Denver’s Summer Art Market Celebrates 30 Years Full of Artful Community Connections

Photos courtesy of Art Students League of Denver

For the last three decades, the Art Students League of Denver (ASLD) has hosted an annual celebration of mile high makers and experiencing the joy of art. Its beloved Summer Art Market connects local artists at all points in their artistic journey with aesthetes from across the state. The event has played a critical role in strengthening Colorado’s art community, helping emerging creatives kickstart their artistic career and providing more established artisans essential face-to-face connections with their patrons, always encouraging deep and storied relationships with art.

This year, the market returns Saturday, August 26, and Sunday, August 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day in the West Wash Park neighborhood bordered by E. 1st Ave., Sherman St., E. 4th Ave. and Logan St. In addition to 150+ artist vendors, the event features live art demonstrations by ASLD faculty; a drop-in interactive art experience for kids; plus food and drink from Little Pub Company and Sweet Action ice cream.

Artists represented at the market include ceramists, painters, photographers, metalsmiths, sculptors, fiber artists and more. A variety of mediums, works, styles and price points make the event approachable for newcomers and a favorite destination for longtime art lovers.

“Our mission is to empower people to experience the joy of art in their own way,” said Rachel Basye, executive director at ASLD. “The Summer Art Market showcases a wide and diverse range of visual arts, which we hope will inspire people to learn about, create and engage with art.”

Tickets, $5 or free for those age 12 and under, can be purchased online beginning August 1 or at any entrance during the event (cash sales encouraged) and are valid for the entire weekend.

About Art Students League of Denver

The Art Students League of Denver (ASLD) empowers people to experience the joy of art in their own way. ASLD first opened its doors in 1987 with a handful of recognized artists teaching 100 students in its first year. Today, located in the historic Sherman School in the West Wash Park neighborhood at 200 Grant St., ASLD directly connects with over 55,000 members in seven counties of the Denver metro area. More than 14,000 students attend classes, workshops, teen studios and summer camps, and more than 130 professional, noted artists teach visual arts classes in a wide range of media throughout the year. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, ASLD is supported by private donations, tuition, foundation grants, corporate sponsorship and the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. For more information, visit ASLD.org or engage on Facebook or Instagram. Watch this video to learn more about ASLD and its offerings.