West Colfax Lately: What's Next from 40 West Arts District
On a recent First Friday in July of 2021, 40 West Arts, in many ways, exemplified the vision, mission, and ideals of a district that only ten short years ago seemed like just an incredible dream. Families meandered on sidewalks playing ground games along the 40 West ArtLine. A dozen galleries opened their doors to the summer heat, encouraging patrons to check out exhibitions and installation art. Vendor tents dotted the street, filled with artisan goods, local foods, and even a booth with unusual plants, whose tendrils spilled through the edge of the white canvas, inviting visitors to come take a look.
The outdoor market was the brainchild of Creature Arcade and Tattoo, a newcomer to the 40 West Arts movement but one that immediately hit the ground running with new ideas and sweat equity. On the other end of the parking lot a small skateboard ramp enticed boarders to test their skills, while musicians on a temporary stage kicked off a set. This gathering, through local business TH!S Print & Design, merged with the art market, creating one large district event with multiple community members, artists, visitors, and guests in attendance. The vision for 40 West Arts has always been one created by, for, and through the individuals and groups who yearn for a space to play and create. And it’s always been one of artistic inclusivity, whether that means art in the form of skateboard tricks, or the art of tricking an exotic plant to grow in the dry, sometimes harsh climate of Colorado. 40 West Arts has weathered a global pandemic and emerged stronger and ready to redouble our efforts for the next decade (and beyond).
Key strategic initiatives for 40 West Arts:
Equity: 40 West Arts recognizes the continued need for a focus and vision that includes all people. We acknowledge that we still have more work to do in reaching underrepresented groups. Our goal is to create a space for creatives of all types, from all backgrounds. 40 West Arts will work harder in 2021 and beyond to fulfill our goals to create an equitable environment for all artists, and to develop, market, and implement our events to ensure equitable access for all individuals, particularly our underserved neighbors who live in and around Lakewood’s West Colfax corridor.
Community: 40 West Arts will continue to encourage, utilize, support, and promote our partners throughout the West Colfax corridor and beyond. We recognize that everyone has something to bring to the table, and that we would not be where we are today without our many partners, from newcomers like Solstice Ink, All Its Own and Mint & Serif Coffeehouse, to long-time collaborators like Lamar Station Plaza, Colorado Mills, Metro West Housing Solutions, Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design, and the Lakewood-West Colfax BID. Partnerships and community-building will continue to be at the core of what we do.
Exploration: The 40 West ArtLine has physically transformed the look and feel of Lakewood’s West Colfax corridor. Our many galleries, from NEXT to Pirate: Contemporary Art have hosted exhibitions and openings that challenge, inspire, and (sometimes) overwhelm. Art is a dialogue, a feeling, a statement on current times and historical messages. The global pandemic offered many lessons but one of the most important is this. Art is essential. Art is indispensable. Art is exploration.
