From now through Nov. 12, Denver will celebrate its arts, more or less by saying "HEY LOOK."
There aren't too many specific events tied to Denver Arts Week, but there are a lot of deals and freebies to take advantage of, and what better excuse to go on an art spree?
First things first: First Friday.
The galleries and studios in Denver's art districts will leave their doors open after-hours to welcome the curious with a wine, beer, special exhibits, demonstrations and music.
Your options:
Santa Fe Art District, along Santa Fe drive from Alameda to 12th Avenue. This Friday, you can submit your own work to the "To Denver With Love" art contest.
River North Art District. This one is more spread out. Here's a gallery list. Special this Friday: you can take a "VIP art tour."
Tennyson Street Cultural District, along Tennyson Street from 39th to 45th Avenue. Here's a map. This Friday, they're having a $52.80 art sale.
Free night at the museums
Denver's museums will also stay open late, but on Saturday night, so you don't have to choose. They'll be offering free admission and special programming, including kids' activities. There will be free shuttles to transport anyone who wants to museum hop.
Here's the full list of participating institutions:
- Black American West Museum, 3091 California St.
- Byers-Evans House Museum, 1310 Bannock St.
- The CELL, 99 W. 12th Ave.
- Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, 2121 Children's Museum Drive
- Clyfford Still Museum, 1250 Bannock St.
- Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway
- Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St.
- Denver Firefighters Museum, 1326 Tremont Place
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd.
- Forney Museum of Transportation, 4303 Brighton Blvd.
- History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway
- Molly Brown House, 1340 Pennsylvania St.
Denver Film Festival
Of course Denver's celebration of film coincides with Denver's celebration of the arts.
The Denver Film Festival will sell more than 55,000 tickets and show more than 250 films through Nov. 13 at the Sie Film Center, the Denver Pavilions and the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
We've got a separate guide to enjoying the festival here.
Other deals and free stuff
Denver Arts Week organizers put together a searchable list of all the deals you can take advantage of throughout the week.
Of course, you can also celebrate Denver Arts Week by enjoying all the artistic expression the city has to offer any time of the year. Go see a local band at the Hi-Dive (I recommend Eldren) or a play from the Curious Theatre Company ("Hand to God" opens Saturday). Walk into any gallery or just stroll around RiNo and admire all of the neighborhood's new murals.
You could also just watch the entire Kirkland Museum roll down the street to its new location. Sounds like art to me.
