That’s just what visitors can do as part of the Foothills Art Center’s annual ARTSWEEK GOLDEN, which runs from Monday, June 16 through Sunday, June 22 at various locations around Golden.
“The event was launched in 2018 by Foothills Art Center to bring creativity into Golden, showcase artists and build community through the arts,” wrote Maura Adamson, executive director of the Center, in an email interview. “At its core, it’s about celebrating creative expression and directly supporting artists by allowing people to engage, connect and buy original work.”
Art fans or budding creatives can participate in a range of events, including:
- Wearable art class — 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, June 17 in the Foothills Art Center’s Astor House Courtyard, 1133 Arapahoe St. Attendees will work with professional artist Dyanna Csaposs on the art of natural dyeing and painting on silk.
- Create your own tarot cards — 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 19 at Golden City Brewery, 920 12th St., Building No. 2. Participants will tap into the symbolic power of tarot and how it helps parse the variety of life experiences. All mediums welcome.
- Modern kintsugi – 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20 at Golden City Brewery. All materials will be provided for this experience, which will walk people through this ancient Japanese craft.
Additionally, places like Bob’s Atomic Burgers and The Golden Mill will be donating a portion of their sales to Foothills Art Center.
The capper is the ARTSWEEK GOLDEN Festival, held on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 20 in Parfet Park, 719 10th St. It will feature more than 70 artist booths selling original work, live demos and a local beer garden.
“This year feels especially exciting. We have moved the festival to Parfet Park, right in the heart of downtown Golden,” Adamson wrote. “The park offers grassy space, shade from trees, and a central location that encourages visitors to stay, explore downtown and support local businesses throughout the weekend.”
Supporting local businesses and artists is the driver of the whole event, because these are the things that make a community unique.
“Local artists and creative nonprofits don’t just make beautiful things, they shape the culture and identity of Golden,” Adamson wrote. Supporting them through events like this ensures creativity stays visible, valued and sustainable. When you buy a piece of art or donate to the cause, you’re directly supporting someone’s craft, their small business and the cultural health of Golden.”
The aim is no matter what event a person attends, they come away invigorated and eager to stand behind the creative community.
“We hope everyone leaves feeling inspired and ideally taking home something handmade,” Adamson wrote. “Whether it’s a painting, jewelry, a bowl, a story, or just a renewed connection to art, we want people to walk away feeling like they invested in something genuine. ARTSWEEK GOLDEN is our mission in action, ‘We create stronger community through art.’
For the full schedule and more information, visit foothillsartcenter.org.
Catch Julia Stiles’ Directorial Debut on Amazon
As part of the annual Denver Film Women+Film Festival, actor and director Julia Stiles was at the Denver Botanic Gardens on June 30 to introduce her directorial debut, “Wish You Were Here,” and the film is now available for streaming everywhere through Amazon.
It’s a lovely, quiet film based on a book by Renee Carlino and examines the enduring power of love, despite the challenges it presents.
“This is a total dream come true because the story means so much to me,” Stiles said at the screening. “I think this kind of story is necessary in our world today.”
Watch the film at Amazon.com.
Learn About a Crucial Resource at the South Metro Water Festival
While water is important all year round, during the summer it is more evident just how much we rely on this resource for enjoyment and to keep our daily lives going. To teach families about its importance, South Metro water organizations are hosting the South Metro Water Festival from 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Parkway in Castle Rock.
The event’s aim is to teach people about where their water comes from and attendees can learn everything from the internal workings of a toilet and how a watershed functions to using a water meter to find a leak and more. There will be science experiments, song and other activities, plus food vendors and a beer after-party.
For more information, visit the events page at https://www.crgov.com/.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — James Taylor at Red Rocks
As someone who has experienced it in person several times, you really should see legendary singer/songwriter James Taylor at Red Rocks at least once in your life. The musician behind immortal songs like “Fire and Rain,” Carolina in My Mind” and “Sweet Baby James” stops at the venue almost every summer, and it’s always a performance full of warmth and top-notch musicianship.
This year’s concerts are at Red Rocks, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway in Morrison, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 and he’ll be joined by alt-folk group Tiny Habits. It’s the perfect blend of artist and venue, so don’t miss this quintessential summer evening.
Get tickets at www.axs.com.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.