PxlDan

This afternoon ends my month long showing at CHAC gallery where I also serve on the board. It is also the first time I have had a show in a couple of years as I have been busy with MosGlo.  Serving liquor (wine and beer) is something one typically finds at any opening I have had or have attended. However, as I had mentioned earlier, recently the city of Denver remembered it has an ordinance that prohibits businesses from offering their guests any alcoholic beverages during a public event. For-profit businesses that is. Non Profits (such as CHAC) can apply for a special license that would allow serving liquor at special events (12  per year I think).

No one has ever suggested that gallery drinking has become excessive but it now it seems that most galleries are no longer serving wine and beer fearing possible punishment. According to a Denver Post article Tennyson Gallery's Trina Hoefling posted a sign that in part read "Though she's refused to tell us for sure, Mayor Hick's Director of Excise and Licenses, Helen Gonzales, has apparently determined that it's necessary to interpret an arcane state statute so as to make it illegal for you to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while you visit our gallery ..."

The fear is that less people will be attracted to the "Art Walk" concept which for many includes a dinner and a stroll to view art and have a drink. For artists and business owners along Denver's first friday hotspots (Sante Fe Drive and Tennyson) the increased foot traffic is a crucial make or brake evening for the bottom line. Such is that case at CHAC where a poor night in "donations" could effect other programs.

A recent article in Westword declares that "Denver's Art District on Santa Fe remains officially dry" and quotes Jack Pappalardo, president of the district and owner of Habitat Gallery as saying "We're trying very hard to dispel the reputation of just a big party."

An opening is a great way to meet friends, colleges and potential buyers. CHAC did have a license to serve for the event (as a fundraiser) and the gallery was packed. As a board member that was terrific, The gift shop and wine/beer sales that help fund our cultural programing were brisk. However, as an artist showing in a "Gallery" it was too crowded. The license meant we had to police the doors to make sure no one left with a cup which created  traffic issues and increased the number of people milling around. Wall to wall people meant no one could see the walls or the art that was hung on it. Potential buyers couldn't get in the door and if they did glimpse some art finding a gallery representative was difficult.

It's interesting how a non-issue can become an issue when we're told we shouldn't be doing it. First Fridays are about art and community and if alcohol was becoming a distraction then the galleries would police themselves. Which is what most galleries were already doing. Many galleries along Santa Fe Drive had already stop providing drinks altogether and CHAC was closing the bar early. 

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