Culture
Storefront: Fascination Street Fine Art
If you’ve ever walked into the award-winning Fascination Street Fine Art gallery in Cherry Creek North, then you know it’s nothing less than…well, fascinating.
Countless pieces of art that attract the eye and stimulate the mind. Unparalleled creativity and vision. Incredible exhibits and visiting artists.
The Cherry Creek neighborhood is a better place because of what this gallery brings to life.
So, who is the man behind it all?
Meet owner Aaron LaPedis, our latest Q&A on Storefront.
Aaron LaPedis
What do you love about your job?
I work with so many talented people, from the amazing artists to my clients, and my great staff. I love that every day is a different and exciting day.
Who is your ideal customer?
My ideal customer is someone who walks into the gallery and they’re excited to be there and they’re interested in the artists that I have to offer.
What’s the most memorable business day you’ve had so far in your profession?
In my 30-year art career, I’ve had many amazing experiences, but these are the two that stand out the most…
There was the time when I was doing a John Lennon show and I found out that Yoko Ono wanted to talk to me about how I was promoting the show. And even though that was quite exciting, I can see why the Beatles broke up.
The other amazing time was because of another famous Beatle, and now my favorite Beatle of them all – Ringo Starr. I’ve done two shows with him, and he has been a delight to work with.
Ringo Starr
Why do you work in Cherry Creek and not somewhere else?
There are major art hubs in the United States, and in Denver, it is Cherry Creek North. We are the Rodeo Drive of Denver. From fancy shops and amazing restaurants to the best art galleries, Cherry Creek North is the best place to be at and be seen at.
What inspires you?
Finding that next great artist that my clients get excited about. These days, it’s so hard to find an artist who is doing something different and exciting. When you do find something your clients are just as excited about as you are, that gives you a reason to get excited for the next day.
What are you excited for in 2021?
In 2020, I had to cancel 90% of my art shows because of COVID. But this year, starting in May, I will be able to be back on track with an amazing artist line-up for the rest of the year.
What is the perfect day for you?
A perfect day for me would be having some of my favorite clients come to the gallery, opening a nice bottle of wine to share with them, and walking around the gallery to show them the new artists we have just gotten in.
What are some places you like to visit and support in Cherry Creek when you can?
I’m a big proponent of small mom-and-pop shops. So, the businesses that have been here for several years like Gnat Jewelers, Salon Utopia, The Vineyard, David Ellis Jewelers, the Artisan Center and Sweet Ginger restaurant — those are the businesses that make Cherry Creek North great.
Do you currently have a favorite artist, genre or style of art that you feature?
Because I have so many favorite artists and in different genres, I had to have two galleries in Cherry Creek North. To narrow it down to one favorite would be almost impossible. In my house, I have so many different artists that I love, and I could not lean to one artist over the other. Each of them have important meanings to me.
How is your gallery different from others?
I would call my gallery “The People’s Gallery,” because I have art for all budgets. My staff and I believe that if you walk in and know nothing about art, then you’re the perfect client because we love to teach people about art. In fact, on almost a daily basis, people walk in and say, “This is the first piece of art I’ve ever bought.” That’s the biggest compliment you can give to a gallery, that this gallery was the one that turned you on to art and that you see something that inspires you, and you want to buy it and put it on your wall.
What’s your favorite part about working with a customer?
I always enjoy the excitement that somebody gets when they come in and find something that they love and want to own forever, and then they thank me for helping them find this artwork. That’s what makes my job fun.
*Visit Fascination Street Fine Art at 315 Detroit Street (80206) or online at fascinationstart.com
Here’s a look at the upcoming artist line-up…
Nano Lopez Walla Walla Foundry Tour – May 21st – 22nd
Charles Fazzino 3D Cityscape Artist – July 10th (MLB Weekend)
Michael Godard Rockstar of the Art World – July 31st
Nano Lopez Bronze Sculptures Gallery Event – August 20th – 21st
Gabe Leonard Cinematic Artist – September 4th – 5th
Paul Lotz Fantasy Fable Bronze Sculptures – September 4th – 5th
Nano Lopez Walla Walla Foundry Tour – Oct. 1st – 2nd
Fabio Napoleoni HeARTfelt Artworks – Nov. 5th – 6th
