Spark Gallery Leaves Santa Fe Arts District for Plaza by Denver Art Museum

After twenty years in Denver's Art District on Santa Fe, the artists behind Spark Gallery are hoping to make local art more accessible to a broader audience at a new location in the Golden Triangle, right by the Denver Art Museum.

Spark, Denver's oldest non-profit, artist-run gallery, closed its Santa Fe Arts District location in June; next month, it will reopen in the Civic Center Cultural Complex at 1200 Acoma Street, next to MAD Greens and across the plaza from the Denver Art Museum's Hamilton building. "It was time for a fresh approach — one that would revitalize our presence, strengthen our connection with the community and create new opportunities for growth," says Spark Gallery co-director Mike Herburger.

Spark's former location at 900 Santa Fe Drive had been the studio of Lawrence Argent, the late artist who is known as the creator of the Big Blue Bear at the Colorado Convention Center. After he passed in 2017, the building was sold to artist Katherine Payge, who rented space to Spark and Core, another members' gallery. But Payge passed in late 2021, and the building was sold again. (A second property, at 834 Santa Fe, was gifted to the Chicano Humanities and Arts Council). Core moved to the 40 West District and was replaced by D’art, a contemporary gallery, which is staying put for now. But Spark has moved on.

Spark signed a ten-year lease at its new location, and Herburger says that he hopes the location will bring in tourists as well as locals. "Spark has secured an affordable lease for an underutilized space within the Colorado Creative District," he says. "Spark was given the opportunity to take over this space as a way to support and uplift the local arts community."

Since its start in 1979, Spark has been run by its artists and providing a much-needed home for non-commercial and experimental work. Today, the co-op has fifty member artists. "This long-term commitment also allows us to plan exhibitions and events with a broader vision for the future," Herburger says, adding that the gallery's first goal is to get back into a regular show rotation with a full roster after being out of sight for almost a year.

The gallery will open with the show Little x Little, from April 4 to 6. The exhibition will be a display of 12-inch by 12-inch works, each donated by a Spark member; all proceeds from sales will go to cover construction costs. "We see this exhibit as a way to also celebrate the work of all our members and the diversity of work Spark brings to the community," Herburger says.

Supporters of Spark really stepped up, helping the gallery get close to its $140,000 fundraising goal to cover remodeling of the new space, Herburger adds.

"Our member artists are thrilled to continue sharing their work locally, in the heart of Denver," he says.