by Jessica Hughes
Colorful Murals at the RiNo Artpark. Photo credit: Scott Colby
A new arts center is coming to Denver’s RiNo neighborhood this month. The grand opening for the RiNo ArtPark will be held the weekend of September 24-26. Designed to be a creative hub in the Five Points neighborhood, the ArtPark will seek to spark innovation and bring people together through the arts.
What was once operated by the Denver Police Department, the original building was scheduled for demolition. The RiNo Art District advocated to save the buildings and turn them into something the community could use. Partnering with the Denver Public Library, Focus Points Family Resource Center, and RedLine Contemporary Art Center, the RiNo ArtPark will feature a community hub for resident artists and education programs and a new branch of the Denver Public Library for the entire community to enjoy.
Another unique feature of the park is the Comal Heritage Food Incubator, a culinary training program for immigrants and refugees interested in restaurant entrepreneurship. The program is currently running under the Focus Points Family Resource Center and will expand its presence at the hub.
Beyond the physical structures of the park, its design explores the intersections of nature, recreation, and culture by combining green spaces that engage the South Platte River and the surrounding natural areas.
RiNo ArtPark Grand Opening
Outdoor space at RiNo ArtPark capturing the Denver skyline. Photo credit: Scott Colby
The entire Denver community is invited to the Grand Opening of ArtPark. Throughout the weekend, visitors will have an opportunity to tour the new Tres Birds-designed ArtPark building, attend workshops, demonstrations, art activations, and see live music, exhibits, performances, and more.
In addition to a host of FREE family-friendly events throughout the weekend, RiNo Art District will host the Lawn Salon, a ticketed fundraising event to support ongoing programming at ArtPark. This year’s outdoor bash is a twisted picnic, a one-of-a-kind “lawn salon” experience, with interactive art, a giant flaming disco ball, music curated by local DJs, live and silent auctions, dinner, drinks, and fun surprises.
Events
Friday, September 24:
FREE Open House 3-7 p.m.
ArtPark Public Art Dedication Ceremony: 3 p.m.
The dedication ceremony welcomes the newest public artworks into the Denver’s collection! Artists Jaime Molina and Pedro Barrios, with the help from Tres Birds Workshop, will unveil their latest works at this dedication ceremony — three old industrial cement mixers have been transformed into sculptural additions to the park.
Saturday, September 25:
FREE Youth Activities: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
On Saturday, friends and family will enjoy a book sale, hosted by the Denver Public Library, a yoga art class, paper flower making, pinata class, and a live performance by Los Mocohetes. The Lawn Salon fundraiser will also be held on Saturday, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Sunday, September 26:
FREE Family Celebration 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
On Sunday, free events will include ArtPark Al Fresco Art Workshops, paper marbling classes, yarn bombing classes, the book sale, and fun activities such as the bubble tower and bounce house. Food trucks are scheduled to be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Events throughout the weekend will be held in and around ArtPark, located at 35th and Arkins Court, Denver, 80205. Events are FREE all weekend except for the Lawn Salon Fundraiser on Saturday.
To learn more about the RiNo ArtPark and to purchase tickets to the Lawn Salon, visit them at rinoartpark.com.