activities

World-Class Exhibits Wow at The Denver Art Museum

Published on December 21, 2017 in Uncategorized by Ellen Gray

Her Paris: Women Artists in the Age of Impressionism

Mary Cassatt (American, 1844-1926), Autumn, Portrait of Lydia Cassatt, 1880

Her Paris: Women Artists in the Age of Impressionism has been extended through Monday, Jan. 15, at the Denver Art Museum (DAM). The exhibition features more than 80 remarkable paintings by 37 women artists, created in Paris from 1850 to 1900, a time of great social, cultural and artistic change. These women from across Europe and America migrated to this epicenter of art to further their careers. They range from well-known artists such as Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt and Rosa Bonheur, to painters who are lesser-known in the United States, including Anna Ancher and Paula Modersohn-Becker.
While Paris was known as a cosmopolitan city in the late 19th century, society was still very restrictive for women. They were not allowed to attend the École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts)—the country’s most important art academy—until 1897, and it was not socially acceptable to frequent public spaces, such as cafes, to work on their art and mingle with their peers without a male companion. Her Paris: Women Artists in the Age of Impressionism traces how women pursued their artistic aspirations, despite societal challenges, and helped create an alternative system that included attending private academies, forming their own organizations and exhibiting independently.
A fully illustrated exhibition catalog is available in The Shop at the Denver Art Museum and online. Her Paris is a special ticketed exhibition; advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tickets for youth five and under free, ages 6-18 are $5. #HerParisatDAM

Mary Cassatt (American, 1844-1926), Autumn, Portrait of Lydia Cassatt, 1880. Oil on canvas; 36-5/8 x 25-5/8 in.
Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris.
Photo: Bulloz ©RMN-Grand Palais/Art Resource, NY. Courtesy American Federation of Arts

Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie

Through July 8, 2018

Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie is the first in a contemporary art series at the DAM featuring contemporary artists. Xiaoze Xie has a lifelong passion for books. In his worldview, books are conveyers of prestige and signifiers of collective cultural knowledge: repositories of historical meaning, cultural conflict and political strife. For Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie, the artist has created still-life paintings of books, videos and installations based on banned and forbidden books in China. Born in a small town in Guangdong Province, China, at the beginning of the Chinese Cultural Revolution in 1966, Xie now splits his time between studios in Beijing and Palo Alto, California, where he is the Paul L. & Phyllis Wattis Professor of Art at Stanford University. New Eyes On rotations will be featured every six months in the Logan Gallery and Fuse Box on level 4 of the Hamilton Building. Included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.

Conversation with a Curator: Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie

Jan. 5, 4 p.m

Curator Rebecca Hart will discuss how artist Xiaoze Xie studies books to understand their role in society, much like the Chinese scholar-artists of bygone centuries. Meet at 4 p.m. in the elevator lobby of level 4 of the Hamilton Building. Conversations with Curators feature lively discussions with different curators on the first Friday of the month. Included with general admission; no reservations are needed.

Xiaoze Xie, The Morgan Library and Museum (f138), 2017. Oil paint on canvas; 48 x 82 in. Collection of Jerry Neumann © Xiaoze Xie

Exchange

Jan. 12, 6-7:30 p.m.

How does art play a role in helping us discuss contemporary social issues? Find out at the DAM’s new program, Exchange. Come face to face with artworks that can help us explore the pressing questions we have about current events and lend your voice (or maybe even find it) as part of our unfolding conversation. Using Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie as a starting point, we’ll explore the theme of free speech with comic Janae Burris, poet Jen Harris, Sarah Magnatta from the University of Denver and Jim Walsh, founder of the Romero Theater Troupe. Meet in the elevator lobby on level 4 of the Hamilton Building. Included with general admission, which is free for members.

ALSO ON VIEW

Then, Now, Next: Evolution of an Architectural Icon

Through Feb. 25, 2018

Punctuating the DAM’s North Building revitalization project, Then, Now, Next: Evolution of an Architectural Icon is an exhibition on the renowned modernist building, its history and its future. The exhibition features historical photos, original architectural sketches, building models and project renderings to tell the story of the North Building’s evolution. Included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.

Linking Asia: Art, Trade, and Devotion

Through April 1, 2018

Linking Asia features approximately 150 sculptures, ceramics, textiles, scrolls and other multi-dimensional works from 20 countries spanning 2,000 years. Linking Asia will dive deeper into the exchange of ideas, beliefs and techniques along the Silk Road trade routes, which profoundly affected the development of Asian art. The presentation explores themes such as artistic inspiration and cross-cultural hybridization of styles, trade by land and sea, ink art trends in East Asia and religious link s before the 20th century. Works on view from the DAM’s Asian art collection will include visitor favorite Shiva, King of Dancers (Shiva Nataraja) and many on view for the first time, such as objects from three shipwrecks. Guided tours are available daily at 2 p.m. Included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.

Stone sculpture of Six-Armed Dancing God Ganesha created in India in the 1000s-1100s. In the Asian art collection of the Denver Art Museum.

Six-Armed Dancing God Ganesha, 1000s–1100s, India.
Stone; 24.5 x 14.5 x 4.5 in. Denver Art Museum: Museum purchase. 1968.24

Ganesha: The Playful Protector

Through Oct. 28, 2018

Ganesha: The Playful Protector was developed in collaboration with the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. Widely worshiped since the 400s, Ganesha originated in India as a Hindu god who removes obstacles and is known for granting wealth and success. Imagery of Ganesha has crossed both geographic and religious boundaries, inspiring numerous representations throughout the Asian subcontinent over time—all of which are surveyed in the exhibition to showcase the iconographic changes of this popular Hindu deity. Sculptures, paintings and textiles provide a spectrum of ancient to modern representations of Ganesha. Included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.

Past the Tangled Present

Through Oct. 28, 2018

Inspired by imagination and the joy of discovery, Denver artist Jaime Molina’s interactive and immersive installation gives kids and adults alike the opportunity to sit on boxes painted with faces, play in a garden of fabricated cacti and experience an imaginary place where paintings on the walls flow into 3-D objects. During the year the installation will be on view, Molina plans to work with groups to paint different sections of the mural and installation. Included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.

Stampede: Animals in Art

Through May 19, 2019

Stampede: Animals in Art brings together more than 300 objects from the DAM’s collection, demonstrating how animals have captivated artists throughout history. Stampede creates an opportunity for visitors to discover and consider the role animals play through themes such as personal connections with animals, how animal materials have been used in art, how animals are used to tell stories or represent political ideas and how artists use animals in imaginative ways. Also included in the expansive display is an interactive space where visitors can learn about the creative process behind the Never Alone video game created by Native North Alaskan storytellers. Guided tours are available daily at 1 p.m., and a Spanish tour of Stampede is offered on Free First Saturday. Both the exhibition and tours are included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.

Papua New Guinea artist, Malagan Figures, mid-1900s.
Wood, paint, fiber and shell; 88 x 12 x 41 in.
Denver Art Museum: Gift of Joan and George Anderman, 2001.177A-C

ADULT LECTURES & PROGRAMS

Beyond America’s Heartland: Regionalism and the Art of the American West

Jan. 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

This symposium focuses on regionalism, a specifically American art form. Guest speakers will expand upon the well-known artist triumvirate of Thomas Hart Benton, John Steuart Curry and Grant Wood to explore regionalism’s impact on artists working in the West. Tickets are $25 student, $55 DAM members, $65 others. For additional information, visit http://denverartmuseum.org/westernsymposium, or email symposium@denverartmuseum.org. Sponsored by the Petrie Institute of Western American Art.

Fiber Art in the Museum with Steven Frost

Jan. 5, 12 & 19, 2–4:30 p.m.

Taking inspiration from the DAM’s current exhibitions, this artmaking course introduces participants to working with fabric, yarn and thread in a contemporary art practice. The course will consist of several material experiments and one major project, a soft or fabric sculpture influenced by artworks in the collection. Students will visit the museum’s collections for inspiration, listen to brief weekly lectures on textile art history and integrate sewing, weaving, embroidery and pattern making into their final project. $65 members, $75 nonmembers.

Mindful Looking

Jan. 16, 1 p.m.

This month, get to know Willy, Argus and Lucky, the whimsical, expressive and impressive sculptures by Deborah Butterfield (now in their new home in the Hamilton Building), with DAM teaching specialist Molly Medakovich. Join us on the third Tuesday of each month for Mindful Looking as we slow down and savor a single work of art. Included in general admission, free for members.

Barbarian Tropes Framed Anew

Jan. 17, noon (doors open at 11:30 a.m.)

Professor Tamara Bentley’s talk will examine three Chinese incised lacquer folding screens produced between 1665 and 1800. Her analysis will highlight the ways in which these Chinese screens borrowed “foreigner” imagery both from earlier Japanese Nanban screens and from earlier paintings of Mongols hunting. Those “barbarian” constructs were even marketed back to Europe. Tickets range from $5-$10. Sponsored by the Asian Art Association, a DAM support group, and Curator’s Circle.

Artist seated on skateboard drawing on sidewalk in downtown Denver.

Shantell Martin at work in downtown Denver. Photo by Jon Paciaroni.

Logan Lectures Spring 2018—Artists on Art: From Any Angle

Shantell Martin: Jan. 17, 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)

This spring, DAM Contemporaries celebrates artists speaking about their work with four fresh perspectives. The first speaker is London-born and New York-based Shantell Martin. Her largest artwork to date covers the sidewalks of a downtown Denver plaza for the next 2-3 years. Known for simple, strong black and white marks that invite viewers to share in her creative process, her aesthetic offers immediate engagement. Tickets go on sale Dec. 26: Free for DAMC members and students with valid ID, $10 DAM volunteers, $15 DAM members, $20 nonmembers. The Logan Lecture series is sponsored by Vicki and Kent Logan in affiliation with DAM Contemporaries, a DAM support group.

Animate Architecture in the Yucatán Peninsula

Jan. 18, 1:30 p.m.

Ancient Maya art offers a window into a world imbued with supernatural forces, a place where rulers interacted with gods and mountains were anthropomorphic beings. The same blurring between the natural and supernatural realms was reflected in the built environment, where structures could be living things. Art historian Dr. Meghan Rubenstein specializes in the ancient Americas. Her lecture will explore the concept of animate architecture using examples from the Puuc, Chenes and Río Bec regions in Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula. Tickets available at the door. Sponsored by Alianza de las Artes Americanas, a DAM support group.

Untitled 2018 Season Kicks off with Nathan Hall and Laura Ann Samuelson

Jan. 26, 6-10 p.m.

In 2018, Untitled: Final Fridays get even more creative! Join us for the season kick-off and our first artist-designed lineup as composer Nathan Hall and dancer Laura Ann Samuelson guest curate the night’s events. Stop by for a night of offbeat art and fun! Produced with local creatives, Untitled Final Fridays is the museum’s monthly late night program featuring workshops, performances and tours with a twist. Experience the museum in an entirely different way—every time. Included in general admission; free for youth 18 and younger. College students with valid ID receive 2-for-1 admission to Untitled Final Fridays.

FAMILY FUN

Free First Saturday

Jan. 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

On the first Saturday of every month, enjoy the museum’s art collections and non-ticketed exhibitions without spending a dime! Check out some of the DAM’s many family-friendly activities and enjoy bilingual fun with a free Spanish language tour of Stampede: Animals in Art at 1 p.m., Create-n-Takes and the storytelling program Cuentos del Arte at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free general admission tickets are available onsite starting at 10 a.m. (Special exhibition ticket required for Her Paris.) Free First Saturday is made possible by Your 6 Hometown Toyota Stores and the citizens who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). #ThanksSCFD #GraciasSCFD

Rustic signpost in Walk in the Woods pointing way to Stampede, aspen tree trunks to the left side

A Walk in the Woods

Through May 19, 2019

Explore animal-themed artmaking activities in the DAM’s newest family space on level 3 of the Hamilton Building. Created to celebrate Stampede: Animals in Art, A Walk in the Woods includes interactive activities including a birdwatching challenge, building with branches and the chance to create your own shadowbox displaying your favorite animals. Included with general admission; kids 18 and younger free. No reservations required.

Create Playdate

Jan. 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Drop in with your little ones, aged 3 to 5, on the second Wednesday of the month. Meet up with other tots and their grownups for story time, artmaking and more! Included with general admission; kids 18 and younger free. No reservations required.

Foxy and Shmoxy: Art Detectives

Jan. 14, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Two smart and hilarious foxes are ready to solve art mysteries in the galleries. Bring the whole family to help Foxy and Shmoxy sniff out clues and unseen treasures in the museum. To find the foxes, visit the Family Activity Cart on level 1 of the Hamilton Building, pick up a letter from the Fox Box and follow the riddles into the galleries. Included with general admission; kids 18 and younger free. No reservations required.

Actors in Art Emergency: Stampede Edition, an original play at the Denver Art Museum

Winter Break and Art Emergency: Stampede Edition

Through Jan 7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Dec. 25)

During Winter Break at the Denver Art Museum, the 3-D Studio, Create-n-Takes and much more will be available daily (except Dec. 25). See performances of the family-friendly play, Art Emergency: Stampede Edition, at 11 a.m. weekdays during Winter Break (except Dec. 25, Jan. 1 and 4). Included with general admission, which is free for kids 18 and younger. Special exhibition ticket required for Her Paris; free for kids five and younger, $5 for youth 6-18.

ARTISTS ONSITE

3-D Studio and Weekend Artist Demonstrations

Through May 19, 2019

Explore the expansive and varied realm of 3-D art in the 3-D Studio. Build an abstract sculpture at our Purely Paper activity, draw inspiration from Stampede to create your own animal at Wound in Wire or become part of the art as you work together with family and friends to contribute to a collaborative sculpture designed by artist Pam Fortner.

Every Saturday and Sunday from noon-3 p.m., see an artist at work on 3-D art, from sculpture, to 3-D printing, to drawings that turn 3-D right before your eyes! Included with general admission; kids 18 and younger free. No reservations required.

Weekend Artist Demonstrations in January – Saturdays & Sundays, noon–3 p.m.

January 6-7: Cal Duran, Clay Totem Design

January 13-14: Judy Gardner, 3-D Printing

January 20-21: Andryn Arithson, 3-D Animal Puppetry

January 27-28: Bonnie Roman, Handmade Paper Sculpture

NORTH BUILDING RENOVATION PROJECT

To expand access during the renovations, the Hamilton Building is now open seven days a week. Enjoy DAM exhibitions, programming and hands-on creativity every day of the week—including Monday! Note: The museum will be open Dec. 24 and Jan. 1, but closed on Dec. 25.

For ongoing information about the North Building renovation, visit denverartmuseum.org/north.

DAM WEBSITE LAUNCHES BILINGUAL PAGES

The DAM website has added several pages in Spanish, offering information on hours, admission prices, parking details, exhibitions, and family and kids programs, including bilingual options. For more information, visit https://denverartmuseum.org/bienvenidos.

Note: This is an overview of January happenings and does not include all exhibitions, events and programs available at the DAM this month. Please visit the museum website for complete information.

Vail Lift Tickets Available Online!

Published on December 20, 2017 in Mountain Activities/The Colorado Blog/Uncategorized by Ellen Gray

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Colorado: The Best Place in the Nation to Ride a Bike

Published on July 31, 2017 in The Colorado Blog by Ellen Gray

Cyclists from across the United States and abroad widely recognize Colorado as a premier cycling destination, because of its natural beauty, variety of terrain, notable bike rides and races and soaring elevation. From world-class bike races like the Colorado Classic and the Breck Epic to a cruiser ride along the Fruit & Wine Byway in Palisade or mountain biking the downhill trails at Winter Park (“Mountain Bike Capital, USA”), Colorado offers a variety of cycling offerings for all types of riders. For more information on cycling in Colorado, please visit http://www.colorado.com/articles/6-ways-colorado-biking-best.

What’s NEW for Cycling in Colorado:

At Your Pace Cycling Tours in Loveland. Tap into Colorado’s epic cycling opportunities and taste the flavor of local craft brews on the new Loveland Bike & Brews Guided Day Tour with At Your Pace Cycling. This 3.5 hour long tour will give participants a taste of some of Loveland’s finest craft breweries and cycling offerings.

Boulder Bike Tours’ New Organic Farm Tours. Riders will learn about organic farming and take in sweeping views of the Front Range on the new, weekly Thursday and Sunday Organic Farm Tours. Thursday’s ‘Sunset Tour’ includes a wood-fired pizza dinner featuring veggies picked that day. The Sunday ‘Brunch Tour’ features a four-course farm brunch. These scenic bike rides wind along easy trails, paths and country roads while riders learn about organic farming and lifestyle from local growers.

The Colorado Classic (August 10 – 13). Pro-bicycle racing returns to Colorado with the 2017 Colorado Classic, a four-stage race sanctioned by UCI that will have some of the best men and women’s teams and racers in the world competing. The race begins in Colorado Springs, and heads through Breckenridge before finishing the final two stages in Denver. Denver will host a new companion music, food and crafts festival dubbed “Velorama” to include headliner music, cycling events, craft beer, local food, and a unique marketplace.

Colorado Trail Explorer. As part of his Colorado the Beautiful initiative to get Coloradans outdoors, Colorado’s Governor John Hickenlooper hatched the idea for a comprehensive online statewide trail map of hiking, biking and motorized trails. The Colorado Trail Explorer launched June 3 and includes more than 39,000 miles of trails managed by more than 225 jurisdictions across the state.

Gunnison County’s TrailQuest Bike Challenge. Gunnison County has designed a new app to track mountain bikers’ unique explored trails and enter users into the ultimate trail biking competition. The CBG Trails App by GoMaps, available for free in iTunes and Google Play, will now track and record rides in the competition: TrailQuest. Each new mile of trail ridden will add up in a race to 75. Prizes will be awarded to those who place on the leader board, though the best prize is trying new trails–exploration.

Outerbike Comes to Crested Butte Mountain Resort (August 18 – 20). “The BEST bike demo in the universe” comes to Crested Butte this August. Featuring some of the most popular brands in mountain biking, including Specialized, Scott and Yeti among many more. Outerbike will offer participants the opportunity to demo as many bikes as the time, and their legs, will allow. This is the first time Outerbike will take advantage of Crested Butte’s world-class mountain biking and gorgeous summer weather.

14erfest in Buena Vista (September 29 – October 1). 14erfest is a new, free, three-day mountain festival happening in Buena Vista this September. The event encompasses a range of trail activities including, but not limited to mountain biking. There will be demos, clinics, bike polo and group rides. In the evening, participants will enjoy live music and libations from Colorado craft breweries and distilleries.

Colorado’s Variety of Bike Experiences:

Bike-friendly Fort Collins. Cycling opportunities prevail in and around Fort Collins, and getting to know the area atop two wheels offers a bounty of benefits. Road cyclists will appreciate the 285+ miles of relatively flat, wide bike lanes, trails and paths, including three main bike trails offering 19 miles of paved surface: the Poudre trail that follows the Cache La Poudre River; Spring Creek trail following the creek; and Fossil Creek trail covering miles of open prairie.

Blue River Trail in Silverthorne. The Blue River Trail is Silverthorne’s link to the county-wide paved trail system. The 3.5-mile, hard surface paved trail begins at the top of the Dillon Dam and ends at North Pond Park. The Blue River Trail offers a meandering, family-friendly paved trail with spectacular views.

High-Desert Biking in Eagle. Eagle is a high-desert town, which means an extended biking season and trails that are open into mid-December. Over 100 miles of single-track mountain biking trails and paved recreational trails are accessible. Riders can start on beginner trails like Haymaker and Eagle Ranch Loop and then advance to the technical Mike’s Night Out. Eagle Ranch Loop is great for families and various skill levels.

Maroon Creek Road in Aspen. Few bike rides in the world can match the drama of this eight-mile road ride. Riders will round a bend and suddenly view the iconic Maroon Bells, two 14,000-foot peaks striped with snow year-round. The trek takes riders 22 miles round-trip through a moderately difficult ride with unparalleled views.

Mineral Belt Trail in Leadville. Biking is a favorite sport on Leadville’s famous Mineral Belt Trail, where riders can see the tops of the towering Sawatch Range and remnants of 1880s silver mines, all on a paved, 11.6-mile loop around town. Portions of the trail follow old railroad grades, making for a pleasant ride around North America’s highest incorporated city, set at 10,152 feet. The trail winds through Leadville’s historic East Side Mining District.

Monarch Crest Trail in Salida. Thanks to the diverse ecosystem in Salida, there’s always great singletrack to be ridden in the middle of winter or during the heat of summer. The Monarch Crest Trail should be included on the Colorado mountain bike bucket list. From the Monarch Crest trailhead at Monarch Pass, riders will encounter singletrack, doubletrack, fire road, smooth and packed trails, rocky and loose trails and great views of nature and wildlife.

Trailheads in Niwot. The town of Niwot in Boulder County is known throughout the cycling community as one of the best spots to begin or end a ride. Home to mammals, birds and amphibians, these trails are perfect for nature-lovers. The 6.4-mile Niwot trail system is composed of easy trails and provides breathtaking mountain views and shady cottonwood-lined paths along irrigation canals.

Winter Park, Aka “Mountain Bike Capital, USA”. With over 600 miles of cross-country trails and two downhill bike parks, Mountain Bike Capital USA™ has it all: mellow rides, heart-thumping singletrack adventures and gravity-fed adrenaline. Winter Park plays host to numerous bike races and events all summer long. For the novice, seasoned cross-country biker, downhill racer or the want-to-learn-more-skills casual biker, there are a variety of events and trails to choose from.

Fruit & Wine Byway in Palisade. Choose from three different loops from five to 25-miles-long through mapped points of interest for those who want to stop and experience the agriculture and industry of the area. Explore historic downtown Palisade, tour along the scenic Colorado River and enjoy some of the best vistas of the Grand Valley, all while savoring fresh fruit from the beautiful orchards, or enjoying the lavender gardens, world class vineyards, premium wineries and fresh farm market fruit stands along the way.

7-Eleven Olympic Velodrome in Colorado Springs. Built in 1983 in preparation for the 1984 Olympic Games, the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center Velodrome is the official training venue for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic track cycling and USA Roller Sports. The Velodrome features a 333.3-meter banked cement cycling track, which wraps around a 200-meter track for roller sports. The 1,000-seat facility is open to the public for community racing, and hosts local, national and international events throughout the year.

Upcoming Bike Races and Organized Rides:

The Breck Epic (August 13 – 18). Now in its ninth year, the six-day Breck Epic is North America’s premier mountain bike stage race, and is widely considered to be one of the best races in the world. It is distinctly Colorado and traverses the width and breadth of Summit County. This rapidly growing event attracts pro and amateurs alike to race approximately 40 miles each day for three or six consecutive days.

Moots Biking Opportunity in Steamboat (September 3 – 9). The Home Ranch has partnered with Moots Cycles in Steamboat to offer a unique experience at the Home Ranch. Home Ranch guests will have the opportunity to meet Moots team members, test ride their bikes and tour the Steamboat factory where the handcrafted bikes are manufactured. The visit also includes biking North Routt County on Moots recommended tours and on Moots demo bikes, one complimentary massage and scheduled rides throughout the week with a guide.

Salida Bike Fest (September 14 – 17). The town of Salida will be celebrating all things bikes at the 6th annual Salida Bike Fest. This four day festival will feature everything from free group rides, bike films, a chainless race, a bike parade, the Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race and more.

Pedal the Plains (September 15 – 17). Pedal the Plains is an annual cycling event that celebrates the agricultural roots and frontier heritage of the Eastern Plains of Colorado. The ride creates an opportunity for cyclists to learn about farming and ranching, while experiencing first-hand the culture, history and landscape of Colorado’s high plains. This year, Pedal the Plains brings riders on a tour through Weld and Morgan County, highlighting the towns of Kersey, Keenesbury and Brush– communities that still embody a raw pioneer spirit and a dedication to the land.

Bikes & Brews (September 23). The 5th annual Bikes & Brews festival in Cañon City offers three separate scenic bike races: The Royal Gorge Century (Total ascent 7,900 feet), Metric Mash (Total Ascent 5,300 feet) and the Red Canyon 50k (total ascent 2,400 feet). All races promise beautiful canyon views, and the Royal Gorge Bridge is open and will be a part of the Century and Metric Century Routes—a unique experience as the south entrance is usually closed to general traffic. The Metric Mash will also allow riders to cross the world famous, suspension Royal Gorge Bridge.

Tour of the Moon Grand Cycling Classic (September 30). This ride was made famous by the 1980s Coors Classic, and later in the cycling movie American Flyers. Today, it continues to be considered one of the premier recreational road rides in the western United States. Starting and ending in Grand Junction, this 61.5-mile road ride circles the Colorado National Monument and the town of Fruita, with riders climbing just over 2,873 feet and experiencing a maximum elevation of 6,725 feet.

The above article is courtesy of the Colorado Tourism Office

Get Your Golf On … at Fossil Trace

Published on July 31, 2017 in Activities/Front Range Activities by Ellen Gray

COLORADO’S HIDDEN TREASURE

Published on July 24, 2017 in Dining & Nightlife/Front Range Activities/Front Range Attractions/Front Range Dining & Nightlife/Front Range Shopping/Shopping/Uncategorized by Ellen Gray

GOLDEN, COLORADO SHINES OUT WEST

by BRITTANY BANDEMER

It’s no secret that Colorado’s real estate market is booming, spurred by an influx of out-of-staters making the Centennial state their home. While many consider Denver or Boulder favorable places to settle down, they often overlook one of Colorado’s most beautiful and understated municipalities: the city of Golden.

Golden rests in a basin against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, below the North and South Table Mountains. On one side the city is marked by the prominent “M” for the School of Mines; on the other with the infamous “G” of Golden. Golden’s prime location serves as a focal point between Denver, Boulder and Evergreen, and offers a direct route to Black Hawk and canyon access – bypassing traffic to the slopes.

The city’s history is traced to its establishment in 1859. Proudly proclaimed across its welcome banner in the heart of downtown, Golden’s slogan is simply, “Where the West Lives,” and this declaration couldn’t be truer. This city is rich in history and continues to embody that spirit with barn wood trimmings, stucco-styled homes and architecture reminiscent of the Old West.

Yet for all its storied past, Golden is becoming increasingly modern, with red cobbled brick lining pedestrian walkways and immaculate landscaping – lending the town the uniquely dichotic feeling of being in two periods at the same time.

While technically a college town, home to the School of Mines, Golden does not resonate with that trait. A top-notch university, The School of Mines was recently rated the top engineering school in the nation by College Factual. Clearly, the college is not home to lackadaisical students. In fact, these students are ambitious and disciplined learners, attending the university not for a good time, but for the most advantageous career achievable. While they may go out on the weekends to the Swig Tavern, students are more likely to spend their free time studying or experiencing the great outdoors.

Golden’s myriad outdoor activities attract athletic enthusiasts by the droves. Colin Endsley, an outdoor adventurer who has lived in Golden for a little over a year says, “Golden is great in that you can walk in any direction from town and find some trail to fall into,” and truly there aren’t enough trails to behold. Golden’s trails are perfect for hikers and cyclists – Lookout Mountain serving as a popular route for the avid cyclist – and the views from each trail are spectacular, ranging from downtown Denver to DIA and back to the formidable Rockies.

Yet the ample trails are just a sampling of what Golden offers. There are also water sports such as tubing and kayaking (when the water flow is safe) from the Clear Creek River, and fishing for Rainbow and Brown trout for the avid angler.

Of special note is Golden’s popularity for the extreme sport of hang gliding. Windy Saddle Park offers a great launch point for hang gliders, and these colorful contraptions can be seen sashaying down the mountain most Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months.

Outdoors aside, one of Golden’s leading attractions is its quaint downtown, a charming and unassuming destination for tourists and locals alike. Downtown Golden is privileged to have so many locally owned restaurants and shops that could keep the body feasting and the mind entertained for days. Home to the infamous Coors Brewery and seasonal farmer’s market, the area embodies everything regionally Colorado.

Notable boutiques include Spinster Sisters Co., which now offers three locations in the Denver metro area (Golden serving as its home base). Opened in 2011, its founder Kelly Perkins calls her products “an alternative to the witches’ brew of

chemicals that many mod

ern skin care products represent.” From body scrubs to men’s shaving cream, Perkins and her team will keep your skin singing and fantastically fresh, no matter how dry Colorado’s air may be.

Sharing a storefront with Spinster Sisters is Baby Doe’s, a retailer showcasing relaxed and bohemian styles for the laid-back mountainista, as well as the craftsmanship of more than 40 regional artisans. Now under new ownership, Baby Doe’s offers a fresh look and feel that is sure to keep visitors stopping in to shop at one of the downtown area’s well-known establishments.

While the shopping is great

, the dining options are varied and delicious. If you’re looking for a good beer and a good time, there’s the Golden Moon Speakeasy and Buffalo Rose with live music weekly. If you’re following your taste buds and looking for superb dishes, you can venture over to Woody’s Pizza or Indulge Bistro & Wine Bar; Indulge has perhaps the best iced tea in Colorado, which they’ll bring to you by the pitcher.

When you’re ready for dessert, a must-visit is the family-owned and operated Gold Mine Cupcakes. Recently named by MSN.com as one of the top 16 best bakeries in the U.S., the bakery offers delicious, made-from-scratch creations served fresh by an even sweeter staff. Gold Mine Cupcakes will surely satisfy your sweet tooth with its assortment of 35 flavors and specials daily.

With all these successful businesses and the city’s incredible geography, it’s no wonder people are choosing to explore and settle down in Golden. The once outdated homes are constantly under renovation and are becoming prime real estate for those looking to live the mountain lifestyle, while not sacrificing proximity to the Denver area.

In the future, more local businesses will continue to take root and make their home in Golden. Thoughtful development and growth will only add to the area’s allure as a destination spot for visitors looking for something unique and special, and locals wanting to stake their claim in this unsung gem of Colorado’s landscape.

Welcome To The Home Ranch

Published on July 24, 2017 in Activities/Hotels & Resorts/Mountain Activities/Mountain Hotels & Resorts/Uncategorized by Ellen Gray

SUMMER VACATION AWAITS IN CLARK, COLORADO

by MONICA PARPAL STOCKBRIDGE

When it comes to vacation, many people just want to get away from it all. Whether that means powering down from a high-stress job in the city, or physically abandoning day-to-day obligations, we often feel compelled to leave home in order to relax, rest and perhaps even enjoy a new adventure.

Arriving for the first time at The Home Ranch – the state’s only Relais & Chateaux affiliated guest ranch and all-inclusive, family-friendly summer vacation destination – there’s a very real, very refreshing sense of isolation. Nestled in the heart of the Elk River Valley, 18 miles north of Steamboat Springs and bordering thousands of acres of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest land, you immediately feel a long distance from wherever you journeyed. But that distance is welcome. You begin to unwind from the bustling, city-light drenched, mile-a-minute lives we lead. Fresh mountain air expands your lungs, and blue skies dazzle your view. As General Manager Brooks Bradbury and Guest Services Manager Selina Heintz greet you upon check-in, they take your bags with warm smiles and a delightfully unexpected greeting: “Welcome Home.”

Finding Home in Clark, Colorado

It all began nearly 40 years ago, when Toledo, Ohio residents Ann and Steve Stranahan (brother of George Stranahan of Colorado whiskey fame) met Ken and Sharon Jones, cattle ranchers from Montana. The four decided they would start their own ranch. The Stranahans were vacationing in Steamboat Springs with their four children when they discovered a 580-acre swath of alpine ranchland in the Elk River Valley, in a small settlement called Clark. This was during what locals call a “Three-wire-winter” – meaning the snow was so high that it reached the tops of the barbed-wire fences separating the roads from the cattle ranches.

From first glance, the Stranahans were transfixed with the area. Later, Ann would write a poem about the experience of seeing the land for the first time, exploring the several hundred acres on cross-country skis with Steve.

The Stranahans purchased that land, “laying impermanent claim,” as Ann writes, to the natural beauty they discovered there. The land they would eventually transform into a guest ranch would change their lives, and change the face of Clark itself. It was here they established The Home Ranch.

Staying at The Home Ranch

The owners intentionally modeled the ranch after early western homesteads – not the imitation ski chalets popular in the late 1970s, but a more rustic, low-lying look somewhere between a high-country cabin and a farm cottage. As the property has grown, they have added private cabins alongside the main lodge house. Today, there’s a barn that hosts Wednesday night dances, and a spot for weekly bonfire cookouts. There’s a garden and greenhouse, a downright swanky chicken coop, and a hay pasture for grazing horses – 78 of them to be precise, including an irritable yet adorable miniature horse and a beloved donkey named Poncho.

All of this creates a summertime playground for guests of all ages and abilities, who plan their weeklong stays with equal parts respite and recreation. You might learn to fly fish in the gently babbling Elk River, or perfect your horsemanship skills on long back-country rides. You might choose to join a guided hiking trip along the 11-mile Zirkel Circle – practically untouched by Front Range 14er-baggers – or charter a hot air balloon ride for an exhilarating journey high above the rugged peaks. There are constant diversions for kids, from horseback riding to pond fishing to arts and crafts – and, of course, plenty of afternoon ice cream breaks at the local Clark Store.

For many, simply wandering the property between hearty gourmet meals proves fulfilling. That’s because The Home Ranch treats guests to all-inclusive haute cuisine by Executive Chef Jonathon Gillespie, who sources locally (and we mean locally) as much as possible. Beef comes from neighboring Sand Mountain Cattle Company, and charcuterie is made in-house. Pork, poultry and produce, including lettuce, carrots, corn, peas and radishes, along with herbs and flowers, are raised and grown onsite. Plus, desserts by Pastry Chef Douglas Short round out every meal, and freshly baked cookies stacked on a platter in the foyer make irresistible late-night snacks.

During meals, guests sit at long community tables, sipping rare wines and Colorado craft beers, unwittingly laying the foundation for lifelong friendships. What might begin as a conversation over breakfast flapjacks and fresh-squeezed orange juice will often continue over barbecued chicken and grilled whitefish on the patio at lunch. By dinnertime, over dishes of Colorado lamb chops or Parisian-style gnocchi with Home Ranch garden greens, those same guests are exchanging family photos and email addresses, already making plans for a return trip at the same time next year.

The Ranching Way of Life

Part of the magic of The Home Ranch is how it trots the line between high-class and high-country. There’s an admirable success in providing a luxury experience on an otherwise harsh landscape (the growing season is an impossible 59 days, and winters regularly reach 40 degrees below zero). Yet, that unflinching emphasis on hospitality lives alongside an undying respect for the land and those who have lived and worked it for generations.

In fact, the Home Ranch and its neighboring ranches have made it a mission over the years not only to create a destination getaway for discerning travelers, but to protect and preserve the surrounding land and ranching way of life by placing more than 8,000 acres of the Upper Elk River Valley into a permanent conservation easement, meaning the land will remain undeveloped for generations to come.

This wasn’t always a popular notion in a place where land developers mine profits in hills that were once mined for gold. Finding like-minded individuals to keep the land pure and undeveloped, however, has enhanced the beauty of the landscape. Over its lifetime, The Home Ranch has grown from 580 acres to 4,000 – land that encompasses hayfields and hillsides where horses graze and calves are born in the spring, where herds of deer gather and graze, and where guests can hike, bike, and fish on land that likely will remain this beautiful for centuries.

Welcome Home

It may seem impossible that this place – with its vibrant green hills, distant frosted peaks, gentle horses and graceful river – could ever truly be home. But in the communities that form over meals and around bonfires, in the shared experiences on the land, and in the stories of days gone by, there lies an inescapable sense of belonging. You may be far from home, but you’re right where you need to be.

Learn more and book your stay at homeranch.com

A Home of Your Own
Some guests visit The Home Ranch year after year before finally deciding to move permanently to Clark. For those who cannot imagine life anywhere else, there’s the Murphy-Larsen Ranch: a conservation-oriented residential project managed by The Home Ranch that offers ownership opportunities in a breathtaking setting. Learn more at www.murphy-larsen.com

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

Published on July 22, 2017 in Activities/Attractions/Festivals/Front Range Activities/Front Range Attractions/Front Range Dining & Nightlife/Mountain Activities/Mountain Attractions/Mountain Dining & Nightlife by Ellen Gray

A GUIDE TO COLORADO’S TOP SUMMER FESTIVALS

by MARIAN TUIN

Picture yourself surrounded by the peaks of the Rocky Mountains; a pristine mountain breeze whispers across your skin, and rays from Colorado’s warm summer sunshine engulf you. You stand in the open air, perhaps holding a locally crafted beer or a crisp glass of wine. The music reverberates; sounds authored by the likes of Grammy award-winning country sensation Keith Urban, or the bluesy funk of Colorado’s own Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats.

Summer is the epicenter of Colorado’s festival season! It’s a place where your senses are stimulated by the sights, sounds, tastes and experiences embedded in our beautiful, sundrenched days and warm, star-filled nights. There are plenty of offerings from the city limits to the mountain valleys. And the collective 2017 lineup promises something for everyone: from music and bike enthusiasts to brewers, balloonists and wine connoisseurs … we even tracked down festivals for yogis!
If you’re ready for the freedom that the vibe of summer and outdoor experience brings, you don’t have to miss a beat researching and planning because we’ve done the work for you. We have compiled a list that highlights some of Colorado’s unique festivals scheduled for 2017, and captured exclusive insight from some of the state’s leading festival founders and producers.
So whether you find yourself surrounded by the peaks of Telluride or the lofty cityscape of Denver, you are bound to have a memorable experience.

FOR THE MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL SEEKER:

Jazz Aspen Snowmass
June Experience – Aspen
“The festival that we do at the end of June is how Jazz Aspen started back in 1991,” according to Jim Horowitz, founder and curator of the elite Jazz Aspen Snowmass June and Labor Day Experiences.
The experience features four nights of headline concerts at the Benedict Music Tent in Aspen. In addition, there are multiple shows at the JAS Cafe upstairs at the Aspen Art Museum and downstairs at The Little Nell. They also host nightly complimentary Lawn Parties on the music tent grounds before the main shows, featuring live bands and an upscale array of food and beverage.
June 23 – July 1, 2017
jazzaspensnowmass.org/june-experience.html

July 1 – August 4, 2017
BRAVO! VAIL Music Festival – Vail
The festival’s 30th season features four of the world’s greatest orchestras, internationally renowned musicians and acclaimed soloists. In the breathtaking setting of the Rocky Mountains, revel in classical masterworks, soulful jazz and electrifying pops programs. Featuring residencies by four returning ensembles: The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Soloists include violinists Joshua Bell, Simone Lamsma, James Ehnes, Gil Shaham and Leonida Kavakos; cellist Steven Isserlis; trumpeter and vocalist Byron Stripling; and pianists Garrick Ohlsson, Yefim Bronfman and Inon Barnatan.

Hot Air Balloon Rodeo – Steamboat Springs
The Hot Air Balloon Rodeo and Art in the Park events explore the beauty of artistry and color both on canvas and in the sky. This stunningly visual weekend brings the sleepy offseason to life in Steamboat Springs and is a celebration of summertime.
July 8-9, 2017
steamboatchamber.com/info/events

Telluride Yoga Festival
This four-day event is a paradise for yogis and features more than 100 different activities including yoga, meditation, music, hiking, dining, SUP yoga and more. Guests have access to more than 50 inspiring and motivating presenters contrasted by the intimate and historic venues throughout the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village.
July 20-23 | tellurideyogafestival.com

Rockygrass Festival – Lyons
Rockygrass is the second of three events Planet Bluegrass produces annually and serves as a celebration of the town of Lyons’ strength and resilience. Originally held just 10 months after historic 500-year floods devastated the town, it is known today as one of the great traditional bluegrass festivals in the world.
Planet Bluegrass’ Brian Eyster gave us more insight into the history saying, “In 1992, the volunteer-run Rocky Mountain Bluegrass reached out to Planet Bluegrass to keep the festival alive. We found a property in Lyons along the St. Vrain River to host that event and two years later we purchased the property, known today as the Planet Bluegrass Ranch.”
July 28-20, 2017 | bluegrass.com/rockygrass

Breckenridge Food & Wine -Breckenridge
Breckenridge’s Main Street Station Plaza transforms into a charming mountainside vineyard each year to host the Food and Wine Festival. Delivering a unique wine-tasting experience, you’ll find an array of varietals created by fine wineries. From the soft and smooth to the unabashedly bold, wine lovers will get more than their fair share of delicious sips.
July 29, 2017
rockymtnevents.com/breckenridge-food-wine

Rocky Mountain Folks Festival – Lyons
Rounding out the three events produced by Planet Bluegrass, the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival is dedicated to spending a glorious summer weekend celebrating songs and stories from around the musical and geographic world.
Brian Eyster shared that community is at the heart of the event. “I love to walk through the crowd or the campgrounds and watch this unique spirit of community,” he says. “At our festivals, there is only one single stage. Guests set up their tarps and spend the entire day sharing music, making lasting friendships with their neighbors and reconnecting with friends from past festivals. People aren’t on their phones, they’re very present, connecting with their fellow Festivarians through this communal music experience in this profoundly beautiful place.”
August 18-20, 2017 | bluegrass.com/folks

Vail Jazz Party – Vail
The Vail Jazz Party could be considered a maestro ushering in the grand finale of the Vail Jazz Festival and the beautiful Colorado summer season. It serves its patrons a jam-packed lineup with more than 35 headliners, who join together to play in group performances, multi-artist jam sessions, and inspiring multimedia tributes to jazz legends.
Aug 31 – Sep 4, 2017 | vailjazz.org

Jazz Aspen Snowmass – Snowmass
Jazz Aspen Snowmass’ Labor Day Experience is nestled in the ethereal setting of Snowmass Village Town Park. This luxurious open-air event is a dance-oriented extravaganza of popular, R&B, rock, funk, blues, world, and soul music. With the spectacular Elk Mountain Range as a backdrop, this three-day experience welcomes to the stage Keith Urban andMaroon Five, among others in 2017.
Event visionary and mastermind Jim Horo-witz disclosed, “The biggest challenges over the years is what it takes to put together a stellar, world-class program of artists. We’ve managed, but clearly that’s the hardest part of what we do. It all flows from there because if the program isn’t good enough, then the people don’t come, or they don’t buy as many tickets.” Summarizing, “That really is our DNA. We are a music presenter, whether it is for 150 people listening to jazz or 10,000 people listening to Stevie Wonder. People are coming to us to hear a great musical performance.”
September 1-4, 2017 | jazzaspensnowmass.org

Telluride Blues & Brews – Telluride
Known as the festival capital of Colorado, Telluride begins to wind down its festival season with Blues & Brews. This celebration of blues, funk, jam bands, indie, rock, gospel and soul performances is paired with some of the best microbreweries in the country.
September 15-17, 2017 | tellurideblues.com

FOR THE URBAN FESTIVAL GOER:

Opening Night at Central City Opera. Featured in Central City Opera’s 75th anniversary book, “Theatre of Dreams, The Glorious Central City Opera- Celebrating 75 Years.”
Central City Opera 2017 Festival
This acclaimed summer festival features Bizet’s Carmen and Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte, performed in repertory in the historic Central City Opera House, and three one-act operas with limited runs: Britten’s The Burning Fiery Furnace, Douglas Moore’s Gallantry, and Amy Beach’s Cabildo, performed in smaller venues in Central City. Founded in 1932, Central City Opera is the fifth-oldest professional opera company in the country, renowned for its exquisite world-class productions. Just 35 miles west of Denver in the charming mountain town of Central City, the company owns 28 Victorian-era properties, including the 550-seat jewel box opera house built in 1878. This is a must-see for opera aficionados!

July 8 – August 6, 2017

Greeley Stampede – Greeley
Greeley boasts one of Colorado’s largest and most historic summer festivals and rodeos. Dating back to the 1800’s, Greeley’s Fourth of July celebration keeps the “Yeehaw!” in Colorado’s Western culture.
June 23 – July 4, 2017 | greeleystampede.org

Global Dance Festival – Denver
Global Dance showcases Colorado’s passion for dance music annually and has grown to become one of the premiere summer music festivals statewide. After spending years at Red Rocks Amphitheater, the dance party expands its boundaries and finds a new home at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in 2017!
July 21-22, 2017 | globaldancefestival.com

Underground Music Showcase (UMS) – Denver
The Denver Post Underground Music Showcase marks its 17th anniversary in 2017. It lays claim as the biggest independent music festival in the Rocky Mountain region and, more importantly, is the premiere showcase for Denver’s incredible local music!
July 27-30, 2017 | theums.com

ARISE Music Festival – Loveland
Arise boasts that it is more than a music festival, rather a movement. It is a music, yoga, activism and co-creative camping event located 65 miles north of Denver, at Sunrise Ranch. Now in its fifth year, it is proving its staying power, and this year’s lineup includes headliners Atmosphere and Ani DeFranco.
August 4-7, 2017 | arisefestival.com

Velorama – RiNo Arts District, Denver
This three-day biking, food, music, shopping and crafting extravaganza will overtake 12 blocks of the RiNo Art District for a street party that celebrates biking culture in Colorado. Daily family-friendly festivities are offered, making this an all-ages event that promises something for everyone.
August 11-13, 2017 | veloramacolorado.com

Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest – Fort Collins
Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest is a free music festival held in historic downtown Fort Collins. Prominently featuring a Colorado-based lineup, they host a variety of genres, including a one-of-a-kind, family-centered Kids’ Music Adventure.
August 11-13,2017 | bohemiannights.org/
bohemian-nights-at-newsfest.html

A Taste of Colorado – Denver
One of Denver’s most delicious weekends serves up some of the state’s favorite food. More than 50 Colorado restaurants and food establishments gather in downtown Denver’s streets over Labor Day weekend to give patrons A Taste of Colorado. Combined with six stages playing live music, carnival rides, shopping and much more, this is hands down one of Colorado’s biggest celebrations of the year.
September 1-4, 2017 | atasteofcolorado.com

The Definitive Guide to Denver and Colorado

World-Class Exhibits Wow at The Denver Art Museum

Xiaoze Xie, The Morgan Library and Museum (f138), 2017. Oil paint on canvas; 48 x 82 in.
Collection of Jerry Neumann. © Xiaoze Xie.

Six-Armed Dancing God Ganesha, 1000s–1100s, India.
Stone; 24.5 x 14.5 x 4.5 in. Denver Art Museum: Museum purchase. 1968.24

Papua New Guinea artist, Malagan Figures, mid-1900s.
Wood, paint, fiber and shell; 88 x 12 x 41 in.
Denver Art Museum: Gift of Joan and George Anderman, 2001.177A-C

Shantell Martin at work in downtown Denver. Photo by Jon Paciaroni.

Vail Lift Tickets Available Online!

Colorado: The Best Place in the Nation to Ride a Bike

Get Your Golf On … at Fossil Trace

COLORADO’S HIDDEN TREASURE