver Greek Festival – Photo Courtesy of DGF
The Greek Festival is not all about the culinary delights, it is also a good place to find art. The Greek Festival begins Friday, June 20th and runs through Sunday, June 22nd. The Greek Boutique offers hand painted artwork, watercolor and oil paintings from Zografos Gallery. Fine Greek jewelry will also be showcased, including fine gold, sterling silver and much more.
Known as “The two Cretan Cousins,” Bill Gian and Tim Gianulis will be showcasing their paintings and sculptures with Bill Gian, creating a “live action painting” Sunday, June 22nd at 4 p.m.
The Greek Festival runs Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. General Admission is $5.00 per person per day, Free to children under 12, $3 for those 65 and older. See you this weekend. OPA!
Denver Taco Festival – Photo Courtesy of DTF
The inaugural Denver Taco Festival kicks off Saturday, June 28th and Sunday, June 29th. Yes, I know it may sound like just a Taco Festival, but there will also be art, I promise. The event is being held on Larimer Street between 32nd and 34th Streets, just a little North and East of downtown.
There will be several local artist creating their works live while you enjoy tacos of many flavors and maybe even some Tequila. Event runs both Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
This is a ticketed event $12 per person; however, if you purchase early, tickets are discounted.
Please visit http://denvertacofestival.com/about-denver-taco-fest/ for more information. Proceeds benefit a new outreach nonprofit program for kids, Super Awesome Fantastic Entertainment (SAFE). This nonprofit was created to help change the lives of our youth who may have been affected by the death of a parent or substance abuse. Tacos and Art, yum and yeah.
Dale Chihuly at the Denver Botanic Gardens, photo by Lindsey Bartlett.
While this is not an annual art festival and the show has already begun, I highly recommend the Denver Botanical Gardens first opportunity to show the glass artwork of American artist Dale Chihuly. I visited Desert Botanical Gardens in Scottsdale, Arizona several years ago to walk amongst Chihuly’s works of blown glass art. Absolutely amazing.
Show runs June 13th – November 30th, 2014. This fall, the gardens will be illuminated by Chihuly’s work during the Chihuly Nights. This is a must-experience show.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival 2014
July 4th – 6th brings us the 24th Annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival, admission is Free. This is always a great event to be a tourist in your own city during a long holiday weekend. Visit https://www.cherryarts.org/ for more information. Plan to dress light, bring your wallet and be sure wear your sunscreen as there are 260 artist to enjoy. Located in the heart of Cherry Creek, 2nd Avenue – 3rd Avenue, Columbine – Steele Street.
Colorado Black Arts Festival – Courtesy of CBAF
The Colorado Black Arts Festival celebrates 28 years showcases “the rich and creative talents of local, regional and national African Americans in art and culture.” This is a 3 day Free event that beings Friday, July 11th – Sunday, July 13th. This event is located in City Park, and at 17th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, Denver. Event runs each day 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
If you enjoy jazz, blues, reggae, gospel, traditional African drum and dance, as well as incredible works of visionary art, then this is definitely a must-attend event. Family friendly with activities for the entire family. See you there.
Sculpture In The Park – Loveland – Courtesy of SITPL
One of my truly favorites is the 31st Annual Loveland Sculpture in the Park show located in Loveland, it is tagged as the largest outdoor juried art show. Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 9th and Sunday, August 10th. I have attended this art festival for the past eleven years and have never been disappointed. Tickets are $7 per person and children 14 and under are admitted Free. The festival is located at the Benson Sculpture Garden at 2908 Aspen Drive, Loveland. Visit http://www.sculptureinthepark.org for a full list of artists. For me, this event is an opportunity to visit with old friends and meet new ones, and of course, become a collector.
Observant – Carolyn Barlock – Photo Courtesy of Artist
An artist to seek out at the Loveland Sculpture in the Park is Carolyn L. Barlock, working in the “ancient porcelain techniques culminating in her use of 24 Karat Florentine Gold and ancient Persian Lusters dating from 9th Century Baghdad.” Definitely an artist to collect.
Golden Arts Festival – Photo Courtesy of GAF
Another favorite is The Golden Fine Arts Festival, Saturday, August 16th and Sunday, August 17th, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The festival offers a juried art show featuring the work of nine different mediums: Ceramics, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Media, 2D, Painting, Sculpture and Photography.
The festival is held on 11th Street, west of Washington Avenue between Arapahoe and Maple Streets in historic downtown Golden. The setting offers the view of the foothills and a quaint small-town feel. Artists from all over the Nation attend and share their works of art. There is a Kids’ Art Zone. This event is Free.
All of these events offer an opportunity for everyone to become a collector in every price range imaginable. Enjoy your Summer and remember to be a tourist and collector of the arts. Please do your own research and find out what art festivals are out there. Some of my go-to research includes: www.ColoradoArtSeen.com and www.Colorado.gov and all city/county directories.
Here’s to seeing you out and about this Summer.