Visual Arts Archives - Colorado Community Media https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/category/arts/visual-arts/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:09:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cropped-Square-drafts-32x32.jpg Visual Arts Archives - Colorado Community Media https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/category/arts/visual-arts/ 32 32 223860106 ‘Oh My Gawd’ mural is back https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/07/10/oh-my-gawd-mural-is-back/ https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/07/10/oh-my-gawd-mural-is-back/#respond Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:09:54 +0000 https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/?p=576219 mural

The restored mural titled “Oh My Gawd Road” was unveiled at its temporary home in Citizens Park in Idaho Springs in time for July 4th festivities. For decades the mural depicting downtown Idaho Springs and the infamous ‘Oh My Gawd’ Road” hung on the outside of the “brown barn” adjacent to the former Citywide bank […]

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The restored mural titled “Oh My Gawd Road” was unveiled at its temporary home in Citizens Park in Idaho Springs in time for July 4th festivities.

For decades the mural depicting downtown Idaho Springs and the infamous ‘Oh My Gawd’ Road” hung on the outside of the “brown barn” adjacent to the former Citywide bank and future headquarters of Idaho Springs Police at 1744 Miner St.

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Clear Creek County resident Keith Prossick helps load up the Oh, My Gawd Road mural July 3. Credit: Chris Koeberl

The wooden mural is painted as an amalgamation of the city of Idaho Springs with people, cars, trucks and wooden structures.

The original design was painted by a local artist Wendall Pugh in the early ‘90s, according to Director of the Historical Society of Idaho Springs Jan Boland.

However, years of weather, wind and sun took a toll on the mural’s paint as it faded into the past.

Hearing about the idea to restore the mural, the Clear Creek School Board offered the gymnasium at the old Carlson Elementary School building as a workshop. Since the mural is approximately 10 feet tall and at least 24 feet across, the gym provided plenty of room to spread out.

When the original reconstruction artist Shawn Cox was forced to step away from the project due to health issues, new Clear Creek County resident Keith Prossick was asked to step in and finish the project.

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Members of Clear Creek Fire Authority help to put mural up in temporary location near Citizens Park in Idaho Springs July 3. Credit: Chris Koeberl

Prossick, who recently moved to the county from New York, owns and operates the Anomaly Art Gallery in Georgetown, said he was honored at the request and relished the challenge of restoring the iconic mural for Idaho Springs, especially since he is new to the county.

Community support

“I’ve always thought volunteering is the best way to get to know people and introduce yourself to the community,” Prossick said.

At least a half-dozen public services in Idaho Springs and local businesses donated time, space and money to complete the mural restoration project.

The Colorado Mountain Bike Association provided a $500 donation to the project and is starting a tax-deductible donation option for anyone else interested in supporting the restoration efforts, according to COMBA Director Gary Moore.

The Clear Creek Fire Authority helped to break down the plywood panels inside the former Carlson gym and transport them to Citizens Park on July 3 where hundreds of people would gather for 4th of July celebrations.

Prossick watched the mural reassembled with pride, he said, returning a symbol to the town.

“I get a joy out of saving things, a lot of things in my gallery are things that I have saved or restored. The ability to bring it back to life, it’s just something I like to do,” Prossick said.

“Oh My Gawd Road” in Idaho Springs earned its name by reputation, according to many locals.

Officially, it’s Virginia Canyon Scenic Drive in Clear Creek County. The gravel road in Idaho Springs is described by many residents as a narrow, curving, dirt and rock lane that will have you shouting, “Oh My Gawd!” over and over.

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Clarke Reader: Art Through the Distortions of History https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/07/10/clarke-reader-art-through-the-distortions-of-history/ https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/07/10/clarke-reader-art-through-the-distortions-of-history/#respond Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/?p=576020

The creative process is ever-changing and often requires taking a look back to locate the way forward. The Arvada Center’s three summer exhibitions celebrate this fact by using the past as a guide to finding a way to and through modern times. “I hope people come away from the galleries with a new understanding of […]

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The creative process is ever-changing and often requires taking a look back to locate the way forward. The Arvada Center’s three summer exhibitions celebrate this fact by using the past as a guide to finding a way to and through modern times.

“I hope people come away from the galleries with a new understanding of what they can perceive,” said Olive Witwer-Jarvis, exhibitions manager and associate curator at the Center. “The personal stories and struggles on display provide a new look at what’s important.”

Melissa Furness — Embedded: A Mid-Career Survey, Haley Hasler — Origin Stories and Past is Present is Past is Present are all on display at the Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., through Aug. 24.

Set up in the Main Gallery, Embedded is an engrossing look at the career of an artist who is constantly finding new ways to explore themselves and the world around them. Broken up into subsections like In Ruins and Gathering Moss, Furness’ shows that she’s a conceptual artist of the highest order. Guests will see work that was created in places as disparate as Ireland and China, each with unique subjects and mediums worked into beautiful paintings.

History and its impact on our current times is a subject Furness — a professor at the University of Colorado Denver — returns to in fascinating ways, from making surreal recreations of well-known works to displaying discarded bricks from China.

“My work explores human nature and struggle as it manifests itself in relation to contemporary society and the remains of the past,” Furness said in a provided statement. “I am interested in what one culture upholds as significant — objects and ideals that we revere versus those that we discard or discount as unimportant. What does what we throw away say about us as a people versus what we place on a pedestal or seek to preserve?”

The Upper Gallery is home to Origin Stories, where Fort Collins artist Haley Hasler paints portraits that take her friends and family and put them in elaborately staged settings. The end results are transporting, at once familiar and slightly foreign.

“This show includes work from the past as well as my newest body of work,” Hasler said in a provided statement. “The beloved, everyday people around me are transformed in my paintings into gods and goddesses of the everyday realm.”

In Past is Present is Past is Present, located in the Theatre Gallery, visitors can see how Colorado artists use their ancestry, religious and cultural iconography, and mythology to shed a light on contemporary concerns, like our tumultuous political climate and missing Native women and children. The works are fascinating examinations of the artists’ relationship with the past and provide a window into the things that matter most.

“These exhibitions question what’s important and why,” Witwer-Jarvis said. “What makes something like the Mona Lisa so important, when there is so much happening in people’s day-to-day life?”

For more information, visit https://arvadacenter.org/galleries/current-exhibitions.

Go for a Moonlit Ride in Castle Rock

Castle Rock’s Pedal the Moon bike ride goes from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 12 and departs from Castle View High School, 5254 N. Meadows Drive, at 7 p.m. As dusk starts, riders will follow the East Plum Creek Trail for about 6 miles to Festival Park.
According to provided information, the terrain is suitable for all riders and participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes with lights and other items. There will be a decorating station for those who want some glow-in-the-dark decorations. At Festival Park, riders can relax and enjoy some music while participating in some giveaways.
Full details and registration information is available at https://www.crgov.com/3184/Pedal-the-Moon.

Feel the Artistic Power of ‘Mutual Terrain’

RedLine Contemporary Art Center is celebrating Denver Month of Video with Mutual Terrain, curated by Adán De La Garza and Jenna Maurice. The show is on display at the Center, 2350 Arapahoe St. in Denver, from Friday, July 11 through Sunday, Aug. 3.

According to a provided statement from the curators, “Mutual Terrain’ brings together six artists whose works reveal the land as a living presence — one that remembers, resists, and responds. This exhibition invites viewers to reconsider their relationship to the natural world, not as separate from it, but as deeply entangled within it.”

The show encourages and rewards patience, so be ready to take your time. Find more information at https://www.redlineart.org/mutual-terrain-denver-month-of-video-mov.


Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Car Seat Headrest at Mission Ballroom

Virginia’s Car Seat Headrest are one of the most ambitious bands in the indie rock world. Over the course of their career, they’ve experimented with all kinds of stylistic approaches, from kind-of rock operas to just straight up ripping rock albums. You never quite know what you’re going to get, but the lyrics are always extremely literate and the music is top-notch.

In support this their latest release, The Scholars, the band is coming to the Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St. at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. They’ll be joined by openers Slow Fiction for what’s sure to be an evening of great, adventurous live music. 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.

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Clarke Reader: Summer Theater Rocks at PACE Center https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/07/03/clarke-reader-summer-theater-rocks-at-pace-center/ https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/07/03/clarke-reader-summer-theater-rocks-at-pace-center/#respond Thu, 03 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/?p=574933

There are some musicals that are just made for the summer, and “Rock of Ages” certainly falls into that category. The show not only captures some of that wild freedom of the best summer days, but also is full of quintessential 80s songs. “The show is all about bigger and better. It embraces the big hair of […]

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There are some musicals that are just made for the summer, and “Rock of Ages” certainly falls into that category. The show not only captures some of that wild freedom of the best summer days, but also is full of quintessential 80s songs.

“The show is all about bigger and better. It embraces the big hair of the time and has all the great music,” said Leslie Bonnell, marketing coordinator at the Parker Arts, Culture & Events (PACE) Center, which is staging the show to close its season. “It brings out all the elements of the 80s that people find so nostalgic and fun.”

Produced with Veritas Productions, “Rock of Ages” runs at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave. in Parker, through Sunday, July 20. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Directed by Kelly Van Oosbree (who also does the choreography), the show takes place at one of the Sunset Strip’s last venues and features a group of music fans coming together to chase their dreams and save the soul of the strip.

“I love a good, smart comedy, and that’s what this is,” Nancy Evans Begley, co-founder and producing artistic director with Veritas Productions. She is the executive producer, assistant director and production manager for “Rock of Ages.” “My producing work started with putting together a team and we have an incredible one for this show.”

In addition to a top-notch crew, the show also features performers guaranteed to blow audiences away with their musical skills. Most of the cast is new to the PACE Center, which adds an extra level of excitement for both performers and audiences.

Many theaters end their season during the spring, so having the opportunity to see a show during the summer makes for a special treat. And the PACE Center leans into this fact.

“The season is a little off-set from everybody else’s, which gives patrons the opportunity to experience shows at different venues and then come here during the summer,” Begley said. “This is the kind of show that is perfect for people who don’t like musicals, because they can still sing-along and laugh at the dialogue.”

The show is recommended for those 14-years-old and older, but Begley sees this as an opportunity for parents to have a night out where they’re able to just enjoy themselves.

“We say leave the HOA, leave the board, leave the student council stuff behind and come relive your favorite decade and favorite music,” she said. “In a time when our day-to-day is filled with tension and negativity… you can escape that for two-and-a-half hours. We hope you walk out of the theatre saying, ‘That was really fun. Let’s do more of that.’”

Information and tickets are available at https://parkerarts.org/event/rock-of-ages/#event-description.

FAN EXPO Denver Brings the Pop Culture World to Fans

It’s time for the Mile High City to get its fandom on with the annual FAN EXPO Denver, held at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., from Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6.

This year’s event will play host to some top-tier guests, ranging from Star Trek’s William Shatner and Mae Whitman to a slew of Superman performers (a role very close to my heart) like Brandon RouthTyler Hoechlin and Tom Welling. In addition, there will be plenty of cosplaying, collector’s items to buy and panels to watch.

Go celebrate the best of pop culture by visiting https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpodenver/.

Independence Day Goes Big at Northglenn

If you don’t want to head to downtown Denver for your July 4th festivities, the City of Northglenn has you covered with events that last for most of the day and provide attendees of all ages with something to do. Held at EB Rains Jr. Memorial Park, 11800 Community Center Drive in Northglenn, activities begin at noon with a car show.

Throughout the day, attendees can take part in a duck derby, listen to music from performers like Skool DazeChicano Heat and Jacob Larson, and pick up food from vendors (if they don’t bring their own picnics). Fireworks will close out the evening at about 9:15 p.m.

For full details, visit www.northglenn.org.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Wu-Tang Clan at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

I can think of no better group to listen to on the day we celebrate our independence than the Wu-Tang Clan, Staten Island’s legendary rap group. They are, after all, for the children. And they represent the collective power of a range of voices when they come together while maintaining their individual perspectives. They’re responsible for some of the genre’s most important music and are the best kind of American success story.

Their final tour is coming to Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. in Greenwood Village, at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 4. For the opener, the Wu-Tang will have Run the Jewels, the best modern rap duo. This has all the makings of a legendary concert, so 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.

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Eclectic octopus mural livens up Rheinlander Bakery’s exterior https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/07/01/eclectic-octopus-mural-livens-up-rheinlander-bakerys-exterior/ https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/07/01/eclectic-octopus-mural-livens-up-rheinlander-bakerys-exterior/#respond Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:15:33 +0000 https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/?p=575421

As a giant Pacific Northwest octopus climbs a tree stump in a forest, a western bluebird perches on its head while monarch butterflies fly around the octopus, which is also drinking a cup of coffee.  It’s a scene that’s unlikely to be found in nature — maybe in an internet literacy test circa 2007 — […]

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As a giant Pacific Northwest octopus climbs a tree stump in a forest, a western bluebird perches on its head while monarch butterflies fly around the octopus, which is also drinking a cup of coffee. 

It’s a scene that’s unlikely to be found in nature — maybe in an internet literacy test circa 2007 — but is now displayed, in mural form, on the north side of Rheinlander Bakery in Olde Town Arvada. 

For muralist Patrick Maxcy, who earned the mural commission by winning last year’s Olde Town Shindig Mural Contest, putting octopuses in unexpected places is a vital part of placemaking. 

“The octopus is a character I paint often in my work,” Maxcy said. “I love painting them where they are least expected because visitors remember them, take photos with them, and my work is full of fun, whimsical storytelling.” 

Maxcy is an accomplished muralist who has painted 18 murals throughout Colorado and beyond, with other murals completed in Nicaragua and Uganda, to name a couple. He was one of the first supporters of public mural art in Arvada’s historic district, long before Olde Town became replete with sprawling installations. 

“I actually started pitching murals to Olde Town Arvada before there were murals even here,” Maxcy said. “ I lived in Arvada for a few years, and lived very close to Olde Town, and I remember meeting (Olde Town BID Director) Joe (Hengstler) at a mural festival in Fraser, Colorado. 

“And even back then, I was trying to pitch ideas to him for murals in Arvada,” Maxcy continued. “And I don’t think there were any. The first project we did was (painting) the electrical boxes to kind of get people used to the idea. I was part of getting that project going and working on that mural, and then it slowly grew from there into more murals.” 

Hengstler said he was thrilled to have Maxcy’s mural work find a home in Olde Town, especially on a historic shop like Rheinlander’s, which turned 61 years old this year. 

A closer look at the new mural in Olde Town. Credit: By Rylee Dunn.

“It’s been great working with Patrick on this latest mural,” Hengstler said. “Patrick did one of our first public art installations when we painted the electric boxes in Olde Town five years ago, and I’ve personally always loved his work. 

“I think it is especially meaningful to have this latest mural installed on Rheinlander Bakery,” Hengstler continued. “Having been in Olde Town for three generations, the community has a lot of memories of coming here as children and now bringing their kids or grandkids. It’s our hope that this piece can now be part of that memory-making process.”

Maxcy said that as a former Arvada resident, he hopes his mural will conjure a sense of wonder for the visitors of Olde Town, especially families with young children.  

The special edition cookies from Rheinlander’s. Credit: Courtesy Photo.

“I love that Arvada has been so open to creativity and letting artists do a little more of their concepts and ideas,” Maxcy said. “My stuff was a lot more imaginative and whimsical, and I wanted something a lot more playful, because I lived in Arvada, and there are a lot of families here, so I wanted something fun that kids and lots of families could enjoy as they walk through Olde Town.” 

To celebrate the occasion, Rheinlander’s has released a limited edition batch of cookies commemorating Maxcy’s work. The cookies — which will be available until July 12 — depict paint brushes, a paint palette and spray paint cans (Maxcy’s preferred medium), respectively.

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Sparrow Street films a new second movie https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/06/24/sparrow-street-films-a-new-second-movie/ https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/06/24/sparrow-street-films-a-new-second-movie/#respond Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/?p=573796

After their COVID-inspired nightmare film “Sparrow Street” made a splash around the country and the world, Brighton-based filmmakers Sparrow Street Films are back with their second horror-themed feature film. Sparrow Street Films hosted a private screening with family and friends of their second film, “The Silicant,” on June 17 at Denver’s Bug Theater.  Justice Cole, executive […]

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After their COVID-inspired nightmare film “Sparrow Street” made a splash around the country and the world, Brighton-based filmmakers Sparrow Street Films are back with their second horror-themed feature film.

Sparrow Street Films hosted a private screening with family and friends of their second film, “The Silicant,” on June 17 at Denver’s Bug Theater. 

Justice Cole, executive producer and general manager, said it was good to be back at the Bug Theater, the spot where their first film made its debut.

“This has been a four-year journey; we had our first private screening here, which provided valuable feedback, and we made numerous changes,” Cole said. “Now we have a finished film, and we’re ready to get it into the market.”

He had nothing but praise for the people who made the film happen.

“What a great, talented cast and crew! It’s a film that holds so much meaning and depth, and we have all poured our hearts into it,” Cole said. “Being a part of it means a lot to me, and I’m excited to see where the film will go and how these truly talented individuals will advance in their careers. It’s wonderful to be part of that creation.”

The team’s first film, “Sparrow Street” was filmed in a Brighton neighborhood during the COVID-19 shutdowns and was partially a response to those claustrophobic times. The small-budget independent horror film told the tale of a typical suburban neighborhood plunged into a nightmare as an invisible, monstrous force picks off the neighbors one by one.

This second feature was initially titled “What We Don’t See,” but they changed the name after getting some feedback after an early screening, Cole said. “The Silicant” tells the story of a man, Tristan, isolated in his house in the wake of a domestic assault charge.

Billy Jack, director, executive producer, and general manager, along with Justice Cole, executive producer and general manager, thanked the crew and their family and friends for coming. Credit: Belen Ward

Cole said the name “Silicant” originates from Tristan’s need to give a name to the mysterious, unseen monster.

“His self-isolating recovery is interrupted by an otherworldly force that tries to creep into his mind… and his house,” Cole said.

Cole said they are actively seeking a distributor now, both domestically and internationally.

“We have several companies from the Cannes Film Festival and the American film market interested in this film,” he said. “In the coming months, we aim to negotiate a distribution deal that will enable people worldwide to view this film.  

Family and friends attended the private screening and participated in a Q&A session afterward. Credit: Belen Ward

“Last night was a private screening.  The film won’t be ‘premiered’ until we get a distribution deal and work that out with our distributor, of course,” Cole said. 

Billy Jack, director, executive producer, and general manager, said, “I am so excited. It was a lot of fun to make.”

They are hoping their latest work follows the same path as their first one. Their movie “Sparrow Street” won several awards across three continents. It also won the Hollywood Indie Film Award for Best Indie. It was also a semi-finalist at the Art Giraffe Film Festival in Nice, France; awarded Best Feature Film at the Tuesday of Horror in Unna, Germany; and recognized as Best Feature Film at the Horror Underground Film and Screenplay Festival in Montreal, Quebec.

The film also received an exceptional merit award and a best actress award at the Nature Without Borders International Festival in Lewes, Delaware, and earned six awards at the Depth of Field International Festival in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

The film was screened at the Budapest Movie Award Festival in Hungary and the Kosice International Film Festival in Kosice, Slovakia.

For information about Sparrow Street Films, visit: https://sparrowstreetfilms.com

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High (flyin’) arts: Foothills Art Center celebrates ARTSWEEK GOLDEN https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/06/20/foothills-art-center-celebrates-artsweek-golden-2025/ https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/06/20/foothills-art-center-celebrates-artsweek-golden-2025/#respond Fri, 20 Jun 2025 17:34:56 +0000 https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/?p=573987 aerialist performance

Goldenites love art across all media and forms, from painting and sculpture to music and other performing arts. And somehow, Foothills Art Center manages to encapsulate that love in seven days with ARTSWEEK GOLDEN. For the seventh year in a row, FAC, its partners and the greater Golden community gathered June 16-22 to celebrate various […]

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Goldenites love art across all media and forms, from painting and sculpture to music and other performing arts.

And somehow, Foothills Art Center manages to encapsulate that love in seven days with ARTSWEEK GOLDEN.

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Circus Foundry aerialist Cecilia Dewhirst performs an aerial silks routine June 18 at the Golden Mill. Credit: Corinne Westeman

For the seventh year in a row, FAC, its partners and the greater Golden community gathered June 16-22 to celebrate various artists and media.

FAC hosted some events at its campuses, while partner businesses like Golden City Brewery and Goosetown Station hosted others. For instance, on June 18, the Golden Mill hosted its fourth annual show of Circus Foundry aerialists and acrobats. The event also doubled as a fundraiser for FAC.

ARTSWEEK GOLDEN wrapped up June 21-22 with a free festival at Parfet Park. The new location showcased 70 artists for everyone visiting downtown Golden and the Clear Creek corridor, and featured a first-time beer garden with local brews.

For more information on Foothills Art Center, including its campuses and ongoing exhibits, visit foothillsartcenter.org.

Click through additional photos from the June 18 Circus Foundry performance:

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Northglenn Arts hosts a celebration of Juneteenth on June 19 https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/06/12/northglenn-arts-hosts-a-celebration-of-juneteenth-on-june-19/ https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/06/12/northglenn-arts-hosts-a-celebration-of-juneteenth-on-june-19/#respond Thu, 12 Jun 2025 18:59:33 +0000 https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/?p=573036

Miss Black Colorado, an eclectic mix of jazz, soul and gospel and Adams County’s Poet Laureate will highlight Northglenn’s Juneteenth celebration at 5 p.m. June 19 at 5 p.m. on the city’s Festival Lawn. Northglenn Arts is hosting Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration, a free outdoor event celebrating Black freedom and creativity through live performances, community […]

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Miss Black Colorado, an eclectic mix of jazz, soul and gospel and Adams County’s Poet Laureate will highlight Northglenn’s Juneteenth celebration at 5 p.m. June 19 at 5 p.m. on the city’s Festival Lawn.

Northglenn Arts is hosting Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration, a free outdoor event celebrating Black freedom and creativity through live performances, community engagement and cultural celebration, according to a city news release.

In partnership with the Dream Create Inspire (DCI) Tour — an organization dedicated to music-based experiences that promote collective healing, liberation, and social connection — this event is co-hosted by the City of Northglenn’s Diversity, Inclusivity, and Social Equity (DISE) Board, the news release states.

Organizers say the evening will feature a variety of powerful performances that celebrate community and creativity, including:

  • Osha Renee, Miss Black Colorado
  • JoFoKe & Same Cloth, eclectic blend of Jazz, Soul, & Gospel
  • Kerrie Joy, Adams County Poet Laureate
  • A dynamic finale: the DREAM FLOW collaborative Music Creation, led by DCI Tour

Guests may also enjoy food trucks, wellness demos, and a local vendor marketplace throughout the evening.

Sponsored by King Soopers, “this event brings the Northglenn community together to celebrate resilience, expression, and joy,” the news release states.

 For more information, please visit NorthglennARTS.org or call the box office at 303.450.8888.

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The 2025-2026 Northglenn Art on Parade Exhibit installed for public view https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/06/10/the-2025-2026-northglenn-art-on-parade-exhibit-installed-for-public-view/ https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/06/10/the-2025-2026-northglenn-art-on-parade-exhibit-installed-for-public-view/#respond Tue, 10 Jun 2025 19:42:00 +0000 https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/?p=572514

A new lineup of unique and thought-provoking sculptures has been unveiled for Northglenn’s annual Art on Parade exhibit for 2025-2026 at E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park. The six new sculptures, selected from artists across the country, will be on display at E.B. Rains Jr. park through May 2026. The exhibit shows both local and national […]

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A new lineup of unique and thought-provoking sculptures has been unveiled for Northglenn’s annual Art on Parade exhibit for 2025-2026 at E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park.

The six new sculptures, selected from artists across the country, will be on display at E.B. Rains Jr. park through May 2026. The exhibit shows both local and national talent and invites visitors to experience contemporary sculpture in a free, accessible, open-air setting, according to a city news release.

This year’s artists are as follows:

•            Pati Stajcar, Golden CO: “Red Rover”

•            Maria Battista, Colorado Springs CO: “The Eternal Fiesta”

•            Diego Harris, Upper Lake CA: “New Sprig” 

•            Gary Alsum, Loveland CO: “Kimiko” 

•            Harold Linke, Lake Oswego OR: “Cloud IX”

•            Deveren Farley, Lindon UT: “Let’s Play”

Everyone is encouraged to visit the park and vote for their favorite sculpture now through November 7, 2025. The winning artist will receive the People’s Choice Award, and the selected piece will be purchased for inclusion in Northglenn’s permanent public art collection.

E.B. Rains, Jr. Memorial Park, located across from the new Northglenn City Hall at 11701 Community Center Drive. This exhibit is free and open to the public—no tickets required. The city invites people to learn more at NorthglennARTS.org or call 303.450.8888.

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Clarke Reader:Arvada Center Hosts a Range of Pride Events https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/06/05/clarke-readerarvada-center-hosts-a-range-of-pride-events/ https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/06/05/clarke-readerarvada-center-hosts-a-range-of-pride-events/#respond Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/?p=570879

June is Pride Month and the Arvada Center is going big with three events that celebrate LGBTQ+ communities all over the state. “We’re excited to invite the community to celebrate Pride with these three unique events this June,” said Sarah Kolb, marketing and communications director, in a provided statement. “Each event creates a sense of belonging and […]

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June is Pride Month and the Arvada Center is going big with three events that celebrate LGBTQ+ communities all over the state.

“We’re excited to invite the community to celebrate Pride with these three unique events this June,” said Sarah Kolb, marketing and communications director, in a provided statement. “Each event creates a sense of belonging and understanding, and learning through the arts has such a special ability to connect and entertain us. Working with these incredible collaborators from all across Denver allows us to bring events that celebrate pride and community to the Arvada Center, and we’re so grateful for their partnership.”

The first event will be held at the Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., on at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 12 and is called Pride In Place: A Colorado Country Concert celebrating LGBTQ+ country and bluegrass musicians.

The free event is hosted in partnership with Jefferson County Public Library and will feature performances from Amy MartinTrace & BaerdMorgan Harris Guitar, and Rosales and Summers. According to provided information, each group will take audiences on a journey as they explore important themes like place, sexuality, identity and love.

The next event is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, and is Drag Queen Storytime with Miss Shirley. Another free, all-ages event co-hosted with the library, this one features an interactive story time and the opportunity to get to know Miss Shirley. It will also feature complimentary snacks and drinks.

Finally, there’s the Leather & Lace concert presented by the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus and Denver Feminist Chorus. The concert is at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 15.

“It’s been a while since we’ve collaborated together, so it felt like a great idea for Pride Month to do something fun we haven’t done in a while,” said Dr. Clelyn Chapin, artistic director for the Denver Feminist Chorus. “All our concerts espouse a message that’s important to us and every song we sing has a reason for it.”

The show highlights the uniqueness of everyone’s gender expression and sexuality, which is something both musical organizations do throughout the year with their performances.

“We both have the same goal, but we approach it from a different artistic standpoint. When you put it all together, their style and our style, you get a new combined style that’s really powerful,” said Johnny Nichols Jr., artistic director for the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus. “This concert is about the things that bind us together as a community: love, family, friends and organizations that bring us together. The songs we’re singing highlight these experiences.”

Whichever event you attend, you’re going to get a powerful mix of entertainment and connection, both of which are extremely important these days.

“We hope to inspire freedom and openness and give everyone in the audience encouragement to be who they truly want to be,” Chapin said.

“We’re all in a community of love and we should be protecting, supporting and learning from each other,” Nichols Jr. added.

For more information on the Center’s Pride events, visit https://arvadacenter.org/events.

Celebrate All Things Puerto Rico at the Festival Flamboyán

The 40 West Arts District in Lakewood is celebrating the arts and culture of Puerto Rico with the Festival Flamboyán, beginning at noon on Sunday, June 8. The event will be held at The Three Leaches Theater, 1560 Teller St.

The festival will feature an artisan market from noon to 4 p.m., including a book fair, live music, a salsa class and food and drinks. From 5 to 10 p.m. attendees can see El Espectáculo — a variety show with two short plays, improv comedy, spoken word poetry and a special dance performance.

For more information, visit https://40westarts.org/events.

Take Advantage of Annual Aquatic Plant Sale 

The Colorado Water Garden Society is hosting its annual Aquatic Plant Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 8 at the Hudson Gardens and Event Center, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton.

Attendees can browse through a diverse assortment of aquatic plants. like lilies, lotus and many other marginals at the free event. There will also be fertilizer tablets for sale. Additionally, staff will be on hand to share their advice with those in need.

For more information, visit colowatergardensociety.org or contact Vicki Aber at 303-423-9216 or docvicki@msn.com.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Coldplay at Empower Field

I’ve always connected to musicians that wear their hearts on their sleeve, and few bands have done so as wonderfully as Coldplay. They’ve made a career full of music that can be absolutely soaring and moving if you just allow it into your heart.

The band doesn’t tour often, but they’re bringing their Music of the Spheres World Tour to Empower at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St. in Denver, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10. They’ll be joined by openers Elyanna and Willow for what is sure to be a magical night under the stars.

Get tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

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Clarke Reader:DFF Women+Film Festival highlights power of story https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/05/29/clarke-readerdff-womenfilm-festival-highlights-power-of-story/ https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/05/29/clarke-readerdff-womenfilm-festival-highlights-power-of-story/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 12:56:00 +0000 https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/?p=570416

Ever since the development of film as an artistic medium, women have been some of its most dynamic storytellers, both in front of and behind the camera. They’ve often been denied the recognition they deserve, but with its annual Women+Film Festival, Denver Film strives to ensure the works made by these creative voices are seen. “We […]

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Ever since the development of film as an artistic medium, women have been some of its most dynamic storytellers, both in front of and behind the camera. They’ve often been denied the recognition they deserve, but with its annual Women+Film Festival, Denver Film strives to ensure the works made by these creative voices are seen.

“We look through hundreds of films — both features and shorts — to ensure our final selections create a welcoming space for underrepresented voices, our local community and people new to the independent film scene,” wrote Ambriehl Turrentine, programming manager with Denver Film, in an email interview. “Getting to see audiences and filmmakers connect, reflect and empower one another through further dialogue is such a beautiful experience and reminder of why festivals matter.”

The festival begins on Friday, May 30 and runs through Sunday, June 1 at the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave.

Attendees will be able to see features and short films as part of the event, as well as take part in a range of special discussions and activities. One of the event highlights is the annual Barbara Bridges Inspiration Award, which is going to Julia Stiles, who will be on hand to screen her directorial debut film “Wish You Were Here.”

We interviewed Turrentine about the festival, what she hopes audiences take away and more.

Interview edited for brevity and clarity.

What kind of films were you looking for this year?

Beyond the films being directed by and about women, I like to program films with care and purpose by looking for complex stories that can ultimately broaden our understanding of the world and each other. This year’s curated lineup certainly leans into that mission — from our Opening Night film, “Sally,’ which explores the career of astronaut Sally Ride and the sacrifices made in her personal life for social acceptance, to our Closing Night film, “The Librarians,” which showcases librarians (some of whom will attend in-person) on the frontlines fighting against censorship in the US.

If someone has never participated in the festival, what do you want them to know?

For someone new to Women+Film or film festivals in general, I’d want them to know that they are not only welcome to attend but also to participate. Attendees can expect to take a walk with compelling, independent stories from around the globe celebrating women in all their glory as well as engage with filmmakers, panelists and cinephile strangers (who hopefully won’t be strangers for long). This festival is just as much about our audiences as it is what’s presented on screen.

What do you hope audiences come away with?

Our goal is always transformation, so I hope our audiences leave moved, inspired and challenged to assess life differently — whether that be about identity, experiences or the power of storytelling itself. I hope they develop a deeper appreciation for the independent film scene, and especially stories told by women, because there are so many gems out there to be discovered. The films programmed in our festival of course honor women, but they also acknowledge the various societal factors that make each person unique and worthy of understanding — emphasizing that women cannot be defined by their gender alone.

The full schedule and tickets are available at www.denverfilm.org/.

Lakewood Kicks Off INSPIRE Arts

INSPIRE Arts Lakewood is the city’s monthlong celebration of Lakewood’s dynamic arts scene and it begins this year on Friday, May 30 and runs through Thursday, July 3.

The annual event is presented by Lakewood Heritage, Culture & the Arts and features a wide range of free and low-cost arts and cultural experiences at more than 20 galleries, cultural centers, shops and other venues across the city, according to provided information.

For more information, visit Lakewood.org/INSPIRE.

Get ‘On Your Feet!’ at Littleton Town Hall

The music made by Gloria and Emilio Estefan is the soundtrack for a whole generation of fans and also introduced the world to Latin rhythms and culture.

The story of the Estefans is coming to the stage as “On Your Feet!” at Littleton’s Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 Main St., from Friday, May 23 through Sunday, June 22. Most performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

With a book written by Alexander Dinelaris Jr. and score built around the Estefan’s music, the show follows the arc of Gloria and Emilio’s careers. Tickets are available at https://townhallartscenter.org/event/on-your-feet/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — billy woods at the Marquis Theater

New York City’s billy woods doesn’t make the kind of rap music that you put on for a good time. His music is searing explorations of the struggles of life at the margins and the fight to have your voice be heard. His latest album, “GOLLIWOG,” uses the rich genre of black horror to chronicle the nightmares and ecstasies of modern living.

In support of the album, woods is performing at the Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St. in Denver, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 5. Don’t miss the chance to see one of the genre’s best—tickets are available at www.livenation.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

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