Frequently Asked Questions
How do I participate on a First Friday? Can I show my work with another NoBo Artist on First Friday?
Please contact us at NoBoArtDistrict@gmail.com, and we can help you either open your studio for the first time, join another NoBo artist or find a First Friday venue. You can show your work at another artist’s studio or gallery. You must be a member of the NoBo Art District to run an ad in our First Friday group ad or listing on the map.
How do I join the NoBo Art District?
Visit NoBoArtDistrict.org/membership for information about our different levels of membership.
What is the history of the NoBo Art District?
In the winter of 2009, several local artists & small businesses decided to join together to support local economy & continue the waning First Fridays tradition in Boulder. Due to the 2008 economic recession, downtown real estate closures and Broadway street construction, many artists and small businesses were struggling. Danice Crawford of Marisol Imports got in touch with local civically minded artists Annette Coleman & Carol Garnand and they began reaching out to artists & businesses along the Broadway corridor, hosting monthly meetings, creating a map of linked First Friday art shows, launching publicity, and coining the phrase “The NoBo Nite Out.”
Soon key members of what would become the NoBo Art District came on board to voice their opinions and share their art. With the advice & support of Charlotte LaSasso of the Boulder County Arts Alliance, the NoBo Nite Out transitioned from a collaborative First Friday-focused event into a membership based arts organization, under the leadership of Annette Coleman, Lisa Nesmith, Carol Garnand, Diane Stum Fekete & many members of the First Congregational Church.
Today NoBo Art District is a grassroots, artist-centric organization, supporting the 200+ creative businesses and professional artists working in the area. The current NoBo Art District board continues the tradition of First Friday open studios, art exhibits, and community projects and has taken the organization to new heights of inclusivity. They have the city recognition winning a 2016 Boulder Art Commission Operational Grants for mid-sized organizations. Over ten First Friday events have been presented in the NoBo Art District each year, involving hundreds of local & guest artists.
Where is the NoBo Art District?
The NoBo Art District is located north of downtown Boulder along two visual corridors: North and south along Broadway from Pearl St. to US 36; east and west along Lee Hill. NoBo Art District is a collection of 200+ creative industries and professional working artists in private studios.
What is an Art District?
Creative industries are an important piece of Colorado’s economy, and many Colorado towns and cities are engaging artists, creative entrepreneurs and local cultural organizations to help vitalize their community and strengthen their local economy. The result: new jobs, animated public spaces, rejuvenated structures and streetscapes, and opportunities to bring diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired.
How do I get information about the NoBo Art District and their activities?
Check us out on Facebook or Twitter, go to our website, or email us at NoBoArtDistrict@gmail.com. Visit the NoBo Art District from 6-9pm the First Friday of every month to check out our NoBo First Friday Studio Openings. Or visit the NoBo Art District anytime! Many artists open their studios or teach classes by appointment. Please check with your favorite artists to schedule a time that works for both of you. There are many great restaurants, shops and art in North Boulder, so plan to visit on a First Friday or anytime!
What are the NoBo Art District programs?
PROGRAMS – All of our programming is free and open to the public.
FIRST FRIDAYS Our signature FREE event features a self-guided tour of NoBo venues on the first Friday of the month and brings visitors from all around Boulder and surrounding area to NoBo Art District. On average, 20-30 artist studios host NoBo artists, guest artists, musicians, poets, dancers and more. We are currently averaging 800-1000 participants each month!
EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS at our two creative spaces, the Gallery at the Bus Stop and the NoBo Art Center. Rolling calls for proposals offering artists the opportunity to create exhibits and increase their exposure.
PUBLIC ART We are actively creating a vital street-scape enlivened by sculpture, lighting and art installations. Last year we began a rotating series of murals on the Emerald Mural Fence at 4949 Broadway. This 150′ fence gives artists the opportunity to explore mural skills, add to their portfolios, and enter the realm of public art – all while enhancing the artistic visibility of NoBo. We are partnering with The Armory Apartments to add murals and sculpture to that new development.
ART + PLACE NoBo places/curates members’ art in local businesses in order to highlight artists in the community and to create opportunities for sales.
NOBO BOOK The initial printing of 2,000+ copies includes NoBo member profiles, NoBo First Friday info, local showings and events. Link to the current issue is here: https://noboartdistrict.org/the-nobo-book/
EZINE Electronic newsletter promoting events for members with 40% open rate and 1200+ subscribers.
Our interactive, mobile friendly website provides a web presence for members and promotes NoBo as an arts destination. We host the BCAA Arts Calendar, Google Maps and StudioDoorz offering our members expanded exposure and helping patrons connect with our members. Shopify, a low-cost sales platform for members is also hosted on the website. For many, it is their only sales setting.