When someone says “Denver,” the first things that come to mind tend to be skiing, snowboarding, mountains, marijuana and professional sports teams like the Broncos and the Avalanche.
But what many people do not know about Denver is that it has a thriving art community. While the Denver Art Museum is the most recognized location for art in Denver, there are many other places to go to get your fill of art and culture in the city. These spots can be anything from other museums to small studios around town where you can sometimes find an artist at work on his or her latest piece.
Svper Ordinary
3550 Brighton Blvd
Mon. -Thurs. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For those more interested in buying art than simply looking at it, consider Svper Ordinary, a curated store and gallery downtown just off Larimer St.
Svper Ordinary takes a different approach to art than most places, offering a combination of both retail and gallery space within the store.
However, the art available and on display in the store is hardly limited to pieces you hang on your wall. Svper Ordinary specializes in what they call artful living, something they define as “the idea that the objects we encounter in our everyday lives can be appreciated as highly crafted works of art.” Therefore, any of the items found in the store will have a noticeable artful twist on them.
If you stop by, be on the lookout for custom-painted pottery from local artists, prints, original works on the walls and clothing from Jiberish, a local Denver-based clothing company.
Artists On Santa Fe
747 Santa Fe Dr
Mon. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun. Closed
Artists on Santa Fe features both multiple galleries and studio spaces throughout its location in the Santa Fe Art District. The gallery-studio hybrid offers a much more authentic and personal experience than you would get in a museum, as many of the artists will be at work in their studio spaces. Featuring a variety of art of all mediums, encompassing everything from traditional painting to photography and handmade jewelry, Artists on Santa Fe is sure to provide you with a unique artistic experience.
Denver Museum of Contemporary Art
1485 Delgany St
Tues. – Fri. 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
If you’re seeking a less-traditional approach to art than what you would usually find in a museum, consider the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). The MCA features many rotating exhibits from prominent modern and contemporary artists who present a different approach to art than what you would find in a typical, more traditional museum.
Although it is still presented in a traditional gallery format, the exhibits are meant less for observation and more for participation, giving those visiting the museum a much more personal and interactive experience.
Notable features include a rooftop garden, perfect for the recent warmer-than-average weather, and a café on the top floor, perfect for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine or beer after walking around the museum.
Denver is a lively and vibrant city, with plenty to see and do for people of all sorts of interests. Next time you would like to spend an afternoon appreciating art, be sure to stop by one of these three locations for a day that will not disappoint.
