While Boulder is one of the most enthusiastically outdoor-recreation focused communities, its art scene is just as vigorous and diverse. It has the third-highest concentration of artists in the nation, behind Los Angeles and Santa Fe, and has even been named one of "America's Most Artistic Cities" by Expedia.
Boulder offers many ways to celebrate its artistic community, from yearly events to museums and galleries.
Events
The Boulder Arts Week occurs during the last week in March. The arts community rises to the occasion with an incredible array of cultural experiences from murals and installations, to music and dance. Boulder's Art Week is the town's only large-scale, inclusive celebration of the community’s vibrant arts and cultural offerings and the city’s thriving creativity. Enjoy art workshops, pop-up shops, self-guided tours and more!
Every year, 15 whimsical bear cubs showcase the talents of local artists, promote local nonprofits, and acknowledge the generosity of local sponsors. The decorated bears can be viewed from the middle of December to the end of April.
Each summer, more than 50,000 people enjoy Shakespeare at its finest. Performances are held under the stars at the University of Colorado's Mary Rippon Theater.
Colorado Music Festival is a six-week summer concert season at Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder showcasing the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra. Inspired programming performed by exceptional national and international musicians has earned Colorado Music Festival recognition from the League of American Orchestras and the National Endowment for the Arts.
From whimsical and modern sculptures to traditional watercolors, oils & more, Pearl Street Arts Fest is a beautiful outdoor gallery nestled in the heart of downtown Boulder on the renowned Pearl Street Mall during the summer.
Art Museums
This museum is a dynamic venue dedicated to the presentation of significant art of our time. Through an innovative program of regional, national and international exhibition and performance, the museum inspires and educates its communities and visitors around the world to explore the forefront and evolution of contemporary art.
CU's Art Museum provides a forum for exchanging ideas, inspiring collaboration and fueling imagination through art. The museum's growing collection and diverse exhibitions and public programs promote, inspire and generate interdisciplinary scholarship and cultural expression. It is currently closed due to COVID but keep an eye on their website for any news.
Art Galleries
StudioDoorz is an online art site that allows art seekers to virtually tour artists' studios and stories by booking appointments with the artists. It was recently launched by Boulder artist, Bill Snider, as a way to safely shop unique art pieces as most large-scale art shows have been canceled. It currently features around 60 artists- located mostly within the Front Range and has plans to feature local artists from around the country and other countries such as New Zealand, Mexico, and the Netherlands.
15th Street Gallery represents many museum-track contemporary artists and a few carefully selected emerging artists with exceptional vision and depth. Their exhibitions are constantly changing- click here to view what's currently showing.
Boulder Arts and Crafts is one of the oldest artist co-ops in the US. They stock over 20,000 individual items, from paintings and pottery to blown glass and furniture, with most pieces being one of a kind.
The Dairy Arts Center provides workspaces for local artists and venues for live performances in Boulder County. Their facility features several galleries, performance venues, teaching studios, art house cinema, and more. They are currently closed to the public due to COVID, but they have developed a wide range of virtual content for people to enjoy- click here to view.
MadeLife is a launchpad for artists and entrepreneurs founded on mentorship and collaboration and continuous iteration. Their 6,000 square foot facility features a work and gallery space, black-box theater, and a design and sound studio.
This fine arts gallery specializes in in the representation of some of America’s finest artists. They feature paintings, prints, and sculptures from over 50 men and women. Their collection of antique prints and maps covers a wide range of subject matters and dates back to the 1700’s.
R Gallery is Boulder's newest local focused fine art gallery that showcases emerging and established local artists. They carry a wide variety of mediums and sizes, from impressive wall pieces to smaller works.
Rembrandt Yard Art Gallery & Event Center’s art program focuses on bringing Colorado artists and international pieces together for one beautiful exhibit.
SmithKlein Gallery has provided enrichment through art by exhibiting the work of some of the most distinguished artists in the country for more than 30 years. The gallery offers an eclectic mix of quality art in a wide variety of media from jewelry and glass to large sculptures and paintings.