Art Attack: Six Ways to Celebrate First Friday in Denver

Galleries never sleep for long, and Denver artists are now dumping the past for the future, keeping it fresh with a spray of New Year’s Day First Friday shows.

Put on your rosy glasses, a mask and a smile, and help them celebrate in style.
John Roemer
LMP PDA, Lane Meyer Projects, 2528 Walnut Street
Through January 10
The work of Denver artist John Roemer, who repurposes ordinary materials to take on new visual properties, is currently on display, one piece at a time, in the window gallery at Lane Meyer Projects, where it can be viewed any time of day or night. As always, works are for sale during the two-week run, with 100 percent of proceeds going directly to the artist, who will designate a portion to the nonprofit of his choice. Romer will donate all proceeds to the Colorado Freedom Fund, a bond fund for disadvantaged Black jail detainees.
Jasmine Dillavou, Portal Brujeria
The Storeroom, 1700 Vine Street
Through March 2021
Another of Denver’s display-window galleries, the Storeroom, the empty storefront next to the Vine Street Pub, is showcasing Jasmine Dillavou’s new installation, Portal Brujeria, a re-creation of an occult botánica window that serves as an altar to a fictional Holy Mamacita. Drive by and check it out 24/7 from your car or on the sidewalk.
Julio Alejandro and Danielle Cunningham, Various Cardio
Dateline Gallery, 3004 Larimer Street
January 1 through January 30
Opening Reception: Friday, January 1, 6 to 11:30 p.m.
Art couple Julio Alejandro and Danielle Cunningham team up for a collaborative show of installations, drawings and paintings taking on the lopsided economics of capitalist societies through the misuse of sports logos and equipment. The artists will raffle off an artwork at the opening, with proceeds benefiting the Equal Justice Initiative.
2021 Members Show
Pirate Contemporary Art, 7130 East 16th Avenue, Lakewood
January 1 through January 17
Some of Denver’s oldest co-op galleries still support the tradition of mounting big member shows to kick off the new year, and with First Friday falling on New Year’s Day, it’s particularly poignant — and maybe a sign of hope peeking out of the clouds for artists. Pirate leads the way into 2021 accordingly, with a fresh look at what’s to come.

In the Presence of Water
Edge Gallery, 6851 West Colfax Avenue
January 1 through February 7
Artist Talk/Poetry Reading: Saturday, February 6; details forthcoming
Edge kicks off the new year with a splash: an invitational group exhibition of work contemplating the future of our environment, and especially that of our most precious resource — water. Dive into issues of misuse, overuse and quality control; the gallery is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 2 p.m. or by appointment.
Core All Member Show
Core New Art Space, 6851 West Colfax Avenue, Lakewood
January 1 through January 17
Opening Reception: Friday, January 1, 6 to 9 p.m.
Core also starts fresh, with a member show of all new work and even a bona fide COVID-controlled opening reception on First Friday. It’s a brand-new year: Act accordingly.

Interested in having your event appear in this calendar? Send the details to [email protected].