The New Local (TNL), a Boulder-based nonprofit that champions local women and nonbinary artists, will relaunch its Sundays on West Pearl series this summer, offering free weekly art and theater programming in downtown Boulder. The event runs Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., June 1 through September 28, and features hands-on workshops, improv comedy, performances by local artists along West Pearl Street, and farm-fresh flower bouquets available for purchase from Fawns Leap.
The series, first introduced last summer by the women-led nonprofit, is designed to support community engagement and highlight Boulder’s arts scene. Events take place at The New Local’s gallery lawn at 741 Pearl Street and at the newly renovated TNL Annex at 713 Pearl Street.
This year, the Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company (BETC) joins as the first resident performing arts group at the TNL Annex. With support from the City of Boulder’s Affordable Commercial Grant Pilot Program, BETC will present MAD LIBrarians, a live, interactive improv show for all ages, with additional performances scheduled.
“Our executive director really dreamed up this beautiful way to bring some more life to West Pearl Street in the summer and make it more of a community atmosphere,” said Lynette Errante, director of operations at TNL. “It’s a place for families to go and enjoy themselves and create together.”
Kelly Gray, a Boulder resident who frequented last year’s series with her daughter Piper, said the programming helps foster a sense of connection. “Events like Sundays on West Pearl create a real sense of belonging. It’s not just about art; it’s about connection, about making a space where people from all walks of life feel welcome and inspired to participate.”
Piper said last summer’s workshops featured art styles that she enjoyed. “I would tell [people] it’s really fun,” she said about the event. “It was a lot of arts I really like. I learned to weave!”
Errante noted that intergenerational participation between parents and their children has been a highlight. “I love seeing adults do art with their kids. It kind of lets them loose a little bit more than they might if they were just on their own.”
Gray echoed that sentiment, saying, “I found myself reconnecting with my inner artist and my inner child, something you tend to lose as you get older unless you pursue art as a path. While I was introducing my daughter to art, I was also rediscovering something I had lost a long time ago. It was never really about me, but I ended up enjoying it just as much as Piper because we were experiencing it together.”
Each Sunday features three to four rotating workshops led by local artists. Activities include sun prints, clay windchimes, and botanical art. Participation is free, with donations encouraged.
Spruce Confections, a neighboring café, contributes to the atmosphere by hosting live music outside its storefront. For more than two decades, the café has featured the same band, Espresso!, a jazz quintet known for its focus on 1930s and 1940s-style jazz.
“We've had music Sundays on Pearl for over 20 years,” said David Cohen, founder of Spruce Confections. “It’s a community thing, not about sales or ROI. As long as everybody’s happy, it feels right.”
Errante described a typical Sunday scene as “folks listening to jazz on the street, kids running around, drawing with chalk, trying out new art activities... parents shopping in the gallery... it’s not just for kids.” She added, “It’s less like an event and more like a beautiful Sunday community experience.”
Organizers say the series aims to reduce barriers to art participation. “Whether it’s a kid, a parent, or someone trying art for the first time in years, these workshops encourage you to just play and explore. No pressure, just joy,” said Gray.
According to Errante, accessibility is a core focus. “We really work with our instructors to make sure everyone feels welcome and successful, whether it be considering their age or the need for a different language accommodation,” she said. “It’s on the lawn, so folks with different ambulatory needs are able to participate. It’s mostly about the experience and the process.”
Due to last year’s large turnout, the 2025 series has been extended through September, with both returning and new instructors participating.
“We want everyone to feel welcome,” Errante said. “It’s a very welcoming and nice place where you can come be a part of the community. Also, there may be some special things popping up or special folks coming by. Our executive director is a dream visionary, always thinking of new ideas. So keep an eye out for the schedule.”
