Every September, the South Denver Artists (SoDA) collective opens its doors for one special weekend, inviting the community into the creative spaces where art takes shape. It’s a chance to peek behind the curtain into home studios and tucked-away workspaces, where canvases lean against walls, brushes rest mid-stroke, and the spark of inspiration lingers in the air.
Although this year’s open studio event has wrapped, the artists are still here among us. They are painting in converted garages, sketching in cozy dining rooms, and experimenting with color and texture in bright backyard studios. Some live right here in Wash Park, while others are scattered throughout South Denver, but all share a commitment to bringing more art into our daily lives.
The SoDA collective is as diverse as the neighborhoods it represents. One artist may lean into bold abstraction, letting emotion dictate every brushstroke, while another carefully renders detailed portraiture or dreamlike scenes. Murals spill into public spaces, brightening Denver streets with color and story. Together, their work captures the pulse of a city that values both individuality and community.
Part of what makes SoDA special is its accessibility. These aren’t untouchable figures working behind the walls of formal galleries. They are neighbors, parents, mentors, and friends. Stepping into their studios means stepping into the rhythm of their creative lives, where the boundary between the everyday and the imaginative blurs.
Beyond the annual open studios, Denver’s creative ecosystem continues to thrive thanks to local galleries and community spaces. NKollectiv, a woman-owned gallery that moved to Downtown Englewood from the Art District on Santa Fe, has been an important champion of these and other Denver-based artists. With a mission to highlight local talent, NKollectiv provides a year-round platform where emerging and established creators can share their work with new audiences. It’s a bridge between artist and community, reinforcing the idea that art isn’t confined to museums or major institutions, it lives right here, in our neighborhoods.
For those who missed September’s event, there are still plenty of ways to connect. Many artists welcome visits by appointment, and their work often pops up at galleries, pop-up shows, and cultural events throughout the city. Supporting them doesn’t require grand gestures, sometimes it’s as simple as pausing to admire a mural, purchasing a small piece for your home, or sharing an artist’s story with a friend.
The South Denver Artists remind us that creativity doesn’t just belong in textbooks or behind glass. It thrives in our own backyards, in paint-flecked studios, in shared gallery walls, and in the energy of a community that values imagination. With groups like SoDA and champions like NKollectiv, Denver’s art scene continues to grow, rooted in local voices and powered by the neighbors who support them. To learn more visit southdenverartists.com and nkollectiv.com.