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Hancock Takes Daredevil Approach To Kick Off Arts Week

Mayor Michael Hancock
Mayor Michael Hancock (credit: CBS)

DENVER (CBS4) - Denver Mayor Michael Hancock officially kicked off Denver Arts Week Friday morning by hanging from the painter's rig once used by Colorado artist Vance Kirkland.

The mayor is a big supporter of the arts in Denver and his wife Mary Louise Lee is the honorary chairwoman of the nine day celebration of the arts in the city. Friday's kickoff took place at the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art.

RELATED: Denver's First Lady Is Honorary Chair Of Denver Arts Week

Hancock hung from a harness over a painting and tried his hand at the technique Kirkland used to paint his massive canvases.

The device Hancock got hooked up to sits in the museum and shows how the artist found a way to hover over the canvas.

The Kirkland Museum is among the museums being highlighted during Denver Arts Week. Located at 13th and Pearl, it celebrates art and design in a unique way.

PHOTO GALLERY: Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art

Part of the studio is housed where artist Kirkland taught and where did his last work. The collection includes some of his work and some art he loved. It ranges from fine art to decorative art to glasswork to small appliance design.

Visitors should be aware that children under 13 are not allowed in the museum because of the layout and the fragile nature of much of the displays.

Learn more at kirklandmuseum.org.

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