March 2-3 Free Days @ Denver museums, galleries

The first weekend of the month belongs to the fine arts in this town. Here's what's doing this Friday and Saturday, March 2-3:

1) The Art District on Santa Fe gets things started with its First Friday Art Walk, which includes numerous galleries and a couple of museums, too.

2) The RiNo Art District also has First Friday events happening on March 2.

3) The Denver Art Museum's Free First Saturday on March 3 is open to all Colorado residents with proof of residency. Tickets are needed.

4) The Museo de las Américas has Family Free Days (sponsored by Target) on the first Saturday of the month. From 12 to 4 pm, there are free interactive workshops for children and teens, plus free tours and santos demonstrations. Also note that the Museo participates in the Santa Fe Arts District Art Walk, offering free admission to all on the first Friday evening of each month.

5) For just a penny, you can get in to the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver on the first Saturday of the month. This will be your last chance to catch internationally renowned artist Erwin Redl's site-specific installation, as the exhibit closes on March 11.

Feb. 27 Mayor's Awards reception @ DCPA

From the Colorado Theatre Guild newsletter:

Mayor John Hickenlooper, the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs and the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs are pleased to announce the 2006 recipients of the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts. The 2006 honorees are Fiesta Colorado, PlatteForum and Dianne Perry Vanderlip.

The 2006 Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts reception will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2007, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex (14th & Curtis). Mayor Hickenlooper will present the awards to the honorees at the event. Mistress of Ceremonies will be Tamara Banks, journalist and broadcast personality.

The evening will feature performances by some of Denver’s finest talent. Kim Robards Dance (a modern dance troupe) and Elements of Motion (a break dancing crew) will battle it out on stage in a unique and exciting combined performance. Youth from PlatteForum will participate in the program by painting live and reciting poetry. Denver Poet Laureate Chris Ransick also will read a selection. The night will be capped off with a surprise musical performance by one of Denver’s top bands.

The public is invited to attend this free community celebration—a night of art, entertainment, food and drink. Please RSVP to 720-865-4318 or doca@ci.denver.co.us.

Feb. 18 Lottery Party @ Boulder Fringe Fest

On Sunday, Feb. 18, the Boulder Fringe Fest will choose the 2007 line-up from all submissions by holding a lottery. In a smart marketing move, they're combining this very administrative task with an everyone-is-welcome party at 7:00 p.m. that will feature local performers. More details here and here.

Jan.26-27 RiNo Art District Tour

I heard about this for the first time on KCUV as I was pulling into my office parking lot this morning. The River North area has declared itself an arts district, and this weekend marks its first anniversary. The birthday party starts on Friday night with gallery tours, and continues into Saturday with tours, free shuttles, an iron pour demonstration, a raffle, and... well, perhaps you should just check the website for full details.

This is just one more option for what's shaping up to be a full weekend for the cash-strapped who simply want a little cul-tcha in their lives. More to come...

Jan. 26 Winter Closing Party @ BMOCA

I've passed the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art quite a few times as it's right next door to the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, one of my favorite local places and a required stop on the tour for out-of-town visitors. I've never gone in, though, because of time and money constraints. It seems that this Friday would be a great chance to check it out -- maybe I can persuade the guitarhero (aka the husband) to come along.

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
Winter Exhibit Closing Party
Friday, Jan. 26 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Free

One last chance to view Jimi Billingsley's photographs, Terry Maker's wallsculptures and DJRABBI's video installation.

The evening will feature a live VJ performance by DJRABBI, food and drinks.

Jan. 12 Expressions of Freedom & Justice: MLK @ the Dairy Center

Expressions of Freedom and Justice: MLK
Presented by: The Dairy Center for the Arts

The Dairy Community Celebration featuring live music with the Flobots , spoken word open mic, and a performance by the 2006 National Slam competition winners, The Denver Slam Team. Special invitation extended to aspiring youth spoken-word artists! Refreshments provided for your enjoyment and CD's and other items for sale.

The Polly Addison Exhibition Space showcases: Expressions of Freedom and Justice.
by Curators: Isolde Hathaway & Charlotte LaSasso
This is a juried show featuring local artists that celebrates the life and beliefs of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. In The MacMillan Family Lobby and The Performance Space
FREE
Info: 303.543.0402