Businesses across the Front Range may find a lot of employees calling in sick during this year’s Boulder Arts Week. Once you get a peek of the festival’s eclectic, entertaining calendar, you might want to get your own doctor’s note.
Boulder Arts Week, which starts on March 30 and runs through April 7, defines art with a broad brush — managing to stimulate all five senses.
The numerous events range from a celebration of award-winning artist, Diana Stetson, and her elegant and environmentally conscious monotypes and giclée prints, a “spring break” aerial camp for kids taught by Frequent Flyers and a Hawaiian hula class.
There’s even something for die-hard Trekkies. “For the Love of Spock,” a documentary directed by Leonard Nimoy’s son, will screen on April 6 at the Chautauqua Community House. “Star Trek” fans will enjoy never-before-seen footage of their favorite Vulcan.
Lauren Click, manager for Boulder Arts Week, believes the variety of calendared events are evidence of Boulder’s singular artistic tapestry.
“We are showing off the incredible diversity and richness of the artists we have here,” Click said.
In contrast to most of the arts festivals offered across Colorado every year, Boulder Arts Week is open to any artist with an event, and it is a pioneer in celebrating atypical art styles.
Additionally, the numerous partnerships between artists and local businesses during Boulder Arts Week are a testament to a town that understands the importance of art in an enlightened society.
Patrons depositing checks at CapitolOne will enjoy a string quartet serenade, and visitors to Front Range Anglers can savor Brian Odermatt’s piscine mural on the side of the building. Many more venues have reached out to Click seeking artistic partnerships, suggesting that Boulderites will get to enjoy a little taste of the Boulder Arts Week in unconventional settings.
With 140 performances and classes on the calendar (so far), visitors could easily become overwhelmed.
Luckily, Click has some advice for people wanting to get the most out of the Boulder Arts Week.
“I would go with a friend and have your friend pick one thing, and you pick the other,” Click said. “Take each other to something new.”
Click also encourages participants to help everyone in Colorado get inspired by tagging Boulder Arts Week whenever they attend a class, performance or gallery exhibition.
While you can’t go wrong with any event on the calendar, here are a few highlights:
Open Wall
When: 5-8 p.m. March 30
Where: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th St., Boulder
Cost: Entry is free, but donations are encouraged
Info: The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art will host a “self-curated” exhibit and fundraiser — allowing local artists to showcase their work and mingle with patrons. Proceeds will be split between the museum and the exhibited artists. This is a great opportunity to see and support both new and veteran artists.
Aerial Fitness
When: Check the calendar for the dates and times of classes
Where: Frequent Flyers Productions, 3022 E. Sterling Circle, Unit C, Boulder
Cost: $15 per person
Info: Learn what it takes to fly in this beginner class dedicated to helping participants condition and strengthen their bodies. This 90-minute workout is based upon the aerialist fitness regime, and participants are likely to leave feeling a little sore and very inspired.
“Blonde”
When: 7-10 p.m. March 31
Where: Boulder Creative Collective Warehouse, 2500 47th St., Unit 10, Boulder
Cost: $5 per person
Info: Be in the moment for a riveting, one-time performance by Taki Gold, who spent three years as a child soldier during the Liberian Civil War. Gold will share his harrowing tales of war through storytelling and songs, and, once the show is over, will burn all evidence of his creation. After a meditation and clearing ceremony, the evening will close with a community dance party featuring Block 1750.
