In Denver? Check Out Brushstrokes on 16th Street!

Plein Air Paintings on View at Denver Pavilions, Colorado

This autumn, view art installations, including plein air paintings of Denver, along 16th Street in downtown Denver, Colorado. Celebrating the renovation of the area, fifteen artists were invited to paint there last month, and the works are now available at the Denver Pavilions (Unit #246).

“Downtowns are challenging to paint,” says artist and organizer Ed Natan. “There is constant movement. Its music is its noise. It’s unpredictable, yet it can be harmonious. A plein air artist must see and feel to paint.”

Ed tells us he invited local artists to participate as a group in a paint-out event in the center of downtown Denver – a first for the city – after he experienced firsthand the wonderful paint-out trips at the Plein Air Convention and Expo (PACE).

“The recent pandemic, growing remote working and lengthy renovation of downtown Denver’s retail spine, has caused the loss of many retailers,” Ed said. “I wanted to bring an energizing plein air event to the center of our downtown. To convince artists to participate, I secured an enthusiastic sponsorship by the owner of downtown Denver’s largest retail mall, and of our Business Improvement District. I pitched the community excitement that can be generated by a plein air event in the heart of downtown.”

In addition to getting the city on board, Ed secured sponsors to help coordinate and publicize the event, including setting up a free exhibit space for the artists’ works.

“The paint out was a great success in generating interest and pride by locals,” Ed said, “and it continues to attract people to our current month-long exhibit and sale in the same central location.”

For more information, please visit denverpavilions.com/16thstreetbrushstrokes.