DENVER — A new art museum has opened its doors in Denver’s Baker neighborhood, breathing fresh life into a former fortune cookie factory. The aptly named Cookie Factory aims to connect the community with art in an accessible space. Admission is free, making it an inviting addition to Denver’s art scene.

The inaugural exhibition features the work of artist Sam Falls. His show, titled “Nothing Without Nature,” explores humankind’s relationship with the environment. Many of the works on display were created on-site in the Yampa River Valley, allowing nature to interact with the art itself through elements like rain and heat.

“He’s making this poetic statement on the role that nature plays in our lives, and how we’re best off being with nature, not against it,” Cookie Factory’s Director of Exhibitions Andrew Jensdotter said. “We just loved the work and felt like it would be visually stunning, but also tell an important narrative that is tied in with what people think of Colorado, which is majestic landscape, majestic scenery.”

The art museum’s founder and executive director Amanda Jane Precourt has nurtured the vision of Cookie Factory for eight years, hoping to curate a space dedicated to a single artist at a time.

“Having one artist at a time allows there to be really an experience with the artist and with the space,” Precourt said. “I want cookie factory to be a place where people can come and connect with art and connect with people and find some contentment and some joy in a really chaotic world.”

Denver7’s Ethan Carlson

The married couple is committed to bringing art to as many people as they can, in as many ways as possible. The space will not only showcase art, but also occasional events like yoga, dance and poetry, all designed to amplify the exhibition’s themes.

The simplest way of making art accessible is to make it affordable, and Cookie Factory is completely free of charge. It’s privately funded by Precourt, who wants to bring art to Denver because of her connection to art.

Former fortune cookie factory in Denver’s Baker neighborhood transforms

“From my own experiences, I know that art really does heal, and art has been a source for me to find mental wellness when I’m struggling,” Precourt said. “I want to bring art to the people in Denver and Colorado, to provide a place of wellness through the arts.”

Cookie Factory is located at 425 W. 4^th Ave. and is open on Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m., or by appointment.

The executive director of Denver’s Department of Community Planning and Development is stepping down after only 13 months in the job, saying his “mission is now complete.”

Manish Kumar cited plans for the new Denver Permitting Office, decreases in permitting times and a reorganization of the department as proof of that success in a social media post about his departure.

“This journey has been fast, focused, and incredibly fulfilling,” he wrote. “As I prepare for my next chapter, I leave with immense gratitude and lasting admiration.”

He didn’t mention any other reason for his resignation or what role he might take on next. In an email to CPD staff last week, Mayor Mike Johnston, who appointed Kumar, said the city will announce an interim executive director this week and then conduct a search for his permanent replacement. Kumar’s last day is Friday.

“Manish’s leadership has helped lay a strong foundation for the work ahead, and we thank him for his service,” Johnston’s email said.

Developers have long cited Denver’s permitting process as overly burdensome, making it difficult to build new commercial and residential properties. In April, Johnston and Kumar announced the Denver Permitting Office initiative with the intention of streamlining that process.

The office has a goal of processing all applications in about six months.

Kumar’s departure comes as Denver faces a budget crisis that prompted city leadership to back down from an effort to give raises to Johnston’s appointees. Under the proposal, which officials have postponed until the fall, Kumar would have gotten a 17% raise, bringing his salary to about $216,000.

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Originally Published: June 2, 2025 at 1:28 PM MDT

Boulder police are responding to a reported attack in the heart of downtown Boulder at 13th and Pearl streets, with initial reports indicating multiple victims.

Authorities issued an alert on social media shortly after 2 p.m., urging the public to avoid the area while emergency personnel respond to the incident.

Initial eyewitness reports told the Denver Gazette that just before 2 p.m., an altercation occurred between pro-Israel protestors and a “man dressed as a gardener”, who was witnessed throwing homemade Molotov cocktails into the crowd. 

Jen Livovich told the Denver Gazette that she was eating lunch nearby when she heard ambulances heading towards the scene. She said she witnessed at least one person being carried away on a stretcher. 

Additional details surrounding the nature of the attack, the number of victims, or whether a suspect is in custody remain unclear. Witnesses have described a heavy police presence and multiple ambulances in the area.

Carol McKinley contributed to this report. 

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details are available.