Audio By Carbonatix
This first First Friday is jammed with new art, as is the whole weekend, which also includes two June traditions: the Capitol Hill People’s Fair and the Art Students League Summer Art Market. From fine art photography to collectible-toy decorating, you’re bound to find something artful to see and do. Here are some of our favorites.
See also: Making Do: Senga Nengudi: The Performing Body
Happy Birthday Toy Show
Lowbrow Denver
June 6 through July 29
Opening reception: 7 to 10 p.m. June 6
Lowbrow, Broadway’s emporium of glitter, coloring books, lowbrow art and collectible toys, celebrates its second birthday with a show of artist-decorated toys, snow cones and beer. The highlight of the show is a communal KidRobot toy; on the side, there will be a food truck and a raffle. HBD, Lowbrow!
A Handful of Dust: Photos by Allen Birnbach
Byers-Evans House Gallery
June 6 through August 30
Opening reception: 5 to 9 p.m. June 6
Filmmaker and photographer Allen Birnbach fills the gallery at the Byers-Evans House Museum with images of ranching life for the summer. “Once considered a fixture of the American West, ranching may not make it to the next generation,” says Birnbach of the theme. “There are potentially insurmountable inheritance tax burdens for land-rich but cash-poor families, cities seeking additional water rights for their growing populations, competition with recreational and energy related activities on leased government land, and the impact of climate change. By documenting ranchers through still and motion pictures, I hope to bring a voice to the challenges of families who want to see their way of life survive.”
RedHanded 7: Red Square
T Gallery
June 6 through July 27
Opening reception: 6 to 10 p.m. June 6
The Red Show is back for its seventh year on Tennyson Street, featuring a crimson-hued variety of work by 25 artists, curated by Denver artist/mover Eric Matelski. Fire dancer Mitchell Rasmussen and sax player Harold Rapp III will add some red-hot heat to the reception.
Dane “Colfax” Stephenson: It’s a Big, Tiny World
Valkarie Gallery
Through June 29
Opening reception: 6 – 9 p.m. June 6
The Lilliputian world of photographer Dane “Colfax” Stephenson, who shoots urban landmarks and Denver street scenes using tiny O- and HO-scale figures in the foreground, will take over Valkarie Gallery in Belmar this month. The show, which comprises images from three series — “Tiny People, Big City,” “Tiny People, Big Nightmares” and “Tiny People, Big Colfax” — runs through the end of June.
Continue reading for more Gallery Sketches.
Maarten Haverkamp and Robert Mangold
Artyard Contemporary Sculpture
June 6 through August 30
Opening reception: 6 to 9 p.m. June 6
Any opportunity to hang out at the time-honored Pearl Street sculpture enclave that is Artyard is always a good thing; this opening features the work of Dutch photographer Maarten Haverkamp indoors and in-house sculptor Robert Mangold’s work out in the garden.
Five Artists Talk About the Future of Contemporary Fiber
Helikon Gallery
10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 7
Exhibit continues through July 19
Helikon’s far-reaching Contemporary Fiber invitational opened on Thursday, but this is a chance to not only see the reach and depth of the fiber arts in Colorado, but to also hear from a handful of them, including Regina Benson, Jo Fitsell, Jeffrey Richards, Sara Rockinger and Ray Tomasso, with moderator Carol Ann Waugh. Fiber mediums on display from twenty artists include painted fabric, woven steel, formed paper and lighted sculpture.
Ink Lounge Re-Opening Shindig and Foxy
Ink Lounge
3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 7
Screenprinting workshop Ink Lounge has moved to a bigger space, and after months of renovations, it’s ready to open its doors to the public. Ink Lounge owners Stuart and Nikki Alden are hosting a party with elements for all ages to celebrate, along with a local screenprinters’ who’s-who of a show, Foxy, no doubt inspired by the new Fox Street location. Kids can bring a blank T-shirt for hands-on fox-print pull; later in the evening, there will be live music for adults.
Form Out of Context: Amelia Carley and Gretchen Marie Schaefer
Forest Room 5
June 7 through July 3
Opening reception: 8 p.m. to midnight, June 7
TANK studio-mates Amelia Carley and Gretchen Marie Schaefer will be featured at Forest Room 5 in June, mixing styles with sculptural wall installations and more.
Want more? See the “like” my fan page on Facebook
