Paint Your Best Colorado Summer Vacation... Ever

DENVER, March 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Art endeavors of every kind paint Colorado's landscape this summer. With happenings ranging from local artisans to internationally recognized collections and live theatre to music events and film festivals, cultural opportunities abound across the state. Below is a sampling of some of the many ways visitors can experience Colorado's cultural scene.

The Mile High Arts Scene

• The Denver Art District on Santa Fe is a unique, nationally known art and cultural district with more than 60 galleries, restaurants and shops located a few short blocks from downtown.  The Art District opens its doors to lively crowds for popular events such as the First Friday Art Walk, held every first Friday of the month.  www.ArtDistrictonSantaFe.com
• The Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art is Denver's nationally recognized display of 20th century decorative arts showcasing more than 3,500 works on view ranging from Arts & Crafts to Modern and Pop Art. www.KirklandMuseum.org
• Museum of Contemporary Art is Denver's first contemporary art museum. Inspiring contemporary art that excites and challenges all audiences, the Museum of Contemporary Art is spread across five distinct galleries throughout Denver.  www.MCADenver.org

Cultural Events Across the State

• Telluride Film Festival (September 2-5).  Each Labor Day weekend, Telluride swells three times the size with passionate film enthusiasts to celebrate the best in film. Last year's festival included sneak previews of Black Swan and 127 Hours as well as appearances by the likes of James Franco and Colin Firth.   www.TellurideFilmFestival.org
• Salida Art Walk (June 24-26).  Named one of the "100 Best Small Art Towns in America" by John Villani, Salida is renowned for its annual arts celebration where the public is invited to stroll Salida's historic downtown streets and enjoy the sights and sounds of the visual and performing arts. www.SalidaArtWalk.org

Colorado Art Attractions

• The Aspen Art Museum offers a variety of opportunities for visitors to experience thought-provoking art, culture and society through an array of activities, exhibitions and programs. Upcoming exhibits include "The Anxiety of Photography" (May 13–July 17) and work by Cathy Wilkes (May 20–July 17). www.AspenArtMuseum.org
• Colorado Chautauqua in Boulder aspires to become the most environmentally sustainable National Historic Landmark in the country. Boasting amazing scenery and a calendar packed with lectures and concerts, Colorado's Chautauqua strives to bring communities together through educational, cultural and social activities. Planned events include the Colorado Music Festival (June 25 – August 5), and a variety of music and dance offerings. www.Chautauqua.com  

If you aren't sold yet, Colorado is bursting at the seams with a complete arts and culture experience largely as a result of the Arts in Public Places Program (AIPP). This act integrates art with architecture by requiring that one percent of all construction funds go toward the acquisition of art for the project site, allowing locals to combine work with play.

SOURCE Colorado Tourism Office