“Itap what they say — location, location, location,” said John Haley, a blacksmith, paint and photography artist and exhibitor, about the benefits of setting up next to the 16th Street Mall.
Saturday afternoon’s festival included arts ranging from blacksmithing and painting to floral design and swing dance. A crowd of hundreds replenished itself from the nearby mall and the Pavilions stores overhead.
“It seems like a super eclectic, modern Denver scene. I’ve seen tourists, French families,” said Haley, who has exhibited at art shows around the world. “I guess itap just a typical Memorial Day weekend for Denver.”
For the second consecutive year, ArtStir partnered with , a nonprofit that provides creative and educational opportunities for people with disabilities. The organization’s booth sold artwork made by disabled students.
“When I was in high school, one of my teachers asked if I wanted to have an internship,” said Jareth Charles, a VSA artist. “I was told to make some art, and I did, and they liked it.”
“Most of our students come to work at our studio at Ninth Street and Santa Fe,” said Damon McLeese, executive director of VSA. Some students have pieces go for $60, McLeese said. VSA’s exhibit featured an , a vending machine repurposed to sell art — stocked with cigarette package-sized art made by students. Twenty percent of ArtStir proceeds go to VSA, according to Andrew Lynes, marketing events coordinator for Denver Pavilions.
Down the block, henna artist Karly Ree Ward sat alongside children enjoying having their faces painted.
“There’s been (a rise) in popularity of the handmade,” Ward said. “To see handmade (art) here, in the middle of a pre-made environment, is really cool.”
“So many people have moved to Denver (lately),” said show director Wendy Manning, an ArtStir founder. “They’re craving local art.”
“My favorite part is meeting all the people,” Ward said. “And getting to hear so many stories, about so many lives.”
ArtStir continues on Sunday.
