ASLD Summer Art Market And Cherry Creek Arts Fest A Feast For Eyes And Ears
by Don Preziosi

The Summer Art Market at the Art Students League of Denver, 200 Grant St., is a double-barreled winner for those of us with a love of fine art, as well as a need to honor the family budget. The ASLD Market traditionally presents a broad selection of artwork at a price point permitting most would-be art collectors to take home something wonderful for their wall, mantel or display shelf, while still having enough left over to keep food on the table and the kids in shoes.

And, rest assured, the quality of the pieces displayed is worthy of the most discriminating artistic eye. You will find work by experienced and skilled professional artists. Perhaps not yet household names, but some may be just that down the road. 

The 2008 Summer Art Market will be held Sat.-Sun., June 14-15, 10a.m.-5p.m., showcasing the work of over 270 artists working in all the forms of media taught at the League, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, fiber arts and book arts. Some 170 booths will occupy much of the 200 block of Grant St., as well as 2nd Ave., between Logan and Sherman streets.

Those of you wanting to have a look at what it takes to craft these unique and creative pieces will be able to view demonstrations of all the forms of art on display. Saturday’s schedule includes: Book Art, 10-11a.m.; Digital Painting, 10-11a.m.; Concrete Sculpture, 12:30-1:30p.m.; and Acrylic Painting, 3-4p.m. Sunday’s demonstrations include: Acrylic Painting, 10-11a.m.; Clay Sculpture, 1-2p.m.; and Oil Painting, 3-4p.m.

To add to the festive atmosphere, live music and theater will fill your eyes and ears throughout the weekend, featuring jazz stylings of Ayo (Sat., 11a.m.-1:15p.m.), Groupo Folklorico Sabor Latino (Sun., 10:30-11:30a.m.), the Charlie Martens Trio (Sun., 11:45a.m.-1:45p.m.), and ensembles from the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra (Sun., 2-3:30p.m.). Buntport Theater will offer brief glimpses of their unique brand of theatrical madness on Sat., 2-2:45p.m.

The wee ones in your contingent will find plenty of creative opportunities: Picasso Faces (10:30a.m.-12:15p.m.), Eye of Good Fortune Necklaces (12:30-2:30p.m.)
and String Painting (2:45-4:30p.m.) fill Saturday’s schedule, while Paper Me Dolls (10:30a.m.-12:30p.m.), King/Queen of The Day Crowns (1-2:30p.m.) and Watercolor Butterflies (2:30-4:30p.m.) will make Sunday fun and productive for the little artists in your family.

Park the car, tune up the bike or just throw on some comfy walking shoes, and head for the Art Students League of Denver’s Summer Art Market, June 14-15. For information, visit www.asld.org or call 303-778-6990.          

The nationally-acclaimed Cherry Creek Arts Festival, presented by Janus, returns for its 18th year on July 4, 5 and 6 with the theme of “Have It All ... at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival.” More than 350,000 visitors are expected to “have it all” during this holiday weekend, strolling the streets of Cherry Creek North (on the six streets starting on Clayton through Steele, between 2nd and 3rd avenues), to meet and talk with international visual artists, sample fine cuisine, listen to live music, enjoy special exhibits and artist demos, and take part in interactive family events.

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is one of the nation’s most competitive juried art events, inviting only 232 artists from the 2,400+ applicants. The 13 media categories represented include: ceramics, digital art, drawing, fiber, glass, graphics and printmaking, jewelry, metal works, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture and wood. In addition, eight emerging artists will exhibit their work for the first time, as part of the Festival’s Emerging Artists Program.

If walking around while looking at art gives you an appetite, stroll on over to Culinary Row, on St. Paul St. between 2nd and 3rd avenues, to enjoy a delectable array of cuisine from some of Denver’s most popular eateries who will offer specialty menu items at reasonable prices. Or check out the all-new Cru Vin Dogs Wine Pavilion and Jazz Stage located near 3rd and Steele St.

Artivity Avenue, a full city block of activities for the entire family, returns this year. Children can dive in to interactive art projects at Creation Station, and anything can happen at the Cherry Creek shopping center Family Stage, sponsored by The Children’s Hospital, including musical and dance performances, puppet shows and magic shows.

The free fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Plan to stay for Festival Nights activities (8-10p.m.), such as Music on Fillmore Plaza, with vibrant, boot-stomping country from Colorado’s own Walker Williams on July 4, and Denver’s favorite funk/rock band, Opie Gone Bad, on July 5. Top off your Saturday night with a Fireworks Spectacular Finale on July 5, 9:30p.m., above the Cherry Creek shopping center.

This year, be green and avoid the traffic – there will be free bike parking at two bike corrals: 3rd Ave. & Steele St. and at 2nd Ave. & Detroit St.

If you must drive, there are three $5 “Festival Premier Parking” on-site options that benefit the Festival: 1) The Janus Capital Group building garage at 151 Detroit St.; 2) Clayton Lane garage at 2nd Ave. and Columbine St.; and 3) Whole Foods parking structure at 2nd Ave. and University. The Cherry Creek shopping center will also offer free parking at their West Deck parking garage.

While CCAF is fully accessible during all hours to disabled visitors and senior citizens, there is a special Accessibility Hour on Sun., July 6, from 9-10a.m., specifically designated for individuals with mobility concerns.

Can’t wait? Get some immediate gratification with free audio and video podcasts that allow sneak previews of this year’s festival, a cool mixed-media guide, plus fun behind-the-scenes features.

On June 10, FastFrame of Cherry Creek, 2659 E. 2nd Ave., will host a poster signing party from 5-8p.m. The 2008 poster artist, Suhas Bhujbal, will sign and number limited edition posters. Open to the public.

The public is also invited to a free Artist Preview event on Thur., July 3, from 7-10p.m. on Clayton St. between 2nd and 3rd avenues. Get an exclusive sneak-peek at 27 of the 230+ visual artists juried to exhibit for this year’s show.

Take advantage of cooler evening temperatures, imbibe some spirited beverages and wander through gorgeously lit streets while viewing art and enjoying strolling entertainment.  

Also on July 3, you can get the VIP treatment with a ticket to the Opening Gala. The VIP reception features passed hors d’oeuvres, champagne and wine, followed by a plated and served gourmet dinner and program in the JW Marriott Denver Grand Ballroom, and a private art buying opportunity with 27 CCAF visual artists.

Find out more about the 2008 CCAF by calling 303-355-2787 or by visiting www.CherryArts.org.