Cortez First Friday Art and Mural Walking Tour

Cortez’s First Friday Art and Mural Walking Tour offers a vibrant and immersive journey through the city’s thriving artistic landscape. Guided by knowledgeable locals, the two-hour excursion showcases over 16 striking street murals, each reflecting the community’s rich cultural heritage. Beginning at the Zu Gallery, participants explore the insights of gallery owners and discover unique souvenirs to commemorate their experience. Whether an art enthusiast or a curious community member, this tour promises an enriching exploration that goes beyond the surface, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for Cortez’s artistic vibrancy.

Good To Know

• This two-hour walking tour showcases the vibrant artistic landscape of Cortez, featuring over 16 striking street murals and visits to local art galleries.
• The tour is guided by knowledgeable locals, providing insights into the artists’ inspirations and creative processes, as well as opportunities to support local art.
• The tour covers a 1.3-mile, wheelchair-friendly route, allowing visitors to explore the communal atmosphere of Cortez’s First Friday events.
• Participants can expect to visit diverse galleries, including Zu Gallery, Notah Dineh Trading Co, Merriweather Home + Market, and Turquoise Raven Art.
• The tour encourages visitors to bring essential items such as comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera to fully enjoy the artistic experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Cortez First Friday Art and Mural Walking Tour invites visitors on a captivating two-hour journey through the vibrant artistic landscape of this charming southwestern Colorado town.

Starting at the Zu Gallery, the tour explores over 16 striking street murals, introducing guests to the talented local artists behind them.

It also showcases four renowned local art galleries, where visitors can enjoy diverse mediums and chat directly with gallery owners about their passions.

At just 1.3 miles, the accessible, wheelchair-friendly tour provides a flexible, pay-what-you-wish experience, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors begin their captivating journey at the ZU Gallery, where they’ll spend around 10 minutes exploring the diverse mediums and chatting with the gallery owners about their passions. The tour then takes them to Notah Dineh Trading Co, Merriweather Home + Market, and Turquoise Raven Art Gallery, each offering a unique glimpse into the local art scene. Along the way, guests will be treated to a 15-minute walking tour, discovering over 16 vibrant street murals and learning about the artists behind them. The optional visit to the Cortez Cultural Center provides an additional opportunity to enjoy the region’s rich history and culture.

Gallery	Time Spent
ZU Gallery	10 minutes
Notah Dineh Trading Co	10 minutes
Merriweather Home + Market	10 minutes
Turquoise Raven Art Gallery	10 minutes
Cortez Cultural Center	10 minutes (optional)

Experience Features

Guided by a knowledgeable local, tour participants embark on a captivating exploration of Cortez’s vibrant art scene.

They’ll explore the history and culture of southwest Colorado, gaining insider insights from gallery owners passionate about their work.

Along the way, the tour offers opportunities to shop for unique souvenirs and support local artists. Visitors can even bring their furry companions, provided they’re leashed and don’t enter the shops.

• Learn directly from gallery owners about their inspirations and creative processes.

• Discover the stories behind the region’s impressive collection of street murals.

• Enjoy the lively, communal atmosphere of the monthly First Friday art event.

What to Bring

What essentials should one pack for the Cortez First Friday Art Tour? Comfortable, supportive shoes are a must for the one-and-a-half mile stroll.

Sunglasses will shield eyes from the bright Colorado sun. A camera allows you to capture the vibrant murals and artwork.

Don’t forget sunscreen to protect skin from UV rays. And staying hydrated is key, so pack a water bottle.

With these items on-hand, you’ll be prepared to fully learn about the art, culture, and community of downtown Cortez.

The tour explores galleries, shops, and public art – having the right gear ensures you can comfortably enjoy every stop along the way.

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Important Information

The tours operate rain or shine, so attendees should dress appropriately for the weather.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and guests should notify the tour organizers in advance if bringing a dog along. This ensures all participants are aware and comfortable with the presence of pets.

Additionally:

• Participants should be mindful that the tour involves about 1.3 miles of walking, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

• The galleries and shops may have their own policies regarding dogs, so guests with canine companions should be prepared to leave them outside when entering certain establishments.

• Advance notice of any special needs or accommodations is appreciated to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for all.

Gallery Visits

After ensuring comfortable attire and any pet-related considerations, the tour begins at the Zu Gallery.

For 10 minutes, visitors explore the vibrant works of local artists, learning about the gallery’s mission to support the community.

Next, the group ventures to the Notah Dineh Trading Co, a family-owned business showcasing Navajo and Hopi craftsmanship.

Conversations with the owners provide insights into the cultural significance of the displayed pieces.

Continuing on, the tour stops at Merriweather Home + Market, a charming space brimming with handcrafted goods.

The final gallery, Turquoise Raven Art, features a stunning collection of southwestern-inspired paintings and sculptures.

Throughout, the guide weaves engaging stories, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region’s artistic tapestry.

Mural Exploration

Departing the galleries, the tour group embarks on a captivating exploration of Cortez’s vibrant murals.

As they wander the streets, vibrant artworks burst to life, adorning the walls and alleyways. The tour guide points out the intricate details and shares the stories behind each mural, sparking the group’s imagination.

The murals showcase a diverse range of styles, from bold abstractions to realistic depictions of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Highlights include:

• A towering mural celebrating the area’s Native American traditions.
• A whimsical, colorful piece depicting local wildlife.
• A striking, large-scale mural that captures the essence of the Southwest.

The tour group is captivated by the artistic vibrancy that permeates the streets of Cortez.

The Sum Up

The Cortez First Friday Art and Mural Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s vibrant artistic landscape. Guided by knowledgeable locals, participants explore the stories behind striking street murals and uncover the talents of local artists. With a focus on comfort and accessibility, the tour provides an enriching experience for art enthusiasts and community members alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for Cortez’s rich cultural tapestry.

You can check if your dates are available here: