Below is information on the 2008 AIC Annual Meeting Tours in and around Denver, Colorado.

Red Rocks and Dinosaur Ridge
Monday, April 21
8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; $52

It took 300 million years to create Denver’s most scenic attraction. Once you step inside this internationally known amphitheater, you will understand why Mother Nature took the time. With two 300-foot high red sandstone formations flanking the stage and a 200 mile panorama of the Rocky Mountain foothills, it’s a sight not to be missed.
An in-depth tour focuses on the geology, paleontology, wildlife, and musical history of the famed park and amphitheater. This is followed by the unique opportunity to tour the famed backstage at Red Rocks that has been graced by the presence of legendary musicians such as the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, U2, and The Grateful Dead. A once in a lifetime experience!

A short motorcoach ride then takes you to another world-famous location—the hogback formation known as Dinosaur Ridge, one of the world’s most famous dinosaur fossil localities.

The Best of Boulder
THIS TOUR HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Boulder is a dynamic university community, nestled near the base of the scenic Flatiron Mountains, which offer breathtaking views. Your tour first takes you to The Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art, one of the largest private collections in the country. Founder Ed Trumble’s quest to discover original western art for his greeting cards introduced him to numerous skilled artists who have contributed to his collection. The museum now exhibits 300 paintings and 85 bronze sculptures of cowboys, Native Americans wildlife, and monumental landscapes.

Next, we’ll visit the famous Pearl Street Mall—an outdoor mall with very unique character! It is easy to see why this mall was selected as a recipient of HUD’s award for Urban Renewal Design and is the nation’s most successful outdoor mall. You will have time to explore Pearl Street and enjoy lunch on your own. Later, we’ll drive through the University of Colorado’s expansive campus where you’ll see beautiful historical buildings and gorgeous landscaping.
*Please note that the cost of lunch is not included in this tour and will be the responsibility of each participant.

Art & Architecture
Monday, April 21
12:30–4:30 p.m.; $57

Tour the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown House, the entirely restored home of Colorado’s most colorful Victorian heroine. Born Margaret Tobin Brown, she received her unusual nickname as a result of the courage and leadership she displayed during the sinking of the “Unsinkable” Titanic. Located in the Capitol Hill area, the house was originally built in the late 1800s and reflects a turn-of-the-century Victorian influence. A privately guided tour of the premises reveals fascinating glimpses into the flamboyant lifestyle of a bygone era.

Down the block from the Molly Brown House, Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art has a nationally important display of 20th-century decorative arts, with more than 3,300 works on view of Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, Glasgow Style, Wiener Werkstatte, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Modern, and Pop Art. A major survey of Colorado art history is documented, with over 170 artists represented by more than 700 works. The museum’s collections have a strong focus on the first three quarters of the 20th century.

You will also tour the historic Byers-Evans House Museum, one of Denver’s great historic homes, built in 1883 by Rocky Mountain News publisher Williams Byers and sold in 1889 to the family of William Gray Evans, an officer of the Denver Tramway Company. Guided tours take visitors through the elegant residence, richly filled with original Evans family furnishings.

Behind The Velvet Curtain: An Insider’s Tour Of The Denver Performing Arts Complex
THIS TOUR HAS BEEN CANCELLED

The Denver Performing Arts Complex is the largest theatre complex of its kind in the world. The Complex is comprised of ten individual performance spaces that play host to the Colorado Ballet, Colorado Symphony Orchestra and Opera Colorado, among others. The largest tenant of the Complex is Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA), a showcase for live theatre, a nurturing ground for new plays, and a preferred stop on the Broadway touring circuit. It also hosts an award-winning multi-media production facility, a national training school for actors, and is the site of a voice clinic and research facility.

Guests will have the unique opportunity to tour a selection of these facilities and gain access to the behind-the-scenes areas of these performance spaces. They’ll see trap doors, catwalks, and dressing rooms as well as DCPA’s 88,000 square foot production facility which houses sets, props, and costumes from past productions.
*Please note that transportation is not provided for this tour. DCPA is approximately 3 blocks away from the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center.

Cherry Creek & Santa Fe Drive Art Walk
THIS TOUR HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Our first destination is the Cherry Creek North neighborhood with its collection of boutiques, spas, restaurants, galleries and other specialty shops that are a welcome departure from the ordinary. Their one of a kind items turn every visit into a memorable experience. Three to four art galleries will be toured, with each gallery showcasing a different medium or style of art.

After visiting our selected galleries, guests will have time to explore Cherry Creek North and enjoy lunch on their own at their choice of numerous dining options. At the designated time, we will gather again and transport the entire group to our second destination: the ArtDistrict on Santa Fe.

Denver’s ArtDistrict on Santa Fe is a unique art and cultural district with over 40 galleries, restaurants, and shops located just south of downtown Denver. The ArtDistrict is filled with contemporary, emerging, and traditional art including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, graphic art, and textiles. Whether you are a beginner or avid collector, or just enjoy art, Denver’s ArtDistrict on Santa Fe is the place to be.
*Please note that the cost of lunch is not included in this tour and will be the responsibility of each participant.