Mingling off Broadway on First Friday

Our street team took it all in at Thrifty Stick and Family Affair

O.K, its time for a little re-education for all First Friday art fans. Yes, there are amazing galleries in the Santa Fe Art District. But, if you haven’t looked beyond the confines of Denver’s Art Walk on First Fridays, let us tell you, you are missing out! Two different locations in particular are fantastic places to check out some of Denver’s finest creatives displaying great art, not to mention hosting unbelievable parties!

TS Board Shop, also known as the Thrifty Stick at 135 S. Broadway, is an independently owned snowboard and skate shop that provides the latest and hottest boards, gear, and clothing for boarders of all types. On Friday, they hosted the Re-Art art show where artists Kamla and Sam took old paintings (yes, like the ones hanging in your grandparents house), and put an edgy and creative twist on them, adding robots, drag queens, and a plethora of other crazy additions to make those old Bob Ross-style paintings worth hanging in your place. The board shop provided free PBR in their bar room, as well as free Wahoo’s Fish Tacos. Local skaters were grinding it out in the parking lot during the event as well. Yes, this is something they do every first Friday.

And then there is Family Affair at 1900 Wazee St., right in the heart of downtown. This is a hair salon, as well as a L.A. style clothing and fashion boutique. This month, artists Marz, JoJo, and Gino (also known as Little G) had some fresh art on display, with some unbelievable sneaker art. In addition, the artist known as Marz, painted several walls of the salon and store in his graffiti style art.  There was a DJ laying down beats, dancers (both the hot girl-type, and the breakdancer type), as well as body painting, free food, and free drinks.

And yes people, every first Friday there is something going on at Family Affair. Don’t miss out on these places outside the Art District.