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We are so lucky to have a vibrant arts community here on the Front Range. The area we are highlighting today is The Art District on Santa Fe. The ADSF is a nationally renowned visual, performing arts and cultural district located in Denver. Almost two miles in length, the district runs along Santa Fe Drive from 13th Ave to Alameda Ave. While the District is culturally diverse today and developing rapidly, the neighborhood is historically Hispanic. In addition to being a certified Colorado Creative District, the Art District on Santa Fe is a nonprofit membership organization that represents the community’s artists and creative businesses (more than 30 galleries, studios, and businesses!) They organize First Friday Art Walks, Third Friday Collector's Night, Sundays on Santa Fe, and a Día De Los Muertos celebration. They have a Halloween event coming up this Friday and they will have trick-or-treating and a costume contest. With so many galleries and studios, there’s a lot to see. Two mainstays of the Art District are the Museo De Las Americas (you can’t miss the bright pink exterior!) and Spark Gallery, Denver’s oldest cooperative gallery, opened in 1979. |
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Images courtesy of Museo De Las Americas and Spark Gallery |
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Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Center for Visual Art is another great spot to check out. They offer artist talks, workshops, classes, and more- many of them free to attend.
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Images courtesy of Center for Visual Art- MSU Keep an eye out for outdoor murals and other public artwork as you explore the district. Denver.org has put together this list of street art - commissioned and unsanctioned - to see around the Art District on Santa Fe and other neighborhoods. In addition to visual arts, the Art District on Santa Fe is home to a variety of performing arts organizations. Started as a student-led theatre group in 1971 (during the Chicano Civil Rights Movement), Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center showcases theatrical performances that highlight Chicano experiences in addition to poetry, music, and film events. If dance performances are more your style, get tickets to the Colorado Ballet. Not sure where to start? Check out the Art District’s Instagram for visual inspiration. Find a picture that interests you and read about the artist and where you can view their work. The district also hosts a number of events to encourage community involvement, art appreciation, and learning. Check out the neighborhood map to get an idea of where galleries, theatres, and other businesses are located. |
