Throughout the neighborhoods of Denver there is an expanding network of creative endeavors which includes an art walk every first Friday of the month all year round. Galleries, shops and restaurants extend their hours or offer deals in order to encourage people to engage in the creative community and meet others with similar interests.
The participating neighborhoods are: Art District on Santa Fe, River North Art District, Golden Triangle Museum District, Tennyson Street Cultural District, Block 7 Arts, Navajo Street Art District and South Pearl Street. River North Art District (or RiNo) is our focus this Friday and to sharpen your curiosity we bring you a list of must-sees.
Helikon Gallery & Studios
Where: 3675 Wynkoop St, Denver
What: Formations by Sarah Winkler
When: 6-10 p.m.
The Low Down: This British-born artist has relocated to the Rocky Mountains and is inspired daily by her mountainous surroundings which she translates into her paintings, saying “landscape is strong and attractive—our place within it—fleeting.” These landscapes are created using her special layering technique and according to her, “mimics the addition and subtraction of geological textures, over time.” These new works will be shown at the opening reception on March 4 and will continue at Helikon Gallery until April 2, 2016.
aBuzz Gallery
Where: 3340 Walnut St, Denver
What: Conversations: Significant Years by Carol Ann Waugh
When: 6-9 p.m
The Low Down: Award-winning fiber artist Carol Ann Waugh displays her unique and thought-provoking series on First Fridays, this being the last one before her closing reception on March 19, 2016 (1-3 p.m.) Each piece is created to provoke conversations between viewers or between the viewer and the artist by using words and phrases that are reactionary. With political, social, historical and emotional overtones, these pieces are worth a visit. Especially after a happy hour drink with a friend.
Lane Meyer Projects
Where: 2528 Walnut St., Denver
What: Cool for Cats by Sabine Tress
When: 6-9 p.m
The Low Down: Get lost in the color and texture of the abstract paintings of German-born artist Sabine Tress. These new works are being showcased for the first time this Friday at the edgy arts facility which calls itself, “part exhibition space, part work space and part ideas Salon.” These oil paintings explore how freedom from thinking about art as ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ translates into a raw technique which utilizes space, color and movement to convey emotions.
MegaFauna
Where: 3102 Blake Street
What: It’s a MF Art Show! with @BetterCallSol
When: 5-10 p.m.
The Low Down: Solomon Chambers will be displaying a study in watercolor, charcoal, pen and acrylic with original works and prints for sale at the conscious consumer store, MegaFauna, for First Friday in March. These works are haunting but with his attention to detail they provide enjoyment at many different levels. Locally sourced snacks, beverages and music will be provided.
Ice Cube Gallery
Where: 3320 Walnut St, Denver
What: Bigely, Fries and Phelps Rogers
When: 6-9 p.m
The Low Down: Join this artist run cooperative for a special three-part artist series. Neil Bigely, in Milieux, considers what it would be like to take core samples from landfills, what kind of story it would tell, seeing the stratification of human waste and portrays these questions with art. Amber Fries, with guest artist Grace Fries, interprets the phrase “salad days” from Shakespeare with a collection of photographs that inspire the feeling of youth, of inexperience, of idealism and recklessness. Laura Phelps Rogers’ Utopia uses large scale photography and three-dimensional work to create “conceptual interpretations of the landscape” which can invite humor, nostalgia, playfulness or seriousness.
There are many more participating businesses to explore and enjoy. And, between those businesses keep your eyes peeled for murals on walls which often change weekly and are sanctioned by the city. Since the weather is getting warmer, spend your Friday evening walking between these neat pockets of creativity and individuality and experience the blossoming world of art in Denver.