At the Denver Arts Complex: No parking pain, no parking gain | Arts news
Perhaps the biggest deterrent to attendance at the world-class Denver Performing Arts Complex has for decades been the Dead Zone known as the city of Denver’s parking garage on Arapahoe between 13th and 14h streets.
But help, we have been newly promised, is on the way. “It really is a big upgrade,” said Gretchen Hollrah, executive director of the city’s Department of Arts & Venues.
But things are going to get a lot worse before they get better.
How much worse? Colorado Ballet, one of the tenants of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, is recommending that patrons arrive 90 minutes prior to curtain time to allow for potential delays.
On Monday, the city began installation of new garage access gates that, when complete, will employ smart technologies that allow for a variety of pre-payment options to speed both entry and exit. Most significantly, patrons will soon have the opportunity to pay for parking at the same time they buy their tickets.
Patrons “will have the option to pay for parking in advance of showtime at the time you purchase your tickets,” said Kelly Graham, manager of safety, security and parking for the Denver Performing Arts Complex. “Capacity will be held for advance purchases in Floors 2-8 even if the parking garage closes to drive-up purchasers. You do not purchase a stall, but there will be a spot for you somewhere within the parking garage.”
Best of all: “The new system recognizes front license plates, so if you enter that info upon purchase, when you pull up to the entrance, the system should recognize you as already paid and automatically open for you. Same upon exit,” Graham said. “So, think about purchasing your season tickets and your parking together and then not having to worry about having to find alternative parking.”
But the extended project will necessitate closure of the garage’s two entrances for 5-7 weeks each. The 13th Street entry was closed on Monday. The Arapahoe Street entry will be closed beginning sometime in March.
That means there will only be one way in or out of the garage for the next 14 weeks. Best estimate: Both entrances will be open again in early May. Ouch.
Still, for anyone who has idled in the snake of cars that forms along Speer Boulevard to get into the cursed lot, or questioned all their life choices while slowly circling their way out of the lot after a Broadway performance, whatever that opening day turns out to be, it will represent a brand new day worthy of “The Wiz.”.
It’s just getting there that is going to hurt.
“We strongly recommend that you arrive early,” the Denver Center is telling its patrons by email – in both italic and bold type.
Put another way (by me): “For all that is holy, don’t park anywhere near that parking garage for the next 14 weeks.”
Leon Gallery in financial crisis
The Leon Gallery, which transitioned to a nonprofit model in 2019, is struggling to stay afloat. The gallery opened 13 years ago at 1112 E. 17th Ave., to give local, diverse artists a homegrown space to experiment.
“We had little time to find our footing before the global pandemic changed the game,” owners Eric Nord and Eric Dallimore said in a statement. “We will be blunt: we need your help to keep the arts alive at Leon or we risk closing our space.”
Leon has boosted the careers of many rising artists who have gone on to work with the Denver Art Museum. Laura Shill recently received The Greene Fellowship and Diego Rodriguez-Warner (a three-time Leon exhibitionist) landed a solo exhibition at The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver and won the Joan Mitchell Foundation Award. The Leon exhibition “Unarmed” was recognized by The New York Times.
Still, the gallery says it must raise $20,000 by March 15 to stay open. Donations are being accepted at donorbox.org
U.S. mayors honor Polis’ support for arts
Americans for the Arts and the U.S. Conference of Mayors today presented Colorado Gov. Jared Polis with the National Award for State Arts Leadership at its mayors’ 92nd winter meeting on Jan. 19 in Washington, D.C.
Polis was cited for the state’s investments in the creative sector, which now accounts for $16.9 billion and 3.9% of the Colorado economy, contributing to 102,383 direct jobs. Colorado ranks in the top five of all states regarding the number of people performing and creating art, and it leads all other states for the number of people attending performing arts events.
Polis was also credited for approving $23 million in COVID relief funding for the arts, culture, and entertainment sector. Colorado’s total arts relief funding was more than any other U.S. state. He was also lauded for appointing two historic state Poet Laureates during his term; Bobby Lefebre (2019), Colorado’s youngest and first Poet Laureate of color, and Andrea Gibson (2023), Colorado’s first queer Poet Laureate.
“In Colorado, we prioritize creativity and recognize the importance of creating more ways for people to learn and be involved with art,” said Polis.
Wilder to be honored at film fest
“Remembering Gene Wilder” has been announced as the opening film for the 28th annual Denver Jewish Film Festival on March 9 at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center. The documentary covers the iconic actor’s life and career. Tickets $17 at jccdenver.org. The fest runs through Match 17.
Briefly …
Twins Randy and Jason Sklar, who perform as The Sklar Brothers and have appeared on TV shows Including “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Better Call Saul,” will appear at Comedy Works South Feb. 1-3 at. Tickets at comedyworks.com …
A new comedy festival called The Inverness Jest Fest will take place Feb. 17-18 in the Denver Tech Center with “Saturday Night Live” alum Kevin Nealon headlining and featuring local openers including Kevin Fitzgerald and Geoff Tice. More info at theinvernessdenverexperiences.com …
The Maven Hotel, 1850 Wazee St., will unveil seven new murals created by Colorado artists from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1. The artists, commissioned in partnership with RedLine Contemporary Art Center, are Koko Bayer, JayCee Beyale, Sandra Fettingis, Lares Feliciano, Ramon Bonilla, Gregg Deal and Jasmine Holmes. Each is 8 by 20 feet.
And finally …
Harkins Theatres is screening all 10 of this year’s nominees for best picture from Feb. 23 to March 10. Each of the 10 films will screen at least once per day on a rotating basis. Each screening is only $5 oy you can buy an all-access pass to see all 10 films for $40. Details at harkins.com.
