THERE'S HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES and plenty of artistic inspiration for everyone at the 20th annual Art Students League of Denver Summer Art Market, June 9-10, and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, July 6-8.

“A world auction record was set for a work of contemporary art when Mark Rothko’s Orange, Red, Yellow, painted in 1961, sold for just under $87 million.”

“Fine art feeds the soul,” it’s been said, and it is quite fortunate that nourishing one’s artistic appetite does not require such a king’s ransom. Over the next couple of months, local art lovers will have a pair of fine arts festivals to fill their senses and tempt their collectors’ instincts at more affordable levels.

No exhibition brings the world of art more in reach of the masses than the Art Students League of Denver’s Summer Art Market. Celebrating its 20th year in 2012, the ASLD market – set for Sat.-Sun., June 9-10, 10a.m.-5p.m. – features 270 members, students and faculty artists, from emerging to professional, displaying the full breadth and depth of creative media.

The Summer Art Market began humbly in 1980, in the parking lot of the League’s historic Sherman Street School at 200 Grant St. “We just dragged a few tables and easels out in the parking lot and leaned the art on the fence,” recalls Dennis Pendleton, League faculty artist and founder of the Summer Art Market.

In addition to the stunning art work on display, the Market will feature demonstrations, KidART activities, live entertainment, a wine garden, and a benefit art sale showcasing past Best of Show winners as well as several well-known local artists who don’t typically show in the Summer Art Market.

For a list of exhibitors as well as other information about ASLD’s many courses and workshops, visit asld.org or call 303-778-6990.

National and international artists will share the artistic spotlight with Colorado talent when the Cherry Creek Arts Festival returns for its 22nd annual run Fri.-Sun., July 6-8. 

The CCAF is a grand blend of the visual, culinary and performing arts. This year will see 101 first-time exhibitors out of the 236 juried and eight emerging artists selected from over 2,000 applicants. Painting, glass, ceramics, digital art, photography, sculpture and much more will provide a nearly overwhelming feast of eye candy for the 350,000 visitors expected to fill the streets of Cherry Creek North throughout the weekend.

The CCAF also provides an interactive element for wanna-be artistes. Artivity Avenue will give everyone the chance to create a worthy masterpiece. The entire family can show off their inner Picasso while lending a hand to the Imagination Collaboration mural, while Creation Station will entertain and educate the young ones in your entourage with a variety of hands-on art projects.

If you’d rather watch The Food Channel than ESPN, you’ll be well taken care of at the 2012 Festival. Some of Denver’s favorite restaurants will be present along Culinary Avenue, to temper your hunger and quench your thirst, while the Culinary Stage hosts chef demonstrations showing you how the masters create those dishes you savor.

Is Culinary Avenue threatening the sanctity of your waistline? Never fear. The Art of Fitness will be active once again when Festival Mornings encourage CCAF patrons to try out new and fun ways to stay fit. Workshops will include a variety of fitness options and take place on St. Paul St. from 9-10:30a.m. each day of the festival.

When you need a break from the browsing, and feel like carousing, live music and dance will keep the Janus Plaza Stage (on Fillmore, between 1st & 2nd Ave.) and the Beer Garden Stage (on St. Paul St., between 2nd & 3rd) jumping throughtout the Festival. Calypso, blues, country, rock, jazz – and even a tribute to Elvis – will fill the days with fun, with the Beer Garden Stage going late-night, 8-10p.m. on July 7-8.

Once again, seniors and others with mobility concerns will be able to get an easier look at the Festival during Accessibility Hour, Sun., July 8, 9-10a.m.

For details about the 2012 CCAF, call 303-355-2787 or visit cherryarts.org.