Out of the Mold

This year, Lakewood’s 40 West Arts District decided to do something different for Denver Arts Week as a way to separate itself from the pack, says spokeswoman Julie Byerlein. Instead of the usual wine-and-cheese reception, 40 West Gallery started out with a multi-artist exhibit of food-themed works, titled Farm to Table, which opened a few weeks ago. And today from noon to 4 p.m., the gallery is partnering with Mountair Park Sprout City Farms to expand on the theme with a Farm to Table Culinary Arts Celebration and Jell-O Mold Contest, an afternoon of cooking demos using fresh late-season crops. An old-school, country-fair-style competition will top off the day.

“Be inspired by Jell-O creativity and bring in your mold at 11:30 a.m.,” Byerlein says. “It’s in the spirit of fun and art and good food.” Local artist/celeb Andrew Novick will judge the entries in three of four categories — Most Artistic, Best Tasting and Most Colfax Cool — while the People’s Choice award will, of course, be judged by you. Byerlein adds that the gallery even has molds you can borrow in advance in case your kitchen lacks the antiquated paraphernalia.

Brush up on autumnal recipes and marvel at the competing gelatin fantasies at 40 West, 1560 Teller Street in Lakewood; all events are free (there’s a $5 entry fee for the contest), and it’s a great opportunity to catch the exhibit, which runs through November 22. Get details at 40westarts.org.

Sat., Nov. 8, 12-4 p.m., 2014