A wall of artwork collected by Denver art lover Sharon Connors.
Sharon Connors
Sharon Connors loves the art in Denver. She started collecting it several years ago when she lived in Colorado Springs and would come to the Mile High for mural festivals, gallery shows, festivals and street art.
Now based in Arvada, Connors has a collection of over 140 pieces of locally-made art — everything from paintings to stickers, coffee mugs, jewelry, clothes and shoes. “There are so many artists that I’ve followed for years,” she says. “I love watching them evolve into different phases, different art.”
Artists whose work Connors has acquired include Andrea Fischer, Joshua Ryuju, Chris Haven, Robyn Frances and many more.
Connors collects all kinds of art made by local creators.
Many of the artists have been curious about her collection, Connors says, so on Sunday, March 15, she’ll display as much of it as she can at the Department of Creative Pursuits in an evening event called “Sharon’s Art Bash.” It’s a celebration of Denver artists, and herself: Connors’s birthday is the day before.
“It’s kind of like having a big party, but not at your house,” she notes.
Connors is a member of the Department of Creative Pursuits, a creative hub and production studio in the Ballpark neighborhood. “I haven’t curated a show,” she says. “I don’t know if I’m ready for that. But I thought, I already have all of this art, so why shouldn’t I share it?”
Some of Connors’s art collection.
It’ll be the first time the collection has left its place on the walls and shelves of her house. “There are a few pieces that can go out in the main rooms, but we have a one-story home, so I took over the bedroom, and it’s more like a gallery office,” Connors says. “I’ve gone over the windows, the doors, the shelves – wherever I can squeeze it in.”
Connors, who is retired, says she gives herself a weekly art allowance to use to support Denver artists. “Since I’m running out of space, it gets smaller and smaller. I might have to expand to the guest room,” she laughs.
While she doesn’t usually make her own art, Connors has tried a few art classes and is open to trying more. “At this time, it’s important to be able to still be creative,” she says. And that’s why she loves encouraging local artists.
“Someone said, ‘Life is art,’” Connors concludes. “And I’m like, ‘Yeah, definitely, at my house.’”
Sharon’s Art Bash runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at the Department of Creative Pursuits, 2150 Market Street. The event is free, and there will be snacks and beverages.