The Denver Art Museum is the perfect place to spend some time this month. See artworks from around the world and many cultures, get creative making your own art, and even find some inspiration for costume ideas for Halloween.
Remember, general admission is free for youth 18 and under every day.
1. Start the month with a story
Free First Saturday is on October 5. Listen to a Cuentos del arte and get stories behind the objects at this bilingual storytelling program. Stories are at 11:30 am and 1 pm. Bring the whole family – it’s free for all.
2. Have fun with little ones at Create Playdate
Create Playdate returns in October with storytelling and hands-on activities for kids ages 3-5 and their adults. Join us on October 9, from 10 am to 1 pm as we as we make bejeweled boxes to hold our treasures.
3. Solve mysteries with the foxes
Foxy and Shmoxy: Art Detectives are back at it solving fun art mysteries. On October 13, bring the whole family and catch these fox super-sleuths in action! There are two chances to see the foxes: 10:30 am and 11:30 am. To find the foxes, visit level 1, pick up a letter from the Fox Box, and then follow the clues into the galleries.
4. Craft at Create-n-Takes
Try out two Create-n-Takes, available from 10:30 am–4 pm on weekends in The Light Show. Join in at “Light the Way,” to discover the importance of animals throughout Asia and make a lamp that shines.
Hop down to Level 2 for the Create-n-Take “The Shape of Feelings.” Artist Marie Watt’s colorful artwork Butterfly symbolizes two women’s happiness while dancing. This activity invites you to challenge yourself to make a piece of art that describes how you feel with only colors and shapes.
5. Get your hands dirty in the Paint Studio
Set aside some time to drip and dash paint as you experiment with watercolor techniques, explore the idea of painting en plein air, or use paper marbling to create an abstract painted masterpiece. Drop by the Paint Studio on Level 1 seven days a week during regular museum hours, and make sure to catch demonstrations from local artists every weekend from noon to 3 pm.
6. Find “light” in the darkness
As the fall days get shorter, you can still find light at the DAM. Enjoy a dazzling array of artworks in The Light Show before heading into the First Light Family Space for hands-on fun. All the light-filled activities in this family-friendly area on Level 3 are inspired by the artworks in The Light Show. Capture nature’s shadows, experiment with transparency and color on overhead projectors, mix patterns to cast bold shadows, and design a wearable mirror.
7. Check out Shantell Martin: Words and Lines
Explore this new interactive installation featuring Martin’s signature black and white drawings that explore identity and play. Watch the animated video projection and make words and phrases out of rotating boxes. Martin has created many surprises throughout the atrium (and even an elevator). Can you find them all?
8. Enjoy Monet with your family
Claude Monet: the Truth of Nature opens October 21. This exhibition features a family audio guide that tells a story of a wondering waterlily to shed light on Monet’s artwork. Please purchase tickets online and in advance to get the best price and to reserve your preferred date and time. The exhibition is free for children 0-5 and $5 for youth 6-18. Learn more about tickets.
9. Join us during Fall Break
Fall break is October 19-22. Both Create-n-Takes will be open each day of the break, as well as activities in the Paint Studio, First Light Family Space, and Shantell Martin: Words and Lines.
Photo by Jake Cox
