Monday, May 23, 2016

INSPIRE Arts Week returns featuring 11 days of free and discounted arts and cultural events.

Lakewood's INSPIRE Arts Week featuring free and discounted arts and cultural events returns for an extended 11 days of gallery openings, activities, classes and performances, June 1-12.

This 11-day event showcases the vibrant and rich arts culture that exists throughout Lakewood. Dozens of organizations from Lakewood Cultural Center to the Jefferson County Public Library are participating in INSPIRE Arts Week, hosting 40 exhibits, events and performances . INSPIRE Arts Week will be held at venues throughout Lakewood from Wednesday, June 1 through Sunday, June 12.

"This event just continues to amaze me. It has become a week that many people look forward to. Lakewood has so much to offer in the arts. I hope those who have not explored the arts in Lakewood will take this opportunity to get involved,” said Lorene Joos, arts programming curator for Lakewood’s Heritage, Culture & the Arts Division.

Don't miss First Friday on June 3, when the nine artist-owned galleries of Belmar's Block 7 open their doors for visitors to stroll, explore and experience before stopping to enjoy food, drinks and Belmar's Music on the Plaza. Rockley Music on West Colfax Avenue will hold two free concerts, the first being Clawhammer Bluegrass Band on Sunday, June 5 followed by The Resonators from Spaceman Guitars on Tuesday, June 7. Both concerts start at 6:30 p.m. in The Rockley Family Foundation Hall, a new permanent performance space at Rockley Music Center that will feature music throughout the year. Saturday, June 11 has two exciting new options for 2016, a morning tour of the art along RTD's W Line hosted by Kris Autobee of Red Herring Art and in the evening, The Beer Garden presented by Foothills Credit Union at Lakewood's FREE Rockin' Block Party. The Beer Garden features Lakewood-brewed beers from Caution, WestFax and Great Frontier Brewing Companies, as well as homemade pretzels, lawn games and a festive seating area. Lakewood's Rockin' Block Party is a free, family-friendly event featuring games, museum tours, a concert by Chris Daniels & the Kings and an outdoor showing of the movie "The Sandlot," beginning at dusk. For a complete listing of INSPIRE Arts Week events, visit www.Lakewood.org/Inspire