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ArtDenver Premiers At Colorado Convention Center

DENVER (CBS4) - The organizers of the Cherry Creek Arts Festival are launching a new fine arts experience. ArtDenver includes 135 juried artist exhibits, but extends to fashion, living arts, and hand-made products.

Denver-based artist Kelly Shurger is preparing to show at ArtDenver. She is one of the national and local artists picked to exhibit at the Colorado Convention Center. Shurger specializes in abstract contemporary landscapes. There will 13 media on display, including ceramics, mixed media, digital art, photography, metal works and drawing.

"Someone that might not think they're interested in landscape work… if they're there to see fashion, hopefully they'll see something else that catches their eye and want to take it home with them," Shurger told CBS4.

Fashion is a major component to the ArtDenver weekend. The event kicks off with an Opening Night Party & Fashion Show. It will feature Michael Costello as the headline designer. Featured designers include Justin LeBlanc and Geoffrey Mac. Denver-based designer Mondo Guerra will also be showing and has served as creative consultant for the show.

"I think it's going to be a really, really good show. We all have very distinct points of view, and I feel like it's going to be very exciting," Guerra said.

In addition to the kickoff fashion show, there will be trunk shows and runway shows featuring local designers throughout the weekend. ArtDenver will also feature an "Art of Living" installation, which is a nod to the art of interior design. There will be luxury-design vignettes set up. Also, hand-crafted artisan will be on display in the "Colorado Maker" section.

Mondo Guerra
Mondo Guerra works on a project for ArtDenver (credit: CBS)

"It kind of made me think, for the first time, about how food can be art," said Sam Blumenthal, an entrepreneur who will have a booth at ArtDenver.

Blumenthal started a business making homemade granola that is gluten-free, with no added sugar and all natural. In the year that he's been making Lagrano granola, he says he's learned a lot and he's been able to expand his business. At the ArtDenver show, he hopes to reach a new audience. He's also promoting his granola as a healthy alternative for school fundraisers.

"People appreciate having something healthy in that department," Blumenthal explained.

ArtDenver is the final event of Denver Arts Week. It runs Nov. 14-16 at the Colorado Convention Center. You will have to purchase tickets to get into the show.

LINK: ArtDenver

--Written for CBSDenver.com by Special Projects Producer Libby Smith

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