It's First Friday and the first day of August, so it should be a fine, balmy summer night for exploring the art districts, from Santa Fe Drive to RiNo. Here are a few one-of-a-kind shows to see, tonight and through the weekend.

See also: Photos: The Heads of Hydra couple up for an intimate exhibition at Carmen Wiedenhoeft

Denver County Fair
 Art & Wine Reception Art Pavilion, National Western Complex 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, August 1 Fair admission, $5 to $10, $8 parking

There's plenty to do and see all weekend long at the Denver County Fair, but because Friday nights are traditionally for art openings, the fair is holding a reception of its own, to showcase its Art Pavilion exhibition entrants. The fair's massive annual juried, blue-ribbon, all-Colorado show encompasses fifteen categories, from painting to quirky artist trading cards. And wine will be served -- specifically, wines from local vineyards. It's the Denver County Fair, after all!

Continue reading for more Gallery Sketches.

Ravi Zupa, Just A Moment... Black Book Gallery August 1 through 30 Opening reception: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, August 1

A solo of new works from the elusive Ravi Zupa (also a Westword MasterMind) is always not-to-miss: The Denver artist's metaphor-heavy works, inspired and meticulous patchworks streaming influences ranging from Flemish primitives to Japanese woodblock prints, never fail to leave viewers with a sense of mystery and wonder. Zupa says Just a Moment... refers to the moment when HAL 9000 decides to initiate and carry out his plan in the classic Kubrick film 2001; despite the show's futuristic inspiration, all the works were created using an antique printing press. Go forward and backward in time with Ravi Zupa tonight at 6 p.m.


Art Guitar Preview Party Epic Brewing Company, Denver Taproom 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, August 3

Every August, local curator Eric Matelski gathers up a collection of artist-decorated guitars and drives them up to Copper Mountain, where they'll be auctioned off for charity as part of the mountain resort's annual Guitar Town music celebration, taking place this year August 8 through August 10. But Denver folks get to be the first to see and bid on these works, during Sunday's preview at Epic Brewing's taproom. Have a brew, mingle with artists and see for yourself how they've transformed their instruments, all rejuvenated clunkers. Proceeds benefit MusiCares, which provides services and resources to musicians facing financial and medical emergencies.

Want more? See the Westword art event listings to learn more about current gallery and art museum exhibitions and openings in the metro area.

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• Arts and Culture
• Visual Arts