Priced out of LoDo during the early '90s boom, many art galleries landed along Santa Fe Drive, core of Denver's Latino community.
Today the Art District on Santa Fe is an eclectic mix of galleries, a museum, a theater, and restaurants concentrated between Fifth and 10th Avenues, where thousands flock to each month's festive First Friday Art Walks.
SEE:
Artists on Santa Fe. WHAT: View the displayed works of 13 diverse resident artists, then visit individual studio workshops. WHEN: 10-5 Mon-Fri, 10-4 Sat. HOW MUCH: Free. WHERE: 747 Santa Fe Dr.; www.artistsonsantafe.com or 303/573-5903.
Museo de las Américas. WHAT: The Rocky Mountains' premier museum of Latino and indigenous American artistry. WHEN: 10-5 Tue-Fri, 12-5 Sat-Sun. HOW MUCH: $4 adults, $3 students, ages 13 and under free. WHERE: 861 Santa Fe Dr.; www.museo.org or 303/571-4401.
Reed Photo-Art Gallery. WHAT: Rotating monthly exhibits and permanent exhibit rooms for famed photographers David Muench and John Fielder. WHEN: 8:30-6 Mon-Fri, 10-4 Sat. HOW MUCH: Free. WHERE: 833 Santa Fe Dr.; www.reedphotoart.com or 303/825-1700.
Habitat Gallery and Studio. WHAT: The airy gallery features original fine art in oil, serigraph, and unusual laminated stained glass. WHEN: 11-7 Tue-Sat. HOW MUCH: Free. WHERE: 828 Santa Fe Dr.; 303/534-9740.
Sandy Carson Gallery. WHAT: An Art District mainstay, the contemporary gallery exhibits fresh talent through tapestries, photography, and other media. WHEN: 10-6 Tue-Fri, 12-4 Sat. HOW MUCH: Free. WHERE: 760 Santa Fe Dr.; www.sandycarsongallery.com or 303/573-8585.
EAT:
El Noa Noa Restaurant. WHAT: The expansive courtyard, complete with fountain and artful decor, is the place to sample authentic Mexican cuisine. WHEN: Lunch and dinner daily. HOW MUCH: $. WHERE: 722 Santa Fe Dr.; 303/623-9968.
GO:
The New Denver Civic Theatre. WHAT: Take in a popular play in one of two theaters. WHEN: Performances Tue-Sun. HOW MUCH: Tickets from $25. WHERE: 721 Santa Fe Dr.; www.denvercivic.com or 303/309-3773. ―Ted Alan Stedman
INFO: The next First Friday event is 6-9 Oct 7. For details and a gallery list, visit www.artdistrictonsantafe.com or call 303/574-0040.
