I've got good news!  If you're watching your pennies extra closely lately (and who isn't?!), you'll be happy to know that there are 44 - yes 44 - FREE art and cultural activities/events happening in the Grand Valley in September and October. That blows my mind! 

Here's a sampling of the free fun coming up in the next few months.

Awesome Art Shows and Exhibits

Artspace exhibit at Chez Lena Restaurant through Oct. 7 -- stop by for incredible food and a free art show. www.artspacecolorado.org

City Hall Art Exhibits - Patrick Metoyer (fiber artwork), Nancee Jean McClure (painting) and Art Jewelers Guild of GJ (handcrafted jewelry) and on the second floor, the Western Colorado Watercolor Society.

Local favorite, artist Sara Alyn Oakley (expressive and contemporary oils and pastels) displays at The Blue Pig Gallery in Palisade through September. www.thebluepiggallery.com

Artspace Open Studios Tour Preview Exhibit at Vectra Bank Sept. 10 - Oct. 8 (Quick sidenote:  Be sure to put October 10 & 11 on your calendar for the valley-wide Studio Tour -- soooo much fun!)  www.artspacecolorado.org

Pat Stelter Watercolors & Acrylics at Frame Works & Gallery, Sept. 11-30. www.robkurtzman.com

Ellen Rivers-Brown Photography at Frame Depot, Sept. 11-30. www.framedepotgj.com

To visit nearly all galleries and art venues just attend the free First Friday Art Hop (on the 2nd Friday in September because of Labor Day).  These are a blast.  Wonderful, diverse art (and people) and free refreshments. I consider these events a "must."

FREE Music and More in September:

Every Thursday evening at the Doubletree Hotel --  live jazz by the Michelle Wilkinson Trio.

Only three American National Bank Farmers Markets left for the year! Thursday, Sept. 3rd, 10th and 17th. Fresh produce, food, live music and art. www.downtowngj.org

Sept. 6 - Free Sunday and the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens. (I LOVE the Butterfly House.) www.wcbotanic.org

Sept. 10 - Live classical guitar by Javier de los Santos at the Mesa County Central Library. www.mcpld.org

Okay, okay -- even I'm getting a little overwhelmed! Stay tuned for more info about free October events as well as some events that aren't free but are "biggies." 

A quick sidenote:  I am really enjoying your questions. Keep 'em comin'!