The Art Students League of Denver began in 1987 providing programs to help artists of all levels, and the Summer Art Market is the group's most popular event.
This weekend's Summer Art Market in Wash Park West includes close to 200 Colorado artists, local food, kids' activities, and demos by faculty members.
Kim Harrell is a silversmith and jewelry designer who has been with the Art Students League since 2014. She works primarily in silver. "It's such a beautiful material and Colorado has a rich history of silver mining. Obviously it's part of the reason we exist," Harrell said. "I work with some other metals. Silver for me is my favorite. So yeah, you get to see [it] in all her glory."
Harrell said the annual event is different from many other art fairs: "A lot of the folks, this is the only market they do. And it's very personal. We're all Colorado artists."
Art Students League executive director Rachel Basye sees the market as an opportunity to meet Colorado artists in their element.
"This is an opportunity for them to show and sell their art. And so everyone else who comes gets to interact with those artists, learn about what their art means to them," Basye said. "It's just a great way to spend a weekend and meet some interesting people.'
Basye said the neighborhood embraces the event and provides a special backdrop. Harrell said that's part of the secret to its success.
"It's just such a great vibe. It feels very, like a little village festival almost. I mean, it doesn't feel like you're in some urban environment, and although that's just a couple blocks away, it's just a great easygoing fair," Harrell said. "It doesn't feel commercial in any way. It just feels super real and down to earth. And I think that's why it's lasted so long."
The Art Students League of Denver's Summer Art Market is August 27 and 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the streets around the Art Students League building at 200 Grant St.
