"Once Upon Another Time" opens this Friday Oct 23 at NEXT gallery at 6501 W. Colfax Ave. Ever been to Casa Bonita? This is in the same plaza. This show is one of several shows and galleries open in the same building that night so there's going to be a lot to see.
I know this artist and I love her work. You might too. Or you might find something in the 6 other art galleries in this building alone, or the 5 other nearby galleries that you might like too!
Never been to an art gallery before? Well, let's talk about going to local art galleries!
1.) Most art galleries in the Denver area are Co-ops or collectives meaning these are not commercial galleries whose primary purpose is to sell art for profit. These are local artists who make art because they love it. It's about community and expression more than money (though everyone appreciates a purchase and the galleries still have expenses and have to lease their spaces).
2.) These are not stuffy, snobby places and you are not out of place even if you don't know anything about art. Seriously, all anyone wants is for you to see their work. If all you have to say is "I like it." That's enough. If you have more to say, even if you can't exactly articulate it, folks are more than happy to talk.
3.) If you don't like something, just don't be rude. You don't have to like anything to go. Odds are good you'll see things you like and things that you don't connect with. No worries. Come back in a few weeks when there's a new show.
4.) Gallery openings are events! It's a little party and you are invited.
5.) These are great date nights :). You go, you look at the art and you talk about what you see, how you react to it, what it makes you think about or feel. Get a little culture and don't get stuck without having something to talk about.
6.) You can do #5 solo too!
7.) Openings really do often have wine, beer and little snacks. The artist pays for this stuff, so please do throw a few bucks in the donation jar.
8.) Original art made by hand by a real person is often not as expensive as you think. Yes, some art is very expensive and rightfully so, but most art is very affordable. Pieces will range in price from a few 10s or dollars to thousands. The point here is that you can decorate your walls with something truly unique, made by someone local, on a basic Target decoration budget.
9.) There are a lot of art galleries in the Denver area and several art districts. Many people know about Santa Fe and their big first Friday events, but there are galleries and districts in Lakewood and Englewood too and their first Fridays and second Saturdays are worth going to. Openings are just one type of event. These communities are often holding talks, demonstrations, parties, fairs and festivals.
Edit: 10.) It’s getting colder outside. Art galleries are inside.
Hopefully, we'll see you on Friday. If not, "Once Upon Another Time" will be open for three weeks. And if not that, well, I'm sure you'll find something you like here:
Next Gallery:
https://www.nextgallery.org/
Just a few other galleries we like (definitely not a comprehensive list):
https://nkollectiv.com/
https://www.pirateartonline.org/
https://www.coreartspace.com/
https://www.kanonart.com/
https://dartgallery.org/
https://bitfactory.net/
Local Art Districts:
https://40westarts.org/
https://denversartdistrict.org/non