I’ve been doing the Summer Art Market- “SAM” -for 30 years, give or take. It’s work, but is fun. It provides steady sales, real outreach to a large art loving public, and a great social event. It’s spacious and most are there to talk art. The prices remain well below gallery prices. As long as I can physically do it, it provides many reasons to do it.
The theme this year ( for me ) is “home”. I go into this in a bit more detail, here. Much of the new work I’m bringing deals with this theme. As I dial back my professional activities to a more manageable pace, SAM is now one of my biggest shows, outside of MoPrint ( returning in 2026 ). So if the idea of “home” intrigues you, it’s the best place to drop by and see my interpretation, and even chat about it, if you are so inclined.
The show takes place between 9 AM and 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday August 23 and 24, in front of the school at 2nd and Grant. My Booth number is 59 which is across from the Annex and school’s garden, with a community garden across the way. It’s not too far from the front door. There is a $7 entry fee ( $10 at the gate ), which benefits the school. That link is here. I am applying a $10 discount on all purchases.
I’m a bus, train and rideshare person myself, so Alameda station or the #0 and #3 busses are my recommended ways to beat the parking crunch, but there is also a parking garage that I use only a couple blocks from the entrance (3 blocks from my booth) at 5th and Sherman, for only 10 bucks, and the owners donate the proceeds to the school. Win-win! I’m hoping for walkable weather, of course, but covered parking seems worth the Hamilton.
Saturday mornings always seem a bit more busy (albeit a better selection), while Sundays always seem more relaxed and social. I have lots of new work this year, so Sunday seems safe if that’s your preference. Either way, the conversation does help pass the long hours. Some people like to ask about upcoming classes (I’m pacing myself a bit more on those, too). My next class is a family sampler on August 30. Here’s a link for that. I have other classes coming beginning in early October, and when things settle down a bit, I’ll post them to the ‘Workshops’ page, above.
Believe it or not, writing posts about myself all the time can be hard to do. There are a couple of other features at SAM I’d like to mention: There’s a teen booth in front of the school where young people involved in the school’s teen programs and classes can show their work. I feel a bit of investment here, as I’ve occasionally substituted for regular teen instructors, and I helped a bit with the organizing sessions for the teen artists, so I’ve met some of them. I’m glad to be involved as we never had practical advice like this when we were young artists.
Not far from there you’ll find the booth of printmaking instructor Mark Lunning and several artists who regularly take classes and use the print facility independently. Many are long time friends and students of mine as well. If you search #asldprintmakers you may find other printmakers scattered around the show, there are a lot of them.
The weather looks cool and walkable, and even a bit of rain rarely spoils the fun. Most will see a real pleasant break from the heat as a chance to get out and schmooze- I will, for sure. So come on down and say Hi at one of the city’s true neighborhood festivals.
#summerartmarket2025 #asldprintmakers #artstudentsleaguedenver #art shows #artclasses #sambooth59 #home #summerartfestivals #denverartshows
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