Hamel started Denverarts.org because no one else was really doing it, he recalled during a Q&A in Deer Pile, the community space upstairs at City, O' City "I wanted to get out of the studio and learn more about the artists themselves." And learn about those artists he has: During his five years documenting the Denver scene, Hamel has amassed nearly 20,000 photographs of local, national and international artists who've traveled through town.
"Denver is full of creative people," Hamel added, "and being in the middle of Canada and Mexico has made people here very receptive to so many kinds of art." From the RiNo Art District on the north side of town to Santa Fe Drive and the South Broadway strip, Denver has more than its share of galleries, he pointed out, and from the start, Hamel's been at the forefront, documenting the developments.
But you don't have to maintain a website to help the arts, he noted. There are other ways to show your support, ranging from donating money and in-kind gifts to getting out to as many galleries as you can simply to appreciate the arts.
After he offered up his views on Denver's art scene, Hamel showed slides that depicted some of his (not to pick favorites) personal choices and acquaintances made over the five-year run of Denverarts.org.
Following the show, everyone moved downstairs for desserts and drinks in the renovated cafe.
