Light up at the 13 Lumens Candle Art Show

​Eric Matelski is all about making art accessible to others, especially work by local and emerging artists, and the 13 Lumens Candle Art Show, which opens tonight with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Art Salon, isn't the first time he's taken this approach: reproduced art printed on the labels of Mexican veladoros (or prayer candles). But it is the first year he's subjected the show to a jury process, resulting in more than thirty designs from about twenty artists, all for sale at $10 apiece. And, sure, right in time for the holidays.

Why give someone an art candle? "Why shouldn't anybody have one?" notes Matelski, who croons their praises: "It's like a smaller version of the original art and a great way of promoting artists as a whole, in that it makes their artwork more accessible to people who might not be able to buy the original." And you have to admit: They do make a smart-looking accessory. Not to mention, they've been printed using green and recycled materials and soy inks. And you can't quibble with the price, which make them a number one stocking-stuffer on anyone's list.

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​Matelski is also excited to be collaborating with the Art Salon, 2219 East 21st Avenue, a cooperative gallery, glass studio and learning workshop, which will concurrently offer works by resident artists and designers during the opening. Food will be available from Mikes 2 Kitchen and Breckenridge Brewery, too, and that sounds like a party.

13 Lumens (which, BTW, stands for the amount of visible light typically produced by a candle) continues through December 23 for your holiday shopping pleasure. For more information visit the Facebook event page.