A free evening of art, music, local makers, and community at RiNo ArtPark.
On September 4, RiNo Art District welcomed the community back to RiNo ArtPark for September’s First Friday Festival with the Welcome Back exhibition, live music, a market of local artists and makers, food, drinks, and time to gather in the park.
Welcome Back, RiNo Art District’s 20th anniversary exhibition, continued across the RiNo ArtPark Gallery & Welcome Center and Truss House. Featuring more than 50 artists, the exhibition brings together work and stories connected to the people and creative communities that have shaped RiNo over the past two decades.
The ArtPark lawn offered space to browse work from local makers, grab a bite or drink, and spend part of the evening outside with neighbors and friends. The September market featured Beijos Brasil, Bone and Dagger Assorted Mercantile, Decked Out Ceramics, Squirrel Bird Pottery, and an RMCAD student showcase.
Live music came from Denver musician Luke Thinnes’ project French Kettle Station, a songwriting and synthesizer-based outlet that has been part of Denver’s DIY community since 2011. The performance was also part of Welcome Back’s broader look at the people who have helped build and carry forward RiNo’s creative legacy.
First Friday Festivals are part of RiNo Art District’s nonprofit mission to support the artists, makers, and creative businesses that shape the district. These free gatherings create space for people to encounter art, support local creatives, and spend time together in the neighborhood.
Thank you to everyone who came out, to the artists and makers who participated, and to KeyBank, our presenting sponsor, along with our supporting sponsors and partners who help make free programming at RiNo ArtPark possible.
All photos by Hoss Photography