Best New Gallery |

Above: Green Gamma Daedalus Right: Deluxe mailbox.

1952 Kenmore vac rocketship

Jimmy Descant is known as the Rocketman. He was first seen in Denver at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, 2004-2008. Now, I’m wondering if he wasn’t the catalyst for this trend in upcycling art and retail. Unconsciously, I was looking for Descant’s work this year. I remember staring in amazement at his rockets and wall art in the past. He was not there this year but, everyone else was, and they all wanted to be him.

An innocent walk from Dazbog’s coffee on 17th Avenue, stopped me in my tracks. A new gallery, Leon. It was a former portrait studio. Wow, look at this art, I told my friend.

The opening was early July. Alas, this show leaves on the 31st. Make the time and effort to see this show. Children will love it too. It is whimsical, brilliant, colorful, vintage assemblages that are amazing.

Jimmy Descant is a New Orleans refugee living in Salida, Colorado today. He bills himself as a severe re-constructivitist. Rocketships are his specialty.

See his latest creations at Leon Gallery, 1112 E. 17th Avenue, 303-832-7697

www.leongallery.com

www.deluxerocketships.com

Rocketman, Jimmy Descant lands in Denver at Leon Gallery

Cheeky Caribou in Cherry Creek Opens on 3rd Avenue

Champagne & Chocolate will get most people in the door of any gallery on any night, any where, but why does it taste a little sweeter and richer in Cherry Creek North? It just seems to – maybe it’s the Rodeo Drive ambiance and luxurious shops mingled with beautiful passers-by and visitors observing tony art in glamourous digs in CCN. The opening of the Caribou Gallery spread fast creating talk and let’s hope sales last weekend. Nevertheless, a brand new gallery popping up in this area is a bold and cheeky move.

The new Caribou Gallery opened it’s gold toned doors on June 21, 2012. It featured art by Denver painter and printmaker, Brian Comber and artist Murad Sayen, painter of narrative and atmospheric scenes. The gallery carries two jewelry artists, Cheryl Weber and Anita Gronstedt who brought original designs in gold and silver with colorful gemstones and beadwork leather bracelets.

Shelly Metz, owner of the Caribou glowed with relief after months of hard work and preparation for the grand opening celebration on this night, June 21st – June 23rd. The lure of chocolate and champagne (and art) brought in long time art lovers and friends. It seemed people turned out to be there for the first, in a long time, new, woohoo, art gallery in CCN, which is exciting and interesting in itself.

Long time art biz lady, Susan Freilicher (Southwest Art magazine for years & years) was instrumental in helping Metz fine tune the well laid-out gallery and mix of fine artists.

Making it her job to welcome new galleries and artists, Candice Pulliam, Art Consultant non-pareil, blew in with local and fast becoming known artist, Tami Otis. Long time local artist John Crandall was there to support his good friend, Brian Comber.

Wishing Shelly much luck with the Caribou. It’s a beautiful gallery. Show your support and head over there. You might want go before or after a delish bite at Cucina Colore (right next door).

2029 E. 3rd Avenue 303.568.9803 www.cariboudenver.com