The Denver International Art Scene has been steadily growing over the last few years and its strongest concentration of galleries is far from any of the really rich and affluent neighborhoods in Denver. Cherry Creek, South Broadway and the Golden Triangle has a smattering of galleries but the true cutting edge artist’s work will be found along the gritty street of Santa Fe in the heart of West Denver. As a child I only came down to this street for Cinco de Mayo celebrations and eventually for high school at Denver West. This was an area you did not hang out at night unless you had a death wish or if you were a bad ass wishing to test your street skills.
However, being in a poorer section of town, some of the oldest neighborhoods and structures in the city escaped the Urban Renewal wrecking ball and are now housing almost 40 different galleries. All between 6th Avenue down to almost 15th (Colfax) on Santa Fe you can find artist works from around the world. International art is selling in these once low priced buildings and at record prices. I never imagined an $18,000 photo and clay work for $80,000 in the hood unless it was just lifted! The first Friday of each month is First Night in the Art District and the galleries are open late; serving free wine and cheese to droves of artist, wanna be artist, collectors and admirers of art.
Here is something a little different from an area less travel, for now. Isn’t it always the artist that move in and change the neighborhoods? Let’s start the tour with my pics in the daylight, and before I had my first of many sips of wine!
Proximity to downtown Denver
Most of these structures were built in the 1880s when Denver was developing. The Santa Fe Railroad ran parallel to this neighborhood, hence the name of the street. The neighborhood was heavily Hispanic populated since it was established due to its proximity to the railroad and the factories along the Platt River. Many of the building took on a stucco covering and as part of new zoning, any rehabilitation to damaged structures needs to be covered in stucco if they cannot be restored closely to their original appearance.
Being so close to the central business district of downtown, many wonderful homes and public structures were added to this neighborhood. These are within one or two blocks of Santa Fe Street.
My high school, Denver West
Saint Joseph’s
One of several Denver area Andrew Carnegie donated libraries added in 1913
Getting artsy and aging one of my pics
A few historic homes
On Santa Fe
Street tagging and graffiti have given way to more organized wall coverage
Built in 1888 and still holding it together!
Condos replacing old structures that had to be raised
“They tried to make me go to rehab…”
Mood lighting
The Old Santa Fe Theater has see good day, today is not one of them.
New condo entrance
Modern security bars added to an old structure
Chicken wire above the door is prep for a stucco façade, I prefer the original bricks to show.
Wild welding happening on a side street
Welded and motorized alligator art!
One look at my first tattoo and my mom said, “Hey, your art belongs on the wall!”
Two residences trying to hang on to what they have.
Capturing a reflection of the Old, while viewing the New
Later that night - After a long week, I was much in need of libations as much as my camera was in need of light and steady hands on a Friday night. Sadly, the sidewalks barely fit one person on them and the street is incredible busy with insane drivers. No space for a tripod or even to hold still for a few seconds without getting bumped into. Since you cannot have open containers of liquor on the street, and I didn’t want to be accused of alcohol abuse, I was compelled to finish each half glass of wine I was handed before I left each gallery. Thus, you will find blurry shots coming and please don’t ask me what that was that you just saw as this is not what I would normally post. But fun was had by all, I think, at least I had fun!
Free wine, this looks like a good place to start!
This picture is a good example of why Denver has picked up the new nickname of "Menver".
Now this fits with the neighborhood.
One of many d.j.’s spinning in the galleries
Wow, those drinks are kicking in!
Um, man, I don’t know about this one?
This little fellow was hanging in the bathroom, I think to inspire action?
Winged Biker Demon with a tail sort of thing?
Seeing double now!
Where am I again?
“Dude, for the last time, this is my natural color!”
Do those stockings really go with those shoes?
Time to settle down for a smothered burrito!
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