One of the best progressive art galleries if you like real art created by passionate artists.read more

There is a funky little group of contemporary galleries stuck in the heart of the old Italian…read moreneighborhood in Denver. The area is called Highland and where Next Gallery is the whole place is pretty ethnic. Signs are usually in Spanish and low riders are everywhere. So, seemingly out of no where come these four galleries. Next is the newest. It's a co-op (the space is rented by multiple artists) so the quality of the work changes with every show. The space is beautiful with big windows facing the street and perfectly creaky wood floors. It's a good atmosphere for checking out some of Denver's developed talent and newbie stuff. It's a great place to see some artwork that hasn't jumped onto the minimalist band wagon. Open Fridays 6 to 10pm, Saturdays and Sundays 12-5pm.

Spark is the oldest cooperative gallery in Denver (1979) and features many accomplished artists at…read moremid- to late career. There's no particular theme to the selection of artists and I find the shows widely variable in quality. Spark has bounced around to many locations, but recently moved from their long-time spot at 9th and Santa Fe to this fabulous new venue, directly across the plaza from the main entrance to the Denver Art Museum. The gallery has taken advantage of this high visibility with extended hours and is now open every afternoon from Friday through Tuesday. The gallery is elegant and well-designed for the display of a substantial amount of work. There's usually something for everyone and the space is well-worth a visit. One of the artists is always there and they are happy to talk about their work.

Spark Gallery, located right on the corner of 9th and Santa Fe, is one of the more impressive…read moregalleries located on the Santa Fe Art Walk. It is spacious, has several smaller studios in it, and has mixed mediums. One of the things I remember especially about this gallery use of oils on Masonite by one artist, which created a very earthy abstract theme. Quite cool, but naturally pricey. Nonetheless, when I noted to my lady friend that this place was better than most of the galleries we've seen so far, she relied to me that the people in here looked exactly like the people she would see in swank-ass SF galleries: not interested in the art in the least but in networking, kissing-ass, and trying to get laid. Pretty harsh perhaps, but there was a ring of truth to this fact as I looked around. I'm not sure why I felt this way in this gallery especially, but it was there so....no 5 for you

Derrick Velazquez and Lauren Hartog started this gallery in a tiny space at the historic, Golden…read moreTriangle Evans School in 2021. The Evans space closed in June 2023 after mounting 20 exhibits showcasing 142 artists, but the gallery was reborn in February 2025, at a new home in the Burrell Building along the Platte River Trail in the RiNo neighborhood. Derrick has been joined by new co-directors Jenny Nagashima and Ilan Gutin. The gallery tries to fill a niche between a project space and a commercial gallery, offering opportunities to both established and new artists. The quality of the artists and exhibits does vary, but Derrick and friends always provide an interesting perspective. The new location provides an elegant exhibition space. Parking can be challenging, so ride sharing might be a good idea. The 38th & Blake light rail station is also an option.

This art space is tucked into a corner of the massive Casa Bonita parking lot. It has several…read moregalleries including Core, Next and Edge. A friend from my pottery class was having a show and she was in Core gallery. The space was inviting, spacious and a great place to showcase art! I believe Core is a co-op of artists. Cute little art supply store in there as well. Worth checking out for sure!

I attended this art showing to see some of my friends work. It's the first time I've been in a…read morelocal art gallery. It was a fun experience as well as a learning experience. They had water, cheese and wine to nosh on. The art was fun and colorful. It was a few hours well spent.

Leon began life in August 2011 as a commercial gallery, but has morphed into a nonprofit arts…read moreorganization as of July 2018. It continues to present regular art exhibitions, but also offers all sorts of intimate musical events, fashion, lectures, poetry, book launches, and use as a charming event space. The building dates to the 1890s and has served many functions including a flower shop, a yoga studio, the first location of Denver Free University, and a photography studio. It's conveniently located in the heart of the Uptown neighborhood. Parking can be a little tricky, but there is usually a spot to find within a block or two and if you've got parking karma--right in front. I'd call the art that Leon presents eclectic. Some of it I like, some I hate, but it's always thought-provoking and occasionally inspiring. Leon tries to find emerging and underrepresented artists, but also provides a space for established artists to experiment in a way that's difficult at more commercial galleries. Leon's motto is, "Outliers Change the World," and long-time director, Eric Nord, strives to do that. Leon is an interesting part of the Denver arts scene and is worth many visits.

Only ten blocks from the zoo and right by restaurant row, Leon gallery sits in a great location…read morealong Park Ave in Uptown. The location makes it an excellent stop after dinner and a day around town or before a night out at the local pubs. Walking in, you'll find a cozy gallery perfectly suited for smaller exhibitions. It's small size affords good, friendly communication between the patrons and allows for conversation with the artists. The brick walls are an idyllic backdrop for the different works of art rotating through. While it's slated as a venue for emerging artists, some are already well on their way. This venue has a great location, brings in quality local works of art, and will make for a fun evening out.

Formally known as Limited Addiction Gallery, this contemporary art magnet is still super fantastic…read more My favorite on the Santa Fe Art Walk, they bring in some big names and never disappoint. The press release states, "Limited Addiction will remain as the publishing division of the Gallery, featuring limited edition prints and monographs."

This gallery is your source for progressive art from across the nation. I have lots of Favorites in…read moretown for local art. But it would be hard to beat The David B. Smith gallery for National and International artists. Examples include Josh Keyes, Bruno Novelli, Emil Alzamora, Bua and so many more. They have moved to 1543 A Wazee Street Denver, CO 80202. So go check out the art and there new space.

Alto Gallery is one of the key tenants at the new RiNo Art Park. It is located next to the Bob…read moreRagland branch of the Denver Public Library, sharing space with one of RedLine Contemporary Art Center's Satellite Studio spaces. The gallery was founded in February 2016 and is owned and operated by the nonprofit Birdseed Collective. It began in the Berkeley neighborhood, then moved to the Evans School, and has now found a permanent home in the hallway of RedLine's studio spaces. A gallery is a good use of the hallway space. There's also an overhead door that connects to the adjacent library during business hours. The exhibits here tend to be cutting edge and are often challenging. The quality can be variable, but the latest opening at Alto is always interesting. There are also excellent murals to see on the outside of the buildings.

Robert Anderson has been a long-time Denver gallerist with a unique focus on fine art photography…read more He unfortunately closed the gallery at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. A new space recently became available just a couple of doors east of the previous location and Robert seized the opportunity to reopen in April 2025. The new gallery is a bit smaller than in the past, but an old and tired storefront has been thoroughly remodeled to provide a clean and elegant gallery space. There's a very nice mix of historic and contemporary photography plus a few non-photographic fine art pieces that have caught Robert's eye. He has excellent taste and the refreshed gallery is well worth a visit.

A great gallery. It is light filled, with high ceilings! The building itself profiles great old…read moreDenver architecture. The current show on Cuba is well curated featuring different artist's work including Tony Ortega, Sylvia Montero and Cyrus McCrimmon.