It’s that time of year again! Each November the City of Denver takes a moment, or rather a full week, to focus on the arts. Denver Arts Week, celebrating it’s 10th anniversary, began today for First Friday, November 4, 2016.

The annual event, will run through next Saturday, November 12, 2016. From museums and theaters to music and visual arts everyone is sure to find something to enjoy. Denver Arts Week is a cornucopia of creativity featuring over 300 events in seven of the cities art districts. No matter where you find yourself this weekend, you’re likely to be just steps away from an adventure in the arts.

First Friday Art Walks are tradition. If you’re looking to carry on the tradition but with a twist check out “Gameplay” First Friday Reception at Helikon Gallery and Studios at 3675 Wynkoop Street. This exhibition is a unique body of work inspired by video games. The reception is free and open to the public and starts at 6 p.m. For more information please visit https://helikongallery.com/gallery/archive/gameplay/.

If video games don’t appeal to your artistic taste, don’t be discouraged. Receptions for First Friday are also being held at dozens of galleries in the Santa Fe Arts District, Belmar Block 7 Art District, RiNo, 40 West Arts District, Tennyson Street Cultural District and Navajo Street Art District throughout the evening. Choose your favorite or try something new.

Saturday, November 5, 2016, Free night at the museums is going on. A dozen museums will be offering free shuttle and extended hours. Free admission is from 5-10 P.M. For a complete list of museums and more information about events visit http://www.denver.org/denver-arts-week/programs/nightatthemuseum/.

The Denver Zoo is currently hosting a very special traveling exhibition, called Washed Ashore, Art to Save the Sea. This is the first time the exhibition has been hosted at an inland, non-coastal location. It features 15 giant sculptures created from trash and other refuse collected from beaches. According to the Washed Ashore Project, 90 percent of the debris collected from the ocean are petroleum based products like nylon fishing nets and various plastics. Their goal is to educate the public about pollution and raise awareness through the arts. The petroleum based products collected are turned into sculptures like a coral reef made of styrofoam. For more    information about the exhibit see: http://www.denver.org/things-to-do/denver-arts-culture/washed-ashore/  or about the Washed Ashore project visit http://washedashore.org.

If you find yourself to be the hands on sort don’t be dissuaded. Creative thINKing hosted by Bella Glass Studios is offering to teach tips and techniques to make art using alcohol inks, multiple tiles, and varying paper types for just $36. Fun to learn and with supplies included! For more information about this event or others like it visit http://www.bellaglassstudios.com/class-calendar.html.

If you can’t make it out tonight, be sure to get well rested. You have a big week of the arts ahead of you! For more information about Denver Arts Week, sponsors or participants check out their website: http://www.denver.org/denver-arts-week