Art anyone? The first Friday evening of every month is when the local art studios and galleries open their doors so the public can get a glimpse of local and international art. Even if art isn’t your thing the city’s art walks are a great place to people watch and enjoy the free wine & snacks. The are walks are not overly pretentious but open to all walks of life and open to everybody who is interested in the talent that is displayed. Here’s where the Art Walks happen:
Santa Fe Art Walk.
Lincoln Park (80204)
Santa Fe between 5th & 10th
This is the original Art Walk in Denver and features the largest number of studios and galleries in one swoop, 30 to be exact. First Friday Art Walk is one of the many events that goes on here, click out www.artdistrictonsantafe.com for the full deal & other weekly happenings.
Tennyson Art Walk.
Berkeley (80212)
Tennyson between 38th & 45th.
Tennyson Art Walk features 15 galleries and stores in the Berkeley neighborhood just west of Downtown. Tennyson Art Walk is zesty and has a much different feel, one that is a combo of shopping, art, music & perhaps some food.
Golden Triangle Arts.
Golden Triangle (80204)
Colfax/Broadway/Speer
This First Friday offers a Free art bus sponsored by Golden Triangle Museum District that will cart participants around the Golden Triangle to the galleries that are a bit further from one another. It’s a cultural evening that is free and fun–can’t beat that. The maps for featured galleries are available at www.gtmd.org or for info 303.534.0771.
Navajo Street District
In Lower Highlands on Navajo St between 35th and 37th Ave. You can stroll a handful of galleries – D Gallery, Zip37, Edge, Next and Pirate then grab a bite at one of Denver’s oldest Italian eateries, Patsy’s.
River North Art District
RiNo - Boundaries: North/I-70, West/I-25, South/Park Ave. W., East/Arapahoe St.
The industrial district full of businesses in creative spaces and most all galleries are open to the public during First Friday and they even have a Second Saturday. The area is steps outside of Downtown with theaters, galleries and studios with a handful of pubs. It’s a fun First Friday on a bike. Each visit will lend itself to a new experience. A few months ago I was able to drop in Blake Street Glass to watch the artists creating. They even let some onlookers help blow the glass!
The Art Walks have become really popular through the years and are a great way to spend an evening doing something a little different in Denver. They are held year-round but the summer nights create a perfect backdrop to stroll the street and see what Denver’s art culture has to offer. Check it out and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the art, food, people & fun.
[where: 80204, 80212, 80205, 80211]
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