RISE Denver
JAAMM Festival
Junk in the Trunk
The Grand Opening Of The RiNo Art Park
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.
National Beer Lover’s Day Celebrates The Evolution Of Beer Through The Years
WeldWerks And Boulder Beer Celebrate With Their Flagship Beers
by Mark Smiley
Juicy Bits: The flagship IPA from WeldWerks is regarded as one of the best IPAs in the country.
On September 7, 2021, National Beer Lover’s Day celebrates the grains, hops, and brewing methods across many eras. Beer and the process of brewing beer may predate known history. As varied as the methods, grains, and flavors, beer continues to change and evolve.
Virginia colonists brewed beer. William Penn included a place for brewing beer within the Pennsylvania colony. It can still be visited at Pennsbury Manor today. The first President of the United States recorded a recipe for brewing beer in his notes. Samuel Adams holds a place in both beer and tea history in this country. There were a few beer lovers and patriots among the nation’s founders.
The United States also derives its rich brewing history from beer-loving German immigrants during the mid-1800s. Some of those family names are as familiar today as they were 100 years ago.
While some names have faded into the past, smaller batch brewers continue to experiment with old and new recipes. The crafting of beer carries deep traditions, often requiring years of training and experience in the trade. Depending on the brewery, the path to brewmaster may take years to develop the skill and expertise. Eventually, a brewmaster gains the knowledge necessary to produce a quality beer every time. One particular requirement is a passion for the craft.
Advanced Fluid Dynamics: A New England Double IPA that starts with orange creamsicle and vanilla notes from the Lotus, and then Sabro is added to bring in some more tropical notes, specifically coconut.
The brewer will master lagers, ales, malts, and stouts. They may even specialize. However, their ability to ferment the perfect beer under each condition and bring out the flavor of the grain and yeast will be key. Managing temperature and timing for an IPA or studying grains all go into their education. Each process varies, and a brewmaster knows this.
Neil Fisher, Co-Founder and Brewer at WeldWerks Brewing Co. in Greeley, is such a
Hazed & Infused: The brewers at Boulder Beer Company have blended together four different hop varieties to give Hazed a unique aroma, with just enough yeast for a full mouth feel and a smooth, easy finish.
brewer. Juicy Bits, their New England IPA brewed with Citra, Mosiac, and El Dorado hops is the flagship beer for WeldWerks. It can be found in most liquor stores and is regarded as one of the best IPAs in the country. It scores a 95/100 on the popular Beer Advocate website which is no small feat.
WeldWerks also has Advanced Fluid Dynamics: Cryo Hop Double India Pale Ale brewed with Cryo Citra and Cryo Sabro hops and Lupulin Lotus Powder. It checks in with an 88/100 score and is another solid beer worth considering when picking up your next beer for the National Beer Lover’s Day holiday.
Another beer worth considering when stocking up is Hazed & Infused from Boulder Beer, an American Pale Ale. This beer is a unique infusion of floral hops that creates a piney, earthy, floral ascent, belayed by a complex, dank, and fruity backbone. It also ranks high with an 83/100 score on Beer Advocate.
The next time you visit a liquor store and are considering buying beer but are confused by the plethora of options, these three are safe bets and most likely will please a variety of palates.
