Saturday night, starting at 9 p.m. will be an evening of live local music upstairs at Denver Art Society.  Cody Coffee will kick the night off, followed by Someone’s in for an Explosion then Magpie will be headlining.  With a meager $5 suggested donation, it will be a cheap and fun night!  You can find out more and RSVP on our Facebook event.  We can’t wait to party with you!

Denver Art Society has really grown leaps and bounds over the last few months. Maybe it’s our mission. Maybe it’s because of all the press we’ve been getting, like this, and this, and definitely this!  Maybe it’s because of all the awesome local art and music events we’ve been hosting.  Maybe it’s all of those things, but it’s absolutely because of the outpouring of support that we’ve received from our members, and you.

Our membership is comprised of artists, musicians, educators, fitness gurus and many other talented people from all walks of life.  They offer their money, their skills, their time and their input to help grow the Society into what we all envision it to be.  Are you with us?

We are always looking for more people to become a part of the Society, whether it be as a council member, volunteer, or resident artist.  Why not be a part of something with a solid mission and obvious rewards.

We have many ways you can join!

• Member
• Volunteer
• Donate
• Art Council
• Resident artist

Do you have a some questions before you jump in feet first?  You can join us for our semi-monthly meetings on Wednesday evenings.  You can find out more information about these meetings on our Facebook page.  Or feel free to shoot an email to membership@denverartsociety.org and you will receive a prompt response.

We can’t wait to meet you and give you the warm welcome you deserve!

This painting is acrylic on canvas 24 X 48.

This is acrylic on canvas 24 X 36

DENVER ART SOCIETY APPLICATION

DANNY SMEAD

I am an artist and the creator of primerdome, and artist collective and gallery space which began as an unlicenced DIY event venue, attempted operation as a licenced event venue and nonprofit in 2010. and has matured into a semi successful gallery and in demand deign group. I work mainly in graphic design, in collaboration with other artists, using silkscreen printing techniques.

In the spirit of diy, I have developed a unique silksreening process which uses common materials to allow high quality printing at a very low cost. I feel that no artist should shy away from screenprinting due to percieved cost and complexity, and the process makes it simple and doable for anyone. One reason for my interest in DAS is to have an opportunity to teach this method to others, or at least make it available.

Another reason for my application is to maintain my connection to local artists, district culture and the community at large. I have become quite used to participating in first and third fridays and feel that quitting would be a mistake. My intention is to be an active member of DAS through interaction, resource sharing, collaboration and creative work.

I am well versed in nonprofit governance, volunteer activity and event organization and I bring an extensive and varied skillset that is second to none, including

computer hardare and web design

construction

fine art sales and promotion

event planning, promotion and booking

catering and food service

street promotion and branding

apparel manufacture, printing and sales

electronic music production and deejaying

artist and volunteer organizing

event security

welding and metal fabrication

grant and promotional writing

non profit operation and governance

As an example of the potential I bring to the Society I have taken the liberty of doing some design work which I feel is well overdue. These designs are press ready and I could silkscreen them on shirts, or anything, on very short notice.

Please accept my application to DAS, Primerdome is closed, and I have few options.Without it I fear losing the connectiom to art, artists and community I have worked very hard to achieve.

Thank you,

DANNY SMEAD

of PRIMERDOME

303 500 9131

PRIMERDOME@GMAIL.COM

D.A.S. IS LOOKING FOR A NEW, PERMANENT LOGO DESIGN.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS, IMAGES AND GRAPHICS NOW!

\

It’s photography month, and we’re celebrating the beauty of photos on all three levels of the Denver Art Society on May 4th at the First Friday ArtWalk.

Upstairs the students from The Third Way will be exhibiting their photos and poetry from 5-7 p.m.  On the main floor we’ll be displaying the photography of Council members: Charlie Walter, Caroline Pugh , and Elliot Siff with the musical accompaniment of Chris McGarry,  Lee Avenue and Alex Dalton.  And even further downstairs Underground members will be showcasing their work in the first opening of The Art Underground this season.

After the main event Zen Conspiracy will be playing the after party at 10 p.m. upstairs and our very own Hektor will be serving Pozole.

Stop by and visit all three floors and take part of what is shaping up to be the most photogenic First Friday of the year!

Primerdome is a nonprofit art collective with roots in Denver’s underground art & music scene. Through our persuit of art and music, we have found connection, peace of mind, and direction As a working and open creative collective, our vision is to unite and give voice to those struggling in Denver’s creative community.
Since it’s inception in early 2009, Primerdome has featured a variety of visual art, music, fashion and new media. Our dedicated gallery and retail space, located at 530 Santa Fe Drive is a creative and engaging environment, where artists pool ideas and resources, and share the opportunity to show their work and interact with the public. Within this interactive setting, artists establish connections with emerging art culture. Without a doubt, Primerdome nurtures upcoming generations of successful artists.
Our goal is to provide opportunities and resources to Denver’s emerging artists, and a place to practice their craft, show their work, and interact with the community.
We promote artistic experimentation and excellence in a professional setting, leveraging industry standard technology to showcase the arts , while encouraging a DIY mentality within artists and volunteers. Our unique approach gives the individual the opportunity not only to enjoy, but also to participate in music, art, event production and non-profit governance. We act as guardian, friend, and collaborator to like-minded individuals and organizations and are dedicated to ensuring that an open and safe place exists in Denver where people of different ages, ethnicities, ideologies, sexual identities, musical tastes and economic backgrounds can come together and experience music and art in a way that trancends commercial entertainment and builds community. Through interaction and cooperation for a common good, Primerdome participants become true and sincere friends.
In 2011 we are enabling and challenging the community like never before. Wednesdays at our gallery space we host the only weekly free open studio of its type in Denver. We offer free space, canvas, paint, and other art supplies to the artists community at large. Our weekend live art events generate revenue for the maintenance of the space and equipment, and offer a great way for artists to work with the public and to gain practical experience through their volunteerism with Primerdome. Indeed, often artists are asked to play unexpected roles at Primerdome and Art Enthusiasts have a rare chance to gain a fuller understanding of the creative process by engaging with artists directly.
We put our trust in the power of creativity and community, as tools of personal and social change. Our participants generally have reached a point of immobility (either socially or mentally) in their lives, and are searching for peace of mind, direction and social connections. The genuine community and opportunities for self expression and cultural involvement found at Primerdome have helped many people reach these goals in a positive and healthy manner. To overcome adversity, and achieve a level of success through creative work is something incredible to those of us who have struggled our whole lives to find a place of comfort socially , economically, and emotionally. To our surprise, art and culture illuminate our talents , skills, and feelings in ways we may never have observed otherwise. We make no attempt to alter the inherent strangeness of our creative processes. instead we embrace it. The result is creative works , and a collective community, with a sense of authenticity, urgency, and honesty which eclipses much of the work of our peers. A customary examination of our products, participants and clientele will make this abundantly clear.
We are entering our 3rd year, celebrating one year at our current location in Denvers Santa Fe District. The past year has been filled with challenges, growth, increasing awareness and support from our local community. In this time we have developed 3 main programs.
1. PROMOTION AND BRANDING The focus of this program is mainly to generate some revenue and promote our organization through the sale and distrubution of printed apparel and stickers. We have devised a method of silkscreening which uses commonly available materials and DIY techniques to create a powerful promotional and fundraising tools. We have also recently begun to see some demand for ur small-run hand printed techniques by local individuals and organizations. We feel that this program has potential for growth both by increased promotional and for-hire oppurtunities as well as through educational workshops detailing our unique techniques.
2. ART PROGRAM. For the past year we have been able to offer a weekly open studio night for the artists community at large. We fabricate and gather art supplies on a daily basis and use the open studio events to distribute them to artists in need. Engageing them in a creative. interative setting. We share the DIY techniques we have learned enabling attending artists to broaden the quality, releveance, and impact of their work. From those participating artists’ work, we select choice pieces to feature during our gallery show on the First Friday of every month, and every day wae are open. Since this date is designated as the art districts “Art Walk” And due to our strategic location on the edge of the disrict, it offers artists a unique chance to realise the results of their participation in creative culture and community. Whether through artwork sales or simple interaction with art walkers. Our residents feel a deep sense of accomplishment and valuable work connection through the process of collaborative creation and collective exhibition. We dont promote our art program, preferring instead to include and nurture those few with the drive to discover and interact with us, and find it an honor to fuel even one artists growth. However, with proper strategy, the art program has huge potential for growth limted only by willing participants and available resources.
3. MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE ARTS. We cater to our community and try to fill voids where creative types may be struggling. Often times this is as simple as sharing our space, opening our doors and letting the advantageous utilize its availability.

Our community is building a sustainable urban garden! This just shows what we are capable of when working together. Thanks, Stephanie, UrbiCulture, and everyone who is chipping in to make this possible. Check out this great Westword Article on it!

Volunteer opportunities available to help. Just reach out to us and we’ll send you more info.

Here is a sketch that I created today on my lunch break:

I do a lot of sketches on my lunch break at work. I create art for video games for a living, so I have all of the software and hardware that I need there, so I figure doing some sketching on my personal time is good practice. This image was created in about an hour. Given the limited time frame and my (obviously) limited skills, I often choose to do a black and white tone sketch, rather than trying to work with color. I’m not yet skilled enough with flesh tone color palettes to get much out of a 1 hour or less sitting, although that’s something I indeed should be working on

I usually start by doing an actual physical sketch in my sketchbook with a pen or pencil, usually using photographs as a reference. Sketching from life is better practice, but at work, well, I can only do still lives of the objects on my desk so many times! So here is the quick pen sketch I did from a photo reference of General Secretary Aung San Suu Kyi, which I then scanned into the computer:

The initial sketch must be accurate in terms of proportionality, composition, anatomy, etc. to begin with. This step is just good old fashioned draftsmanship elbow grease, where you’re really doing the heavy lifting of the piece. Once you have the sketch scanned in, you simply start laying in tonal areas with a limited palette, just as you would in a classical painting technique:

From here on out I am using a Wacom Intuous 3 pen tablet, which looks like this:

I use Adobe Photoshop, which has a pretty good brush engine. The strokes from your stylus appear onscreen, and you can “paint” in an initial underpainting of the general tonal areas, just as you would at this point with a painting:

Photoshop (like most professional graphics software) allows you to control the softness of edges and opacity of your strokes, so that you can get a very natural feeling and work much the same as you would on a real painting, with layers and positive/negative modelling, etc.

Once I have the initial tones laid out, I continue with the same techniques I would if I were working on a physical painting, starting with bigger and more dramatic areas and working down to the level of finer details:

…and so on until I achieve the level of detail that time allows (which isn’t very great on a lunch break!) I continue laying in basic tones, blending, cleaning up, etc. just as I would with an oil painting. My goal for such a short exercise is usually to get a full, clear tonal range with a few main limited values, so that the piece does not get muddy. As you can see, I don’t always achieve that! Digital illustration requires you to be keenly aware of your edges, maintaining a good mix of hardness and softness. With digital tools it is particularly easy to have things end up too soft and airy. Overly soft rendering just screams “computer junk!” and I find that most audiences do not like digital artwork that is overly blended. Just like you would with paint, you have to balance soft and hard edges to make an image dynamic.

This was the level I was able to take today’s sketch, while simultaneously stuffing my face, checking emails, and putting out various fires at work during my 1 hour lunch break. No one would mistake it for a masterpiece, and I don’t count on getting any portfolio pieces out of my lunch break practice. However, digital sketching allows me to get much more daily practice in a short period of time than I would otherwise be able to get. The practice and knowledge gained is more applicable to my main love of oil painting, and I’m able to take a sketch farther than I would with a sketchbook alone. So for me, digital sketching and painting is a valuable tool to continue improving my skills in the fast paced, full scheduled lifestyle that I find myself in. Sure, I’d rather be at home painting, but hey, at least my skills aren’t stagnating while I’m unable to break out the paints at work. Hope this quick breakdown answers some of your questions and perhaps encourages some artists to give digital a try

Any feedback would be most welcome!

I’m due for another art show. I don’t know where, I don’t know when but I’m working on new pieces until I figure it out.

Charcoal and chalk on toned paper
Life Drawing by DAS Resident Artist Joey Buhrer

The press has been showing the Denver Art Society a lot of love lately.  We are so thankful that our mission and hard work is being recognized.  CBS local writer Deborah Flomberg recently included DAS in her list of Top Denver Arts Programs to Support.  Along with CBS we were also recognized on the 2012 Best Of Denver list by the Denver Westword.

Remember, we couldn’t do this without you, our valued members and volunteers!  If you want to be a part of our growing team, sign up now or tell a friend!

more great music at the Denver Art Society!!!!!!  This time around is Reviving Cecilia and ScaTTer GaTHer.  ScaTTer GaTHer is a local (around the block) duo that has been supporting DAS for awhile now, and there sound is an eclectic mix of indie/experimental rock and roll.  Reviving Cecilia is also from Denver, they are combining inspirations such as The Beach Boys, Death Cab for Cutie, and Eisley with story-like lyrics and melodies.  Should be a fun night.  We’ll have drinks available.  Music starts at 9.

This past Friday I attended the Sankofa lecture series to which I was invited as a guest artist. This is the picture I drew of the keynote speaker, Talib Kweli. And here is a picture of me with the man himself.

I later had the opportunity to give him one of the shirts I designed with his image. He was busy so I don’t think he got to take it in. Hope he likes it.

Join us tonight for a early screening of “Tokeasy” before its premier at the Oriental Theater on April 20, 2012.   This satire, written and directed by Wally Wallace, and co-directed by Sean Williams speaks on the the taboo of marijuana use today paralleled to alcohol prohibition in the ’20s.

When ninety-six year old medical marijuana patient Grace Murphy passes away, stoner Bud Parker and his coworkers Tyrell and Royce, the ex-narcotics officer, must clean out her wrecked house. But when Royce’s partner, Rodney the racist police dog, finds Grace’s secret marijuana grow room the guys decide to turn the house into a marijuana speakeasy. However, many obstacles stand in the way of their “tokeasy” including the sexual harassing ghost of Grace, Dr. Bobby, the fake marijuana doctor, and a town full of closet pot heads stuck in a social limbo of legal and non-legal marijuana use ( from www.tokeasy.com).

Whether you partake or not, be sure to come check out this exclusive opportunity to view “Tokeasy” before its premier.  Only at Denver Art Society!

Be sure to “like” Tokeasy’s Facebook page for more information.

© Caroline Pugh: bycarolinepugh.com

Traveling around, from Asheville NC, the StereoFidelics will be featured at the Denver Art Society.  This duo performs with a variety of instruments, often both playing two at the same time.  Sounds ranging from folky (guitar and violin) to funky (drums and bass/guitar).  These two are great live!  I’ve seen them when I was living in NY, they throw it down.  Music starts around 8:30.  Drinks will be available.  We’re asking a $5 donation to help support DAS and the band.

check em out…

http://stereof.com/

Ebenezer

http://www.roco6x6.org/6x6x2012_intro.php

Here’s the entry form link: http://www.roco6x6.org/6x6x2012_3pages.pdf

Looks like submissions are due by May 6

Fun!

-Melissa

http://www.melissasherowski.com

http://www.melissasherowski.etsy.com

Over the years, as I’ve grown into what it means to be an artist, I’ve realized that artmaking is a process that I must continue to engage in because, in its subtle and potent language, art tells a truth about life that is often difficult to hear in any other way.

Process.  When I started this painting a month or so ago, I thought it would be nice just to document the process from the beginning stages to the finished product of a painting.  But, over the last month, somehow this very process of documenting a process has revealed some deeper questions that I’ve been asking about my own life.

You see, I’m not always a big fan of the slow-moving nature that life seems to take on at times.  I’m not always appreciative of the fact that life is full of waiting and growing and learning rather than the instant gratification that our time and culture is so addicted to.  Most of the time, I want the instant, straight-forward-written-direction, micro-wave version of life.  But it doesn’t really seem to work out that way, does it?

I remember when I was in college, I had a professor who would often warn us against “figuring everything out before starting to paint.”  The struggle is what makes the painting interesting, she would say.  And its true, isn’t it? In a painting, I mean.  We don’t want to look at art that is all set, figured out, and mastered.  That’s why coloring book pictures aren’t flying off the gallery walls.  No– there is an unspeakable, hard-to-articulate depth and beauty to a work of art that we know took the artist time to figure out.

In my first painting class in college, we were given the assignment to reproduce an established artist’s painting, only in reverse-complement.  In working through and researching this painting by Lee Krasner (whose marriage to Jackson Pollock and subsequent biography is quite fascinating) I realized that the bright white background of the painting actually conceals a more complex black or purple underpainting.  At first glance, one would say the painting is primarily white, but would it be nearly as interesting without the black underneath?  By no means.  Funny how what meets the eye comprises so little of what really matters…

We’re all in process, aren’t we?  We’re all moving towards something in life, it seems.  Some good friends gave me a card when I graduated college that I still keep in a frame, sitting on my piano.  Beneath a picture of a small child in pajamas, his head resting on the second step of a staircase, almost given up on the task of climbing the insurmountable challenge, is a quote from Pierre de Coubertin,  ”The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.” To tell the truth, sometimes the struggle hardly seems worth it and all I want is the triumph.

But then I am reminded of how things really work when I look over at my studio where lots of works in progress hang.  No matter how difficult the struggle, the outcome won’t be nearly as beautiful if we try to rush ahead, sign and hang the painting before we’re really worked through it.

I’m at the point in my life where I’m just starting out and the road ahead feels impossibly long.  Just making it through the month seems like an impossible task sometimes.  But I’ve been reminded recently by a good and wise friend that although the financial struggles and the questions about the relationships around me, the professional conundrums, and the tight, stuck knots I’m trying to untangle in my life won’t last forever, that a day will come when I’ll be climbing the stairs, jumping two steps at a time– it’s not forever, she said.  And I suppose then, when that day comes, there will be new challenges, and new processes will begin again.  Perhaps…

Denver Art Society council member and Underground resident artist, Adri Norris has rolled out her line of T-shirts that will be sold exclusively at MegaFauna.  These innovative and beautiful shirts feature black line drawings of musicians in Adri’s classic, detailed style.

Womazing.com, a hip-hop blog has featured Adri’s shirts on their site.  Check out the article here.  You can purchase Adri’s t-shirts online, or at MegaFauna located at on 2701 Larimer Street in Denver.  MegaFauna is a Denver consignment boutique that sells and promotes local artists’ wares.  Visit their website to find out more.

For more information about Adri, check out her website: Afrotriangledesigns.com or read her bio here on the DAS page.

Original Painting by Melissa Sherowski

Original Painting by Melissa Sherowski

"K" Original Painting by Melissa Sherowski

The Denver Westword has recognized the Denver Art Society on their highly-esteemed yearly Best of Denver list.  We won the Best Art-for-Kids Boosters category.  We are so grateful that our mission and hard-work is being acknowledged, and hope that this is just another step on our journey to providing art education for all children in Denver.  Thank you to everyone involved with the Denver Art Society, as we couldn’t do any of this without you.  Please be sure to pick up a copy of this weeks Best of Denver issue of the Westword, and also please check out the article online and leave a comment or two.

The last Wednesday of every month is spoken word open mic night at the Society.   Join us tonight for this month’s feature:  Baltimore’s brilliant, Marc Marcel.  Marc has a long list of accolades and will be gracing the Denver Art Society with his words this evening at 7 p.m.  The Bless DAS Poets will also be sharing their voices.

Tonight we will also be encouraging live sketching, so bring your own sketch book and use the spoken word as your inspiration!   It is free to attend, but we always encourage donations to the Denver Art Society to continue making events like these possible.  Also, be sure to visit our Denver Art Society Facebook page to let us know if you are attending.

Join us upstairs on Friday night at 8 p.m. for Buggsy Mogues’ eclectic mix of bluegrass, alternative country rock.  Then on Saturday we will be enjoying Someone’s in for an Explosion at 10 p.m.  This unique trio, hailing from Boulder will share their brand of Indy rock, and will be sure to bring the house down! We hope that you can make it down for one or both of these exciting events, we can’t wait to party with you!

I started using the business cards they gave me at work to draw little capoeiristas on. I wasn’t going to use them otherwise

Show your art to 8k+ visitors on the First Friday of every month.

Our gallery is run by our 1-year-old baby co-op called the Art Council. All Art Council Members get to show and sell their art on First and Third Fridays, keeping 100% of sales. Learn more about becoming an Art Council Member.

Denver Art Society and our Start the Art benefit concert is featured in the Denver Westword today!  Check out the article, and be sure to join us this evening for the unveiling of Treehouse Youth Art School.  We look forward to seeing you all and we thank you in advance for all of your support!

On this Friday night, at our Start the Art benefit we will be unveiling our plans for the Treehouse Youth Art School.  This program aims to provide access to art classes for children and encourage their natural creativity… but that’s not all.  Denver Art Society is a community of artists and other talented individuals, and we want to include you in our vision!  We are always looking for new Denver Art Society members and volunteers, and it doesn’t matter if you’re not artistically inclined, we have something for everyone.

We hope to see you all on Friday.  Get your tickets, come by and enjoy the musical musings of Josh Novak and friends, or to learn about Treehouse Youth Art School, or to just meet all the friendly and creative DAS family members.  We’re sure that you will find something about Denver Art Society that inspires you.

Josh Novak, self taught acoustic musician has made quite a name for himself since he released his first EP in 2004.  With rave reviews by every Colorado media source and a long running nomination streak for the Westword Best Music Showcase, Josh’s craft ages like fine wine, only getting better with time.

On March 16th at 7pm Josh will bless the Denver Art Society with a benefit show to help jump start the Treehouse Youth Art School.  Please join us for an evening of music and art.  Buy your tickets here.

turn off the tv and open your mind

We are very excited to host The Atomic Duo from Austin, TX and Pete Kartsounes of Boulder, CO for a night of unique acoustic music.  Please come out THIS MONDAY and support these musicians.  It is the first of many concerts we will be hosting in our upstairs space and is sure to be a good time.  There will be food and drinks available too!

Click Here for the Facebook event page and more information.  RSVP and invite your friends!

Doors for the show are at 8 and it will be an early show, but please arrive at 7pm for FREE YOGA beforehand led by Chandi.

Check out the musicians by clicking their name-

The Atomic Duo

Pete Kartsounes

Look forward to seeing you here!

Colored Pencil and Marker Self Portrait. Thanks to Madre.

Come out for a fun evening to support the Denver Art Society as they kick-off the spring art walk season and a new vision for the Santa Fe Art District.

Featuring local music by:

Joshua Novak
Porlolo
& Others To Be Announced!!

Silent auction will include items from Strange Brewery and The Falling Rock Tap House!

$10 members
$30 non-members

**Ticket includes appetizers from El Noa Noa & Interstate Kitchen, a full tasting of Leopold Brothers liquors, and beer from Great Divide Brewery.

BUY TICKETS HERE: http://denverartsociety.org/starttheart

I’m still figuring out the storyline, but am starting to develop some characters. With Bo is Lucien Malandro, or Lu, his grandfather. He taught Bo everything he knows about forestry and animals.

February with open mic poetry from 7-10 pm

Fort What it is and  for what its not

Time is the resistor, floating like a constrictor

pace stands to get off while joy breaks the soft

snowing like an animal… summer summer flesh flesh phone…

soft fury little alien robots, searching for the nipples bitter bitter end

the journy’s never over, so we might as well be friends

im going to the ballpark to watch the chicks lay eggs

someone give me a flashlight, a lighting for the lens

Charismatic coffee crippling from the clamps

cherished by christmass they sure don’t seem to last

the piping came from wal-mart… summer flesh flesh phone…

please find my bodyguard, i need to take a risk

the neighbors across the street are yelling at their kids

pluto’s not a planet, i think thats good for me

donde esta todos las maiz?

When the landing breaks for dawn, then the dawn will go back home

the systems never work for the people who rely on them

someone call the doctor… summer summer flesh flesh phone…

gary’s in the backyard, he’s covering his tracks

america has a very very shady past

something belongs here, except a random thought

its your turn now, tick tick tock

One of my favorite things to do in Boulder is to simply go for a walk in my neighborhood or head downtown to drink in all of the eclectic architecture.  It seems like every block is packed with a mixture of old and new, historical and contemporary, decorative and functional.  One of the most lovely things about this strange city is the effect the no-expansion ordinance has on the way people view and inhabit the buildings that comprise the infrastructure of home.  Rather than allowing houses built during the gold rush that established Boulder along the foothills to be torn down or abandoned for the latest, realtor-beige tract-homes, the original simple, brick-and-mortar structures are simply enhanced, added to, or upgraded to something that meets modern fire-codes without compromising their antique beauty.  When you walk down Walnut or Pine, you get a sense of story in every house– the history hasn’t been erased– the story of the space is written in the bricks next to siding next to shingles next to rental signs next to exterior paint choices that seem only acceptable in this city (only here can you be certain that a house with lime green and turquoise trim is worth no less than a half a million dollars).

So this morning, I walked down to the post-office to mail off my latest netflix treasure, deposit some checks, and to have my glasses tightened and I couldn’t help be reminded why I love this city.  Something in the stories written all over bricks and siding and fences made of re-claimed wood makes it easy for me to find a place where I fit– it seems everyone is constantly making this place home in their own way and it invites me to put my own touch on things too.  We’re all leaving our mark and making ourselves at home.

When you’re only six inches tall, steak isn’t exactly on the menu.

Indie Film Underground February 9th 7:30 pm

Join us tonight at the Indie Film Underground @ DAS

Free admission and Free appetizers !!!

A note from John Hartmann

” This is the 4th Indie Film Underground Screening. We project avant garde/experimental films from Colorado”

Hope to see you tonight

Live studio art by DAS artist Adri Norris

Looking for Studio Space ?

DAS is looking to add three artists to our Artist in residency program.  Our artists in resident are apart of our Art Council Co-Op, which is a cooperative of independent artists who put together shows on First and Third Friday.

Benefits Include

- 225 sq ft of studio space

- Gallery display space

-  Art shows on First and Third Friday

-  Access to Common Space

-  Free Wi-Fi

- Keep 100% of your sales

- Personal Website (ex: denverartsociety.org/adri)

If interested please submit a portfolio and a statement of interest to russell@dpau.org

When you’re six inches tall, you can find fun where most people can’t.  Wouldn’t you waterslide down a fountain if you could?

Finding your next meal and staying hidden is tough, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. All it takes is a little camouflage.

Bo and his people don’t like being seen by humans. Capture could lead to all sorts of problems so he goes to some extreme measures to not get caught. Good thing someone left some soft trash laying about.

Here’s my new character, Bo. I’m still working out the details of what he’s all about but clearly he’s very small (about six inches) and loves having a good time.

Are you looking to display your art on Santa Fe Drive for 50 dollars a month ?

The Denver Art Society is looking for new artists to join our Artist Council, which is a cooperative of independent artists working in collaboration to produce Art shows every First and Third Friday.

The benefits of joining the Art Council include.

- 11 X 11 feet of exhibiting space
- Art shows every First and Third Friday
- Personal webpage through the Denver Art Society
- Access to common space to create shows
- Exhibiting with Partner Galleries
- Keep 100% of your sales

If interested email russell@dpau.org

Realize Empathy

What I learned from Art School

I am interested in exploring the implications these ideas about art and creative activity may have for art education as well as our lives and work as artists.

snow fluttering to the ground

pile it up and head to town

i don’t know where im going, or wet dock wheedle whim

when suddenly he sat their motionless

thinking he had thought something new

but something seemed different

he sat idle, he sat confused

until… splish splash

and the funk stains below show, 7 8 9 10

finish this poem and go to bed

While the guy that Sean Connery played in Red October was sweating bullets in his sub, young Dick was racing cars down highway 15 in the souther tier of NY.  And by the time he was my age, right now as  I write this (24), he had just started in the car business.  The fixin up part that is.  So now Ole’ Dick owns his own shop here in B-Town, or wait a minute “the greater Johnson City area”.  And Im the kinda guy that has car problems, weather its crashen em or neglectin em, they finds there way to the shop.  And one day I was driving around the C-dubb, and I bring it in for a heater core or some similar issue and now I get a different story every time I go in.  Actually, he tells so many, that once in awhile he’ll stop and say “did I already tell ya this one?”.  And I think for a few seconds… uhhhh possibly my memory isn’t working right now.

An adventure in face melting synth technique.

http://soundcloud.com/isosceles-moss/noxious-fox

Learn the basics of how to think and use your brainpower to your benefit.

WHEN: 6pm Mondays
WHERE: 734 Santa Fe Dr
AGES: All
COST: Free
TEACHER: Sean McGowan
PREREQUISITES: None
WEBSITE: dpau.org/brain
QUESTIONS? Email sean [at] dpau [dot] org

Paid for by public donations to Denver Art Society.
734 Santa Fe Dr. Denver, CO 80204
(720) 583 – 3728

Contours (Carved Clay Slabs)

This piece currently hangs in Cherry Creek at the JW Marriott Hotel in Denver, CO

Come out on Tuesday for Jazz/Ballet Combo Class or Hip Hop.

Ages 4-10

6-7pm Jazz/Ballet Combo

7-8pm Hip Hop

Age 18 and up

8-9pm Adult Jazz/Ballet

Come out on Thursday for Jazz/Ballet Combo Class or Hip Hop.

Ages 11-17

6-7pm Jazz/Ballet Combo

7-8pm Hip Hop

Age 18 and up

8-9pm Adult Hip Hop

Com check out the Original Bunny Gang (www.nathemaxwell.com), and support our DAS members!

January 14th @ Three Kings Tavern, 60 S. Broadway, Denver

January 20th @ Gothic Theater, 3263 S. Broadway, Englewood

Next Saturday Night

Showing Jan 3-30 at Artists on Santa Fe. Artist reception Jan 20.

We are arts teachers. The work we do creates a better future for everyone. Our work opens minds. Our work engages students. Our work strengthens essential ties between schools, communities, and families.

Make no mistake, many students get an excellent arts education. Our teachers have never been more passionate. Our culture has never been richer. Our standards have never been higher.

We believe universal access to the arts is not a privilege. It’s a right.

We teach the arts to give people a chance to express themselves, explore new ideas, and grow as compassionate, driven, capable individuals.

Our programs cost money, but we don’t take a single penny from the government. In the last few weeks, we’ve received more $10 donations that I can count, from people who share our passion.

Your voice can be heard, whether it’s by donating, volunteering, or simply taking the time to stop by our building and starting a conversation.

We’re almost there. We’re very close. Please help us cross the finish line.

Make your 2012 donation to support us with a gift in any amount, and help us reach our goal right now.

Together, we are making the world a better place — and we’re doing it in an incredibly rich, creative, and positive fashion.

I’d like to personally extend my thanks to every teacher reading this. You are the real heroes of this day and age.

Thank you,

Sean

P.S. Looking to help in other ways? We need you! You can:

• Share this post using the below links
• Start your own fundraising page
• Volunteer for the Denver Art Society

We believe independent artists are stronger together. The Denver Art Society has a brand new Co-Op known as the Art Council. We are looking for Members to join and help us curate our 10,000 sq. ft. building in the heart of the Arts District on Santa Fe Dr.

Membership to sit on the Art Council at Denver Art Society costs $50 per month and includes many perks:

• Exhibit and sell your art on the First Friday ArtWalk
• Exhibit and sell your art on Third Friday (Art Collector’s Night)
• Free entrance and participation in monthly Peer Critique sessions (only for the brave
• Free access to arts classes and creative seminar sessions
• Free admission to our monthly Art Salon (Hosted by Maxwell Gallery)
• Discounts to coffee shops and art supply stores throughout Denver

The Art Council also participates in shows at partner galleries thoughout the city, and solo show opportunities are available for Members beginning their third month as a Member.

We’re not just looking for anyone, though. You must be approved by a majority of standing Members. Specifically, we’re looking for people exceptional talent and a passion for creativity and arts education. If you can teach a class once a month to local students, that’s a huge plus.

It is essential that you are willing to roll up your sleeves. If you haven’t been to DAS lately, it’s not exactly a five-star art gallery. Instead, it’s a work in progress. We have a huge building in the best location, but you’ll be asked to help us make it look good before shows. Sometimes this involves picking up a broom. Sometimes this involves helping paint the walls. We will be considerate of your particular talents and limitations, but basically it is a co-operative so everyone has to pitch in. We’re not looking for artists who don’t want to engage their fellow artists. It is a co-op and together we have to do all the work. We aren’t funded by the government or from grants — We must do everything ourselves. That being said, no one is going to get in our way or tell us what to do. For example, there is absolutely no censorship of any kind.

Interested? Click here and sign up. Be sure to include a link to your art or a sample of your piece in the “Logo” section. If you are not voted in, your Membership dues will be refunded.

Thanks everyone! See you Jan 6!

Right now, many kids in our own neighborhood don’t have any arts classes at all. Yet, what better way is there to strengthen our communities, our economy, or our young minds than by investing in creative education?  That’s why we are building a new, free, creative youth learning facility at 7th & Santa Fe Dr.

Since we started DAS, more than 1,400 people have fueled our movement by donating a few dollars on First Friday, becoming an Official Member, or by lending a hand to help build our first school.

We’re not like other nonprofits. We’re volunteer-driven, member-powered, and wholly focused on the communities we serve.

If you’re not yet a member, consider joining the Denver Art Society today.

Together we show our art on the First Friday ArtWalk. We enjoy weekly events like Poetry As Muse, the Indie Underground Film Festival, and Art Out Loud Music Festival. Most importantly, we work to guarantee every student under the age of 25 free classes in art, music, dance, theater, and language.

I invite you to join us: Imagine a city in which every student has access to a free and complete education in the arts. That’s our commitment.

Join the Denver Art Society or simply learn more about Membership.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Sincerely,

Sean

So, I participated in the Denver Chapter of Art Out Loud. We had some bands, did some live drawing and painting and some good food. All in all a good time. Here’s what I drew.

Artlessness is the best way to joblessness. That’s why we’re working so hard to make sure students in our neighborhood have universal access to the arts.

Truth is, imagination, creativity, and innovation make our streets safer, our economy stronger, and our families healthier.

A couch potato never changed the world. We need these classes.

It’s painful. It hurts me to see the state of arts in education today.

It’s scary to imagine a world without imagination.

Together, we’re getting back on the right track — Please take a minute to support the work we’re doing in the neighborhood.

Yes, I can chip in $3 right now to help us reach our goal.

It’s you who bring our work and our mission to life.

Thank you,
Sean