The New Local Annex, a downtown Boulder art space, is a place where the ordinary and the extraordinary coexist. For a few magical months, it transforms into an enchanted menagerie and a pop-up stage, hosting free weekly art parties that bring family programming to its space. The event, called Sundays on West Pearl, runs through September 28. During Sundays on West Pearl, visitors can enjoy mini art workshops, live theater, magic shows, musical acts, and more. The event is made possible by the city’s Affordable Commercial Grant Pilot Program. The annex also features artist Karina Vogt’s “Luminous Beasts” exhibition, which showcases gold-dusted foxes, electric-eyed panthers, and birds that look like they’d give you a hearty peck if you rustled a peanut in your pocket. The exhibition is a testament to Vogt’s artistic vision and creativity. She spent five years layering her canvases with oils, acrylics, and gold leaf to create a truly unique piece of art. Vogt’s subjects are nearly all inspired by photos but reimagined through a lens of fantasy, and they seem to glow from within. Vogt’s paintings are a blend of fantastical realism and otherworldly energy, light, and color. She achieves this effect by spending hundreds of hours patiently layering translucent washes, silver or gold leaf, and shades of blue, green, orange, and gray. Vogt hopes that her art inspires people to feel a connection to the natural world and to appreciate its beauty and power. The New Local Annex is also hosting a new partnership with Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, which brings family programming to the space. The partnership offers a range of activities, including mini art workshops, live theater, and magic shows. The theatre company’s artistic director, Jessica Robblee, describes the partnership as a natural fit. “We’re the live theater people, and they’re the visual art people,” Robblee said. “We do short performances for families, like improv comedy, tap-dancing storytime, and sometimes creating and recording songs with the kids in real time. It’s a kind of regular, accessible programming that can make live theater feel within reach, and something families can add to their Sunday repertoire.”
The annex is also hosting a number of upcoming events, including performances by musician and storyteller Riley Anne Martin. Martin’s show, “Earthling,” is a musical storytelling experience that braids together harp, ukulele, looping vocals, medicine bowls, and a little audience participation. Martin performs as “Earthling,” a half-deer, half-human creature in antlers and a gown, stepping straight out of Vogt’s painted wilds. “It kind of seems like I’m walking out of nature, and the paintings all have animals, so it feels like I’m this half-animal person walking through the space,” Martin said. “I make music with my voice, medicine bowls, sometimes string instruments or drums, looping, flipping over each other to create sounds that I sing over.”
The New Local Annex is a place where creativity and imagination come alive. With its unique blend of art, music, and performance, it is a true gem in the heart of downtown Boulder. Whether you’re an art lover, a music enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and unique experience, The New Local Annex is a must-visit destination.
“Animals are the soul of the planet,” Karina Vogt said. “So much energy and life comes through them, and they have intense personalities. That’s how I decide when a piece is finished: When it feels like the animal has grown its own personality.”
The annex is also home to a number of other unique and creative events, including improv, puppetry, and magic acts. With its flexible venue and talented community of artists, The New Local Annex is a true hub of creativity and innovation.
- Upcoming events include BETC’s “MAD LIBrarians” improv shows, Martin’s musical, mythical storytelling on Aug. 10 and Aug. 27, and more, including a couple of summer shows featuring Boulder magician Braden Carlisle (Aug. 24 and Sept. 28).
- The annex is open to visitors most Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m., or by email to arrange a viewing.
- The annex is located at 713 and 741 Pearl Street in downtown Boulder.
| Artist | Exhibition | Location | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karina Vogt | Luminous Beasts | The New Local Annex | Sept. 1 |
The New Local Annex is a place where wildness is both the subject and soundtrack. With its unique blend of art, music, and performance, it is a true gem in the heart of downtown Boulder.
With its flexible venue and talented community of artists, The New Local Annex is a true hub of creativity and innovation. Whether you’re an art lover, a music enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and unique experience, The New Local Annex is a must-visit destination. Highlights:
* Sundays on West Pearl: A free weekly art party that brings family programming to its space
* Luminous Beasts: A unique exhibition featuring gold-dusted foxes, electric-eyed panthers, and birds
* Riley Anne Martin: A musician and storyteller who performs as “Earthling,” a half-deer, half-human creature in antlers and a gown
* BETC’s “MAD LIBrarians” improv shows
* Improv, puppetry, and magic acts
*
A style of art that combines realistic depictions of the natural world with fantastical or imaginary elements. *
A sense of energy or power that is not of this world, often used to describe the work of artists who create art that is magical or supernatural. *
Programming that is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to a wide range of audiences, often including family-friendly activities and performances.