It’s no secret that Denverites have a thing for handcrafted, locally made wares. One needn’t look beyond the packed stalls at the Denver Flea or crowded streets during any farmers’ market as proof. So it makes perfect sense that CultureHaus—the young professional arm of the Denver Art Museum—would theme its annual signature event Art of the Maker.

The evening (Saturday, January 23, from 7 to 10:30 p.m.) celebrates Mile High craftspeople and their entrepreneurial spirit. (It also, of course, serves as a fund-raiser for the DAM.) Guests will delight in after-hours access to some of the DAM’s galleries, an open bar, and food from local artisans, including sweets by Long I Pie Shop and an espresso hot chocolate with exploding whipped cream from the Inventing Room. Though nothing will be for sale, you can peruse jewelry by Blade & Knoll, ceramics by Carnevale Clay, and Winter Session‘s leather goods, among many others, while learning about the makers’ processes through live demos. Where you can spend some money is during the blind art sale: Sketchbook pages from local artists will be hanging under a cover on the wall with a number; pick whichever one feels lucky to you, pay $40, and your new artwork will be revealed. (Binders showing the different pieces—but not their numbers—will be available to flip through before you decide to purchase.) And then, the evening’s highlight: Devotchka‘s live performance, beginning at 9 p.m.

Perhaps all of that creative energy bundled into one space will leave you inspired to finally turn that hobby into a career.

Tickets are $95 ($75 for CultureHaus members); you must be 21 or older to attend.

(Meet 10 of the finest craftspeople in Denver)

Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.