Lakewood, Belmar partner to showcase arts scene - #lakewoodnews

Lakewood's art scene is a secret the city doesn't want kept anymore, so this holiday season it's partnering with Belmar to spread the word about some of the classes and offerings available every day.

"Belmar has always been a very arts-forward area, especially in its role as Lakewood's downtown," said Meghan Ruble, marketing and promotions coordinator with the city's community resources department. "We're always looking for any opportunity to connect with Belmar, and this is the first time we've tried something like this."

Residents and shoppers can enter to win a Lakewood Arts and Culture Holiday package by visiting Belmar Colorado on Facebook and look for the Experience Lakewood Arts and Culture Gift Package link. Then, all they have to do is sign up for the email blast that provides information on events and news at Belmar.

The package includes a gift certificate for a free art class at Washington Heights Arts Center, a gift certificate from Valkarie Gallery in Belmar, two tickets to the Las Cafeteras concert at the Lakewood Cultural Center on May 5, a Kit-Kat Clock from the Heritage Center's 20th Century Emporium, as well as art supplies like a sketch book, watercolor set and watercolor pencils.

Participants have until Dec. 22 to enter, and the winner will be announced on Dec. 23.

"Art is a defining characteristic for Belmar and has been a part of the property's identity since its founding," said Leslie Horna, Belmar's director of marketing. "You see this in the public art within Belmar's 22 blocks, the community programming and events throughout the year and, of course, through the collection of great artist spaces along Saulsbury Street between Virginia and Alaska streets, which is known as Block 7 Arts."

Block 7 provides local artists with working studio space that also doubles as a retail or gallery setting to exhibit their work.

"Belmar has visitors that come here for a specific store or restaurant and may not know all the wonderful events and resources in the surrounding community," Horna wrote in an email. "Through our community partnerships, we can introduce new people to community organizations, events, programs and issues."

For Lakewood, it's another opportunity to promote the city's developing art scene.

"Lakewood is an incredible place for the arts, and we want people to know we're an arts destination," Ruble said. "We've been a well-kept secret for a while, and now we want to shout about it."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Lakewood-Belmar-partner-to-showcase-arts-scene,240427