db art news

The Starz Denver Film Festival is still going on through Saturday and definitely the place to be. The forecast calls for Areas FgzDz (areas of freezing drizzle - nice) so while it may seem swell out there now, it’ll be film festival weather over the next few days. We also have a short film mini event and a design gathering for your alternative options.

EYE OPENING FILMS | The Starz Film Center

There are lots of great films to discover at the Denver Film Festival this week, as well as a wide range of excellent documentaries. Here are a couple docs that you might want to checkout for yourself:

Another Planet unfolds as a cinematic poem in the tradition of Koyaanisqatsi. A hypnotically beautiful and acutely disturbing commentary on the human condition as it follows the lives of seven children across four continents. The director’s vision reminds us of the eternal coexistence of beauty and horror around the world.

Life. Support. Music. When Jason Crigler, one of the most sought-after guitarists in Manhattan, falls off the stage during a performance, his family refuses to accept the prognosis that he will be left in a vegetative state forever. What emerges is a portrait of unwavering love, faith and optimism. A community of musicians including Marshall Crenshaw and Nora Jones also help to contribute to his recovery and rehabilitation.

They Killed Sister Dorothy. Colorado based filmmaker Daniel Junge, chronicles the legal proceedings that follow the execution style murder of sister Dorothy Stang in the Amazon Forest. A Catholic nun and activist that had lived in Brazil for thirty years. The extra-special reason why you should see this doc at the festival? It was announced this week that it was being considered for an Academy Award nomination.

What: 31st Starz Denver Film Festival
Where: The Starz Film Center, 900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, 303.595.3456 x250 & other venues
When: Now thru Saturday, November 22nd

Starz Denver Film Festival

Posted By: Tammy Brislin

BRAINBOX SHORTS | The Union

Brain Box Creative (Johnny Morehouse) and Fashion Denver (Brandi Shigley) are presenting a night of short films by local award winning film maker Johnny Morehouse. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Morehouse’s new fund to support local filmmakers in the finishing stages of their projects. Also gives you a chance to check out a new Santa Fe gallery.

What: Come See What I Hear evening of film shorts
Where: The Union, 738 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, 303.877.6825
When: Thursday, November 20th, 8pm, $5

Fashion Denver

DESIGN TALK | MCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art’s Applied Ideas events are open discussions on design and its significance, theory, and practice. This week’s topic is Print Design, discussed by a panel of local print designers and moderated by Ian Coyle of SUPERHEROES.

What: Applied Ideas - Print Design
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 1485 Delgany, Denver, 303.298.7554
When: Friday, November 21st, 7:30-9:30pm, free with museum admission ($10)

Applied Ideas MCA

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

Denver Arts Week starts on Friday with the theme Fear No Art. One of the highlights of the week is definitely the Starz Denver Film Festival, but all of the galleries and museums will be happening on Friday’s opening night.

CINEMATIC EXTRAVAGANZA | Starz FilmCenter

The Starz Denver Film Festival kicks off this Thursday night. Over the 11 days, more than 215 features and shorts (documentary and narrative, animated and live-action) will screen at the festival. Many films accompanied by the filmmakers. Being that this is the db art news, it must be noted that there is a terrific line-up of art-related films. To name a few: Guest of Cindy Sherman, Wesley Willis’s Joyride, Trapped by His Passions, No Hope for Rescue. And a must see for contemporary art fans, the evening with Carolee Schneeman, who is being honored with the Stan Brakhage Award. Also make note of the Red Carpet Presentations at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and the Special Presentations at the King Center. Plus a few Boulder screenings through the IFS. So many gems to find… check it out online.

What: 31st Starz Denver Film Festival
Where: The Starz FilmCenter, 900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, 303.595.3456 x250 & other venues
When: Thursday, November 13th to Saturday, November 22nd

Denver Film Society

HOLIDAY ART PARTY | Space Gallery

Music, food, cocktails, holiday shopping and give-aways, all in a groovy locale. Oh yeah and it’s a fundraiser for court-appointed special advocates for children. What better way to start your holiday season? Also bring a toy donation and receive a free gift.

What: Fall into the Holidays - Toy Drive Cocktail Party
Where: Space Gallery, 765 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, 720.904.1088
When: Friday, November 14th, 7-10pm, $25

YPP Holiday Party

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUMS | DAM, MCA, Museo de las Americas

Denver museums are offering free admission Friday night as part of Denver Arts Week. They’ll even have free shuttles from the Cherry Creek Shopping Center to several participating museums so you don’t have to worry about parking. There is a long list of participating museums, but my picks are the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Museo de las Americas.

What: Night at the Museums
Where: DAM, MCA, Museo de las Americas and others
When: Friday, November 14th, 5-10pm, free

Night at the Museums

DANCE PERFORMANCE | Bluestone Gallery

Kim Olson/Sweet Edge will perform thin WATER blue ICE at Bluestone Gallery in the RiNo neighborhood on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s either $10 or $20 depending on who you ask (Kim or the gallery).

What: thin WATER blue ICE modern dance performance
Where: BlueStone Gallery, 3377 Blake Street Suite 105, Denver, 303.292.3370
When: Friday, November 14th and Saturday November 15th, two performances at 7:30pm and 8:30pm, $10-20

BlueStone Gallery

LOCAL DESIGNER TRUNK SHOW | The Fabric Lab

Melissa May frocks will be featured at the Prototype show at the Fabric Lab this Saturday night. With cupcakes, cocktails, a fashion show and a designer talk, this will be a great chance to mingle with the local fashion crowd.

What: Prototype local designer trunk show
Where: The Fabric Lab, 3105 East Colfax, Denver, 303.321.3604
When: Saturday November 15th, 7-10pm, free, RSVP required

The Fabric Lab

Posted By: Christina Kiffney and Tammy Brislin

Denver Arts Week starts next Friday night, so Denver art galleries are stepping it up this First Friday in preparation for the big celebrations. Several venues are also starting to think about your holiday shopping needs. But this week’s news starts with something for you outdoorsy types who like to stick a toe in the art scene every once in a while. (ps whaddya think of the new format??)

november 6th…

ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL | Boulder Theater

Featuring films about outdoor adventure, this festival screens films from around the world that will inspire you to participate or protect the big bad beautiful world we live in.

What: Adventure Film Festival
Where: Boulder Theater, 2032 14th Street, Boulder, 303.786.7030
When: Thursday Nov 6th - Saturday Nov 8th, see website for schedule

Adventure Film Festival

NEW GALLERY OPENING | Gallery T

Ron Judish Fine Arts was one of Denver’s top galleries in the 90s, and when it closed Ron moved into private art dealing. But Ron is back, opening a new gallery on Santa Fe that will definitely be the one to watch. Tonight’s opening night demonstrates his international art expertise with two renowned artists starting him off right — Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst. No doubt the party will be over the top too.

What: Gallery T Opening Night
Where: Gallery T, 878-2 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, 303.893.0960
When: Thursday, November 6th, 6-9pm

Gallery T Opening

november 7th…

FIRST FRIDAY | Santa Fe Arts District

There are so many great First Friday art shows this week that I’m dividing them by neighborhood. Rest assured, as always, I’ve scoured through all the listings and websites (damn!) to find you the best picks of the week.

What: Deidre Adams Opening
Where: Translations Gallery, 855 Inca Street, Denver, 303.629.0713
When: Friday, November 7th, 6-9pm

Translations Gallery

What: Laura Guese & Jim Peterson Opening
Where: Space Gallery, 765 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, 720.904.1088
When: Friday, November 7th, 6-9pm

Space Gallery

What: Blake Flynn Opening
Where: Habitat Gallery, 828 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, 303.534.9740
When: Friday, November 7th, 6-9pm

Habitat Gallery

What: Installations and fire pit sculptures of Matthew Graff and Jeff Erwine + Joining of Sliding Door Gallery to Kanon
Where: Kanon Collective, 766 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, 303.249.4653
When: Friday, November 7th, 6-9pm

Kanon Collective

What: 21st Annual Holiday Show Preview (shopping time!)
Where: Artists on Santa Fe, 747 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, 303.573.5903
When: Friday, November 7th, 6-9pm

Artists on Santa Fe

FIRST FRIDAY | RiNo Arts District

The River North Arts District is a little more spread out, but a little bit funkier too. Think way north LoDo.

What: BORF Opening
Where: andenken, 2110 Market Street, Denver, 303.292.3281
When: Friday, November 7th, 7-10pm

andenken Gallery

What: Sharon Bankert Storefront Babies Opening
Where: Ironton Studios & Gallery, 3636 Chestnut, Denver, 303.297.8626
When: Friday, November 7th, 6-9pm

Ironton Studios

What: Sabin Aell and Brenda Stumpf drawings and sculptures Opening + Walker Fine Art After Party
Where: Hinterland, 3254 Walnut Street, Denver, 720.309.1764
When: Friday, November 7th, 6-9pm +

Hinterland Gallery

What: ICE BLUE Opening + sneak peek of thin WATER blue ICE dance performance
Where: BlueStone Gallery, 3377 Blake Street Suite 105, Denver, 303.292.3370
When: Friday, November 7th, 6-9pm, performances 7:30pm & 9:30pm, free

Sweet Edge
BlueStone Gallery

What: Open House Recording Session - live music recording & refreshments
Where: Blue Tower Studio, 4701 National Western Drive Suite 105, Denver, 303.297.0707
When: Friday, November 7th, 5-9:30pm

Blue Tower Studio

FIRST FRIDAY | South Broadway

If you’re looking for off beat, head to South Broadway.

What: Delton Demarest Opening
Where: Indy Ink, 84 S. Broadway, Denver, 720.937.9722
When: Friday, November 7th, 6-10pm

Indy Ink

What: Aaron Cohrs Everything is Imaginary Opening
Where: Rock the Cradle, 18 S. Broadway, Denver, 303.733.3707
When: Friday, November 7th, 6-9pm

Rock the Cradle

FIRST FRIDAY | Tennyson

And lastly, there’s a risk the Tennyson art walk may be disappearing so show up to give your support if this is one of your favorite neighborhoods. Or just check it out in case it’s gone soon. Here’s one not to miss.

What: Phil Bender Opening
Where: Jung Gallery, 4383 Tennyson Street Unit 1-D, Denver, 303.808.9686
When: Friday, November 7th, 6-9pm

Phil Bender Opening

november 8th…

SQUARE FOOTAGE OPENING | Plastic Chapel

A group show at a rad art store. Worth the hike.

What: Square Footage Opening - any medium less than 1 foot x 1 foot
Where: Plastic Chapel, 3109 E. Colfax Ave, Denver, 303.722.0715
When: Saturday, November 8th, 7-11pm

Plastic Chapel
Square Footage

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

People from all over the world die every day fighting for the simple right to vote. No matter your gender, race, religion, social status or political affiliation, you have an equal voice on this one day, guaranteed, without fear or intimidation. This is the best America has to offer.

ELECTION NIGHT SIMULCAST | Boulder Theater

The Boulder Theater is hosting an election night simulcast and community gathering tonight to watch as our next president (and other elected officials and issues) is revealed. KGNU will be MCing the event. Tickets are expected to sell out so order online or by phone if you want to attend.

What: Election Night Simulcast
Where: Boulder Theater, 2032 14th Street, Boulder, 303.786.7030
When: Tuesday November 4th, 5pm, $10

Election Night Simulcast

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

Beyond the whole scare thing, Halloween is all about creativity. For those of you who love costuming, this is your one night to shine. I know some of the more artsy parties have disappeared over the years, but there are a couple left. And there are plenty of bar parties out there too. But first, a chance to make the world a better place.

ART FOR ETHIOPIA | Flash Gallery

Join a group show and support a worthy cause in the process. Children’s Heaven supports teenage girls who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS, who can in turn have an enormous positive effect in Ethiopia. Donate your prints, paintings, photography or sculpture to promote your own work while helping a young girl realize her dream and escape poverty. Deadline is October 30th, show opens November 8th.

What: Art for Ethiopia artwork donation
Where: Flash Gallery, Working With Artists, 445 South Saulsbury St, Lakewood, 303.837.1341, gregc@workingwithartists.org
When: Artwork due Thursday October 30th; Show opens Saturday November 8th

Art for Ethiopia

SMASHING PUMPKINS HALLOWEEN PARTY |
Indy Ink

This is the place to be for your artsy Halloween. Creative costumes AND artistic pumpkins, plus I’m sure the talented Indy folks have their own artwork decorations planned. Bring your carved, drawn or decorated pumpkin to the party at 8pm for the contest starting at 11pm. Free beer, free candy and DJ Gatsby. Should be good.

What: Smashing Pumpkins Halloween Party
Where: Indy Ink, 84 S. Broadway, Denver, 720.937.9722
When: Friday, October 31st, 8pm-12am

Smashing Pumpkins

HALLOWEEN PARTY | CORE

CORE always draws a good crowd, with people who wear costumes all year long.

What: Halloween Party
Where: CORE New Art Space, 900 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, 303.297.8428
When: Friday, October 31st, 6-9pm

CORE

FREE MUSEUMS | MCA & DAM

The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver and the Denver Art Museum will both be free this Saturday to Colorado residents. Both have incredible exhibits going on right now, plus the MCA is throwing a big one year anniversary party celebrating the opening of the new building. Hip Hop Congress will be performing from 2-4pm featuring DJs, poets and breakers, and there will be tours and family events all day too.

What: Free First Saturdays
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 1485 Delgany, Denver, 303.298.7554
Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, 720.865.5000
When: Saturday, November 1st, 10am-6pm

MCAD
DAM

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

Art for many of us is our link from life as we know it to our true selves. In the day to day grind of work and life where we can all get so easily lost, art is a personal and public means of self-expression. I believe we all have a creative soul that needs to be freed in any art form that moves you. So don’t be shy. Bring out your inner artist this week to multiple participatory events in several media. And if none of these move you, then be inspired to create your own.

PUBLIC PAINT-IN | Civic Center Park

Celebrate John Lennon’s birthday today with the Imagine Peace Paint-In. Go to Civic Center Park today to paint, listen to music and speakers, and spread the message of peace, something we can really use right now. For non-painters there will also be free painting lessons and demos. Or just show up.

What: Imagine Peace Paint-In
Where: Civic Center Park
When: Thursday, October 9th, 10am-6pm

Imagine Peace Paint-In

MULTIMEDIA DIGITAL ART EVENT |
Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens has a killer exhibit going on right now with Urban Nature, 25 street-style murals on display in the gardens. To go with the exhibit, tonight they’re hosting Digital Nature, a juried event bringing in digital sound, video and interactive digital arts that are inspired by nature. They’re creating a lounge to allow you to hang for a while to listen, watch and participate at leisure.

What: Digital Nature
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York Street, Denver, 720.865.3585
When: Thursday, October 9th, 7-10pm, doors open at 6pm, $10 (also gives entry to the gardens)

Digital Nature

ART OPENINGS, MUSIC, FILM | MCA Denver

Once again, MCA Denver has a full evening of events planned this Friday, with two art openings (Jonas Burgert and Damien Hirst), music on the deck, and an art film.

What: Art Openings, Synaesthetic Sound, White film
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 1485 Delgany, Denver, 303.298.7554
When: Friday, October 10th, various times starting at 6pm

MCA Denver

24-HOUR FILM SHOOT OUT | Boulder

The annual Shoot Out 24-Hour Film Making Festival is this weekend. You have from 6pm Friday until 6pm Saturday to make a 7-minute film, and the top ten selections will be screened on Sunday. Last year 66 teams made the Saturday night deadline. Join in the film making or support this grueling art event by attending the Sunday screening.

What: The Shoot Out Boulder
Where: Boulder Courthouse and the Boulder Theater, 2032 14th Street, Boulder, 303.786.7030
When: Shoot Out - Friday October 10th 6pm to Saturday October 11th 6pm, Screening - Sunday October 12th 1pm, $13

Shoot Out Boulder

PHOTOGRAPHY CALL FOR ENTRIES |
Center for Fine Art Photography

Negative Space is the theme for the next juried show at the Center for Fine Art Photography. Those of use who love photography can appreciate the exploration of negative space and how it plays off the subject. We often use it to create the message or lead the viewer. Entries are due October 14th for the exhibit in January. Online submissions, prizes awarded.

What: Negative Space Call for Entries
Where: Center for Fine Art Photography, 400 North College Avenue, Fort Collins, 970. 224.1010
When: Entries due October 14th

Call for Entries

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

LAST CALL FOR FASHION DESIGNERS | Fashion Denver

Fashion Denver’s annual Fall Market is coming up on October 18th. If you’d like to participate or know someone who would, tomorrow (Wednesday) is your last chance to send in your application.

What: Fashion Market Call for Designers
Where: Fashion Denver
When: Wednesday, September 24th

Contact Brandi for the application

CAFE NUBA | Roxy Theater

Can I just mention that Cafe Nuba seems to create a new poster for every single monthly event. And they’re beautiful. Once again during the quiet time of the month you are invited to hear killer spoken word and music.

What: Cafe Nuba
Where: The Roxy Theater, 2549 Weldon Street, Denver, 303.298.1935
When: Friday, Sept 26th, 9pm, $10

Cafe Nuba

UNTITLED MIXED MEDIA EVENT | Denver Art Museum

For the last Untitled event of the year, the DAM is going out with a bang. Or at least flaming. This month’s Untitled event is titled Pyro. There will definitely be an iron pour, music, theater and of course art. The rest is a little sketchy on the details (campfires?).

What: Untitled #19, Pyro
Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, 720.865.5000
When: Friday, September 23rd, 6-10pm, $10 for non-members

DAM Untitled

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

I for one am always sad to see the summer end. Very sad. Around my house we start to talk about warmer destinations where we can sneak away to make the summer last a little longer. If you’re like me maybe you need something new and different to add excitement to the change of seasons. A little incentive to look forward rather than longing looking back. Chances are you haven’t done any of the things on this week’s agenda and you might just find the inspiration you need.

CHRISTO & JEANNE-CLAUDE LECTURE | Buell Theatre

Heading to the lecture tomorrow night? Need a posse for the event? Email me if you want to meet before and/or after the lecture with a group of like-minded art people showing up to check out this sought after event. Remember that doors are only open 4:30-5:30pm and at 5:20pm they’ll be doing a seat count for the long waiting list of people who will be standing outside waiting for your seat.

What: Christo & Jeanne-Claude Public Lecture, sponsored by CVA
Where: Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1101 13th Street, Denver, 303.294.5207
When: Thursday, September 18th, 5:30-7:00pm, doors open at 4:30pm

Christo & Jeanne-Claude Lecture

ART, DESIGN, MUSIC AND MINGLING | MCA Denver

The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver is the place to be this Friday night. Start with the art opening for Terry Maker at 6pm, then once you’re inspired to join the museum cruise into the New Member Meet & Greet. Then catch the sunset on the roofdeck to the beats of experimental electronica, and finish the evening with a creative conversation on design featuring top local design honchos.

What: Art Opening (6pm), New Member Gathering (6pm), Synaesthetic Sounds (7pm) & Design Talk (7:30-9pm)
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 1485 Delgany, Denver, 303.298.7554
When: Friday, Sept 19th, see times above
MCA Denver

ART, DESIGN, MUSIC AND MINGLING | Meadowlark & Orange Cat Studios

Hmmm. Interesting. I think it’s a theme weekend. Somebody needs to think of a costume (Holly?). Except this one is an all day, all night party. Worried about not having time to exercise? They got that in there too. Welcome to the first annual Autumn Fest — ta da (I may have made up the annual part). Start your day out at Snooze. Then wander over to Autumn Fest by day at the Meadowlark for music, fashion and an art market starting at 1pm. Then ride the evening Loops ride at 8pm. And hit the after party at The Union at 10pm.

What: Autumn Fest Day Event
Where: The Meadowlark, 2701 Larimer Street (downstairs), Denver, 303.293.0251
When: Saturday, Sept 20th, 1-8pm

What: Autumn Fest After Party
Where: The Union, 738 Santa Fe Drive, Denver
When: Saturday, Sept 20th, 10pm

Autumn Fest

FALL PLANT AND BULB SALE | Denver Botanic Gardens

This is for all you floral artists. Shop an incredible variety of bulbs, plants, trees and shrubs, in addition to local organic produce. Staff will also be on hand for plant and planting tips.

What: Fall Plant and Bulb Sale
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York Street, Denver, 720.865.3585
When: Saturday Sept 20th 9am-2pm

Denver Botanic Gardens

ART WITH THE KIDS | MCA Denver

I like to remind the parents out there that your life as an art lover is not over. Bring kids ages 7-13 to create their own works of art, while you sip mimosas and explore the museum’s exhibitions with staff members and fellow parents.

What: SmART Brunch Sundays
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 1485 Delgany, Denver, 303.298.7554
When: Sunday, Sept 21st, 10-11:30am, $20 for one child and one adult

MCA Denver

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

Check the previous post for this weekend’s cinematic events, but here we have some great music and music markets to hit.

SUBURBAN HOME RECORDS 13th ANNIVERSARY |
3 Kings Tavern & Suburban Home Records

Suburban Home Records celebrates their 13th anniversary this weekend with a series of great music events and parties all for you. Both Friday and Saturday night you can party with a list of live performers at 3 Kings Tavern for the crazy low price of $7. Saturday will be Suburban Home’s monthly punk rock garage sale, and Sunday will be an anniversary BBQ in Wash Park. They really want to party with you. And don’t forget 3 Kings has their own Rock and Roll Garage Sale on Saturday.

What: Suburban Home’s 13th Anniversary Party
Where: 3 Kings Tavern, 60 S Broadway, Denver, 303.777.7370
When: Friday and Saturday, Sept 12th and 13th, 8pm, $7

What: Punk Rock Garage Sale
Where: Suburban Home, 555 Santa Fe Drive
When: Saturday Sept 13th, 12-5pm

What: Rock and Roll Garage Sale
Where: 3 Kings Tavern, 60 S Broadway, Denver, 303.777.7370
When: Saturday Sept 13th, 12-6pm

What: Suburban Home’s 13th Anniversary BBQ & Washer’s Tournament
Where: Wash Park, see blog for directions
When: Sunday, Sept 14th, 2pm

Suburban Home
Kings Tavern

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

MORE-MOVIE-PARTY-THAN-FILM-FESTIVAL | The Boulder Theater

What? The Siebert brother’s deliver a real underground festival, that celebrates the arts as a whole. The festival showcases undiscovered filmmakers from around the world, cool art, live music and a late night fashion show that features local designers. The motto for this highly creative endeavor is – Relax, they’re just movies. It’s a great festival to get a little taste of everything arty in a chillaxed environment.

What: Toofy Film Festival
Where: The Boulder Theater, 2032 14th Street, Boulder, 303.786.7030
When: September 13-14th, see website for schedule

Toofy Film Festival

CELEBRATE CINEMATIC HISTORY | Estes Park

Celebrate the art & culture of independent cinema at one of the oldest operating movie theaters west of the Mississippi. The mission of the festival is to educate, inspire and help cultivate your appreciation of film, against the backdrop of breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park. And, like all festivals, there are probably some pretty good parties to be found.

What: The Estes Park Film Festival
Where: The Historic Park Theater, 130 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, 970.231.2580
When: September 11-14th, see website for schedule

Estes Park Film Festival

Posted By: Tammy Brislin