Frontier Boys Trip 2 and Local Joint 7 | Denver and Omaha

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_{Click above to watch Frontier Boys Trip 2}

One of the coolest benefits of the GoWild Pass is that it opens the door to cities you would’ve typically overlooked—in this case Denver.

As Frontier’s HQ and primary hub, I decided to use my layover in the Mile High City as an opportunity to explore Denver’s art scene.

Everyone recommended checking out the local art incubator ‘Redline at 15’ and I was hyped when I heard they had an exhibition going on at Denver’s Museum of Contemporary Art. See, on short trips like this there’s usually only time to check out one spot, but this gave me the chance to see both of Denver’s top art institutions in a single afternoon.

Before I get into the MCA, I want to say Denver is BEAUTIFUL. Incredible weather, super walkable, and great public transit to and from the airport. It feels like one of those elite level Sim Cities… not the ones you build as a kid.

MCA Denver was no different. With beautiful stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and a rooftop view of the city - the building itself was a piece of art.

And with permanent pieces from legendary artists like George Condo, to exhibits from local artists, MCA Denver is a one stop shop for anyone visiting the city.

I spoke with a few of the museum staff about the decision to do an entire exhibition with Redline artists and their response was virtually uniform: We believe these are the next generation of museum level artists, not just here, but around the world.

This all speaks to the overwhelming sense of 24/7 pride exhibited by the people of Denver. Whether those in the art scene, or the old man at dinner who invited me to watch the Nuggets game at his local pool hall - Denver wants to show off Denver. The MCA embodies that.

Despite having been awake since 4am, I was sad to be leaving Denver. Having lived in LA, NY, and MIA, it’s always refreshing to visit cities like this and be reminded how much cool shit happens between the coasts.

Until next time Denver.

Blake, a Frontier Boy

After Blake wrapped up at the MCA in Denver, he met the team in Omaha for Local Joint 7 with Adrian Armstrong.

Nested in an intimate setting like the subjects Adrian so often portrays, we grabbed a seat with the multidisciplinary artist at his favorite BBQ spot in Omaha—Jim’s Rib Haven. Safe from the rain outside, we caught up with the soft-spoken creative about his life to date, what he loves about Omaha, and why people need to stop overlooking accessible materials.

Upon entering the hole in the wall, one thing is apparent—Adrian’s chill. He moves at his own pace and nothing seems to faze him. I guess it’s an Omaha thing?

Check out Episode 7 of Local Joints Here:

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After an afternoon of shooting with Adrian the team agreed, his gratitude makes him a hard guy not to like and his work - and ingenuity with a ballpoint pen - makes him an even harder artist not to admire.

With a multidisciplinary practice that encompasses drawing, painting, and installation, Armstrong documents contemporary black experiences in the United States. His work seeks to inspire new ways of looking at the familiar and often features friends, family members, and acquaintances as subjects.

That’s it from us for now. Talk from the road.

🏃‍♂️ 

-Jack

P.S. Feel free to respond and let us know where you’d like to see us go next.