The best art turned out to be the alleys

I live in a small town. And by small, I mean 1,000 people. The nearest big city is six hours away. And the importance of getting-the-hell-outa-Dodge cannot be underestimated.

This weekend a dear friend and I rented an adorable Airbnb Bungalow in the RiNo District of Denver (River North Art), and hit the pavement. I’ve been wanting to explore this up and coming neighborhood, and it did not disappoint.

Coffee shops, concrete dive bistros, a wine brewery with wine-in-a-can, cute houses, and creativity oozing from its cracks. But the highlight was the street art – one of my personal favs, which was everywhere.

The homeless (bless their souls) have never had better décor in these kaleidoscopic alleys with matching dumpsters. Our bungalow, the perfect walking distance to it all.

Alley art with matching dumpsters

Next was First Friday Art Walk – the motherlode – and we lucked out being here this night. The Santa Fe Art District (if you haven’t been – go) blocked off the entire street and opened every gallery.

Live/work studios are being built in every spare space, as Colorado pours its money into developing the art industry. The crowd and energy were sizzling. Tequila samples, Latino Art, Political art by the young and unafraid, and plump smiling men exploring their darkest nightmares on canvas. So much expression, so much to admire about these brave, creative people.

Oh, and there were food carts.

First Friday Art Walk in the Santa Fe Art District of Denver

And now, back at home with jars of brilliant paint and supplies like never before – look out world! Here come some new paintings!

Where’s your favorite place to look at art? Leave a comment below… I’d love to know!

xo

Kellie

Nothing beats a weekend of art with your BFF