RiNo Arts District Celebrating 10th Anniversary

DENVER (CBS4) - The River North or RiNo Arts District is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Located just north of downtown Denver, bordered by Interstate 25 and I-70, the River North neighborhood is largely industrial with a heavy concentration of railroad traffic.

"We're gritty. We're rough around the edges. We really coin the phrase, 'Where art is made' because we have a lot of studios," said Tracy Weil, a founding member of the RiNo Art District Board.

There are 200 artist studios in the neighborhood and as many as 30 galleries.

"We're a little more spread out than most art districts. We're about a mile radius," Weil explained.

The district is a big supporter of Denver Arts Week and will be participating in "Know Your Arts" First Friday.

"A lot of the galleries have openings, and a lot of the studios will be doing demonstrations," Weil told CBS4.

RiNo will also be hosting its annual VIP Art Safari, a guided tour of the neighborhood. For $52.80 per couple, 70 people can take a bus tour of six art spots around the neighborhood. This year the bus will stop at Nocturne Jazz Club where free champagne will be served.

Weil says this is a particularly exciting time to get to know the RiNo Arts District because of all the new development, businesses and restaurants that have moved into the neighborhood.

"The neighborhood is booming. This is a great opportunity for people to come down and see what RiNo's all about," Weil said.

LINK: The RiNo Art District

Libby Smith is a Special Projects Producer at CBS4. If you have a story you'd like to tell CBS4 about, call 303-863-TIPS (8477) or visit the News Tips section.