Battery621 opened for business just about one short year ago. And what a year it’s been. It was finally time to hold a GRAND OPENING, our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, and kick off the first annual LAUNCH OF WINTER. What better way to celebrate our first year of operation than visits by Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, two visits by 9 News during our packed week of events, and over 3,000 people walking through our doors.

This celebration began October 4th, and events ranged from Subaru debuting the all new 2012 Impreza, to Icelantic Skis presenting their ‘11-12 line of skis, the announcement of the SI Snowsport Entrepreneur Award, live music, engaging panel discussions with some fantastic like minded personalities, and a photographic art installation by The Public Works. Many great companies from within Battery621 and partners such as Vail Resorts, Loveland, Echo Mountain, Tommy Knocker, Create Denver, CMH heli-skiing, Muscle Milk and Smashburger came together in the name of anticipating another amazing winter.

On Tuesday, October 4th, Something Independent packed the house and announced the winner of their inaugural SI Snowsport Entrepreneur Award with the help of Colorado Governor Hickenlooper and their esteemed panel of judges. The award recognized Flylow, a Colorado ski and snowboard outerwear company, that embodies the spirit of entrepreneurism and shows us how the Colorado snowsport culture inspires their ideas and influences their business.

Governor Hickenlooper, who kicked off the event, said, “Part of being an entrepreneur is seeing opportunity where other people don’t. Nothing would make me happier then having Colorado known as the single greatest place for entrepreneurs.”

Westword Article: Flylow Gear wins first annual Something Independent Snowsport Entrepreneur Award

Denver Post Article: The inaugural Snowsports Entrepreneur Award goes to…

The night of Thursday, October 6th was The Business of Fun, an event where a panel of fine and creative humans spoke about how they followed their passions through their career path rather than the bottom line. Preston Strout, former pro shred and current owner of High Cascade Snowboard Camp, moderated the panel of 6 professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds. The panel included: Chris Davenport – Freeski legend, Steve “Stix” Nilsen – PBR Lifestyle Marketing Manager, Steve Chambers – CMH Heli-Skiing, Revelstoke Area Manager, Kristin Rust – World Traveler, PR Guru, Chris Berry – Team Pain Skate Parks Supervisor, and Gabe Anderson – Co-Owner of Jiberish Clothing. The event was a huge success all around and netted a full segment on 9 News and coverage in multiple media outlets.

“A great evening and a pleasure to get to meet everyone and share our stories. As I said before, it’s pretty easy to talk about something you’re passionate and excited about. The Business of Fun is definitely on to something,” said panelist Steve Chambers.

Battery621’s monthly First Friday event was stepped up to a new level with an art show by The Public Works, which brought out the best of over two decades of photographic pursuits printed on mixed mediums. Other higlights included Icelantic Skis unveiling their new ‘11-12 line of skis to the public, the all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza debuted for the first time in Colorado, and live music from Filthy Children. Over 2,000 patrons passed through the doors that night, all of whom were all able to buy season passes to Vail Resorts, Loveland, and Crested Butte. When people were hungry, Smashburger was on site with burgers and fries and sold out of product, and Sweet Cow Ice Cream served up desert.

Saturday October 8th, Battery621 started the weekend with a co-sponsored passport art walk throughout the Sante Fe Arts District. Parents joined their little rippers on a stamp- gathering hunt down Sante Fe Drive, ending at Battery621. Movies from Capita, Poor Boyz, Never Summer, Sandbox and Level 1 and MSP screened all day while everyone recovered from the fun filled hectic week.

Make sure to check the photos via the Galleries link to the left!

Thanks to: Subaru, The Public Works, Icelantic, Spyder, Something Independent, Emage, TommyKnocker Brewery, Canadian Mountain Holidays, Vail Resorts, Smashburger, Echo Mountain, Loveland Ski Area, Crested Butte Mountain, Larkburger, Pasbt Blue Ribbon, Turnstone, High Cascade Snowboard Camp, Whole Foods, Snowboard Colorado Magazine, the GRO project, Matchstick Productions, Level 1, Poor Boyz, Never Summer, Capita, and everyone who attended!

If you’ve been to a First Friday event, or been inside the doors of Battery621, you know that we like to have art hanging in many locations around the main level. Some of them are in places where you normally wouldn’t be able to hang art due to glass panels or not wanting to ruin the walls. Luckily for us, we found a solution, and a great partner in the process. We teamed up with AS Hanging Systems to create flexible hanging areas that can handle pretty much anything that can be hung. We’ve had paintings, posters, skateboards, and other mediums up already, with no end in sight. So if you’re in the market for a system to hang some art, check out the products the AS Hanging Systems has to offer.

So our First Friday Fun Facts will be a little bit different than our regular Fun Fact Friday posts. In the FFFF, we’ll let you know what you should be looking forward to at tonight’s First Friday event.

First, there will be artwork. The Got Metal? gallery continues its run in the Spyder gallery, complete with sculpture, metalwork, and paintings. Secondly, we’ll have new art from Whit Boucher of Boulder, Colorado. You can check out his work at Phivekvisuals.com or tonight in the Icelantic Gallery and the common area. There is already some great stuff hanging on the walls.

Secondly, we’re going to kick things up in a different notch. Tonight, we’re celebrating America as July 4th is just around the corner. We’ll be decorated out in Red, White, and Blue, and we encourage you to come over dressed up in your best America ensemble. Icelantic will be holding a costume contest for the best American themed costumes, with yet to be announced prizes to go to the winners. We’re also going to have cotton candy and snocones available for all attendees, and just because Battery621 is the coolest place to be… We’re going to have a Stars and Striped waterslide in the parking lot!

Third, we’re going to be debuting the Battery621 First Friday Gigantic Jenga tournament. We’ve taken Jenga, made it much bigger and burlier, and those of you interested can compete in a bracket style tourney for prizes as well. We think this is going to go off, so get here to sign up. Tournament starts promptly at 8.

Lastly, we’ll have live music tonight from Dynohunter. You can get a preview of their sounds at http://soundcloud.com/dynohunter. Dynohunter starts at 9, and will be on until 11 in the Spyder Gallery.

That’s about it for tonight, but you never know what else is in store unless you get down here tonight. Doors open at 7 with adult beverages provided by TommyKnocker Brewery. See you all then!

Last week’s First Friday event at Battery621 was our biggest yet. The event saw a lot of new artwork from many sources, new live music, and tons of fun as always. First, the Spyder showroom transformed into its first art installation, showing the work of over 10 native Colorado artists. Spearheaded by metalworking genius and Evergreen native Glenn Vogel, the installation showcases many artistic mediums. Guests saw paintings, metalwork, and enameled pieces, just to name a few.

In the common areas, Icelantic’s artist Travis Parr came in from California to display never before seen artwork here at 621. Guests and Icelantic fans have come to know and love Parr’s artwork on Icelantics skis, but this First Friday was all about his paintings. The pieces he brought looked great, including a pattern he created for a 686 outfit and a custom Icelantic surfboard.

Lastly, live music was provided by the sounds of Vox de Ville. The band featured one of 621′s own, Dave Boger from Jiberish clothing. Dave started the night off spinning beats on the Spyder stage, transitioned one the keys with Vox de Ville, and then back to the tables for the rest of the night. 621′s guests were more than pleased, and Dave and Vox’s music capped off a great First Friday at 621.

Battery621 will be back for June’s First Friday, complete with new art and new music. Hope to see you then!

Photos courtesy of Kara Primomo Photography

After the exhibition ended on Larimer Square, Something Independent installed their Art of Winter display for a one-night showing at Battery621 for March First Friday. The Art of Winter featured independent, boutique ski and snowboard companies who are incorporating innovative art into their topsheet designs, as well as a group of talented Colorado artists who created original works on recycled skis and snowboards. “Our main goal with this exhibit was to celebrate and support the growing connection between art, industry and snowsports in Colorado”, said Kara Primomo, Art of Winter Event Curator.

The night kicked off with a wine tasting from Infinite Monkey Theorem and beer from Great Divide Brewery. As the night went on, the crowd mixed and mingled, flowing in and out of Icelantic’s gallery space, where guests could then try some beer from Tommy Knocker, another local brewery. All of the skis and snowboards from the Art of Winter were auctioned off at the end of the night, with the proceeds benefiting the Larimer Arts Association and the Something Independent Entrepreneur Award.

“The atmosphere was great and the hosts were very friendly. The whole experience really has me second guessing my career decisions…. Your office space just seems to have such great chemistry. The art exhibit really motivated and inspired me to re-visit some creative ideas I’ve had in the past. I look forward to next time!” –Curtis Sattison, First Friday attendee

A special thanks to Spyder for the use of their space on First Friday; The Public Works for their assistance with the installation; Icelantic and all of our friends here at Battery621!

*Something Independent is an initiative promoting the industry and culture of snowsports in Colorado*

Photos courtesy of Free Lunch Photography

This past Friday, December 3rd, Battery621 opened its doors for the first time to the general public. It was the start of first Fridays at 621, with Icelantic drawing its usual crowd in the tradition of Denver’s First Friday gallery openings. This opening was different, more of a teaser of whats to come from the creative minds that make up 621.

The divers crowd finished the five kegs that Tommy Knocker Brewery graciously donated along with a delicious spread of BBQ sandwiches, bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapenos, and fancy cheeses courtesy of Stoney’s restaurant. In the Spyder showroom, their custom chairlifts were a hit all night as everyone caught up on the plush seats and enjoyed the ecosmart fireplace. A big thanks goes out to Icelantic for hosting a splendid opening first Friday, as well to all the tenants of Battery621 for making it possible. Expect more events in the future and stay tuned for the completion of Battery621′s stage II of construction.

Here are some pictures from that nights festivities:

Tommy Knocker provided a great selection of brews

The Tommy Knocker crew

Icelantic brought in a DJ to keep the crowd entertained

It would be an understatement to say that there was a lot of attendees

Icelantic continued its yearly tradition of displaying their current line of skis