Denver is a city with an exploding art scene looking to make noise on a national level. But, tucked away inside all of that activity, there’s a gallery space dedicated to community, education and emerging artists.
Located on the edge of downtown Denver, Redline possesses a spacious studio area where emerging artists can work on their own schedule, while surrounded by other artists in a supportive atmosphere. Their work space is open to the public at times.
In addition, RedLine includes a large, single hall gallery for the artists’ finished works and an educational space to allow local children to learn about and try their hand at different artistic media.
Laura Merage, the Founder of RedLine, is an artist herself — but she took on a philanthropist role with the establishment of this Denver haven.
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Only an artist can understanding what another artist goes through when trying to grow his or her career, and Merage’s own struggles led her to create RedLine to help other aspiring and working artists.
Artists interested in becoming a part of RedLine apply for a spot by submitting portfolios of their work for review. Those collections are reviewed in a multi-phase judging process before artists are selected for studio space.
Once selected, artists occupy the RedLine space as their working studios for two years. During that time, they can develop their own work in their own media. At time, they are given themes to work from to offer pieces for special RedLine exhibit events.
After their artist in residency periods end, the RedLine sponsored painters, sculptors, etc., are featured in a dedicated show to unveil their collected work to the Denver art community.
RedLine is a non-profit operation, thriving on donations, fundraisers and grants. Artists in residence do not pay for their studio space, allowing them to focus on their work and the necessary materials.
There’s an ongoing effort to spread RedLine’s artistic influence out into the Denver community with artists bringing their work to the surrounding environment and nearby venues.
RedLine does not stand alone in its mission as it has a sister campus in another city with an emerging art scene. RedLine Milwaukee offers everything the Denver location serves up to emerging midwestern artists. This reporter will check out that venue soon enough.
