Littleton Fine Arts Guild members were challenged to choose another artist and create a related work to exhibit in the “Side by Side” show that will run Sept. 12 to Oct. 29 at the Depot Art Center, 2069 W. Powers in Downtown Littleton. Guild members may choose an artist (alive or dead) whose work they wish to imitate. This involves stepping out of an artist’s comfort zone, according to publicist Peggy Dietz. Depot hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For instance, guild member Kathy Triplett created “Starry Night at Sea” in relation to Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night.” See depotartgallery.org.

This is Colorado exhibit

Colorado Gallery of the Arts at Arapahoe Community College opened the This is Colorado exhibit, hosted by the Heritage Fine Arts Guild, on August 29, with an awards reception on Aug. 31. It Includes paintings, drawings and mixed media works by Colorado artists and runs through Sept. 21. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday; Thursday until 7 p.m. Next: The Greek Eye, Sept. 25-Oct. 27, photography and art created by Workforce and Community Travel Program students who visited Greece in June 2023. See arapahoe.edu.

Curious Theatre

Curious Theatre at 1080 Acoma St., Denver, presents its 26th season with a regional premiere performance of “The Minutes” by Tracy Letts, opening Sept. 9. Jada Susanne Dixon is now artistic director at Curious and many of the previous artistic company will appear in this much-honored new work. Curious also introduces a new bar, The Confessional, located in the Curious Orchestra. Christy Montour Larson directs “The Minutes,” which features 15 Curious Artistic Company members. Regarding parking: the lot across the street is closed due to construction. Street parking is free. There is a free lot on the south side of the theater and there are paid lots at 1056 Acoma St. and 1055 Lincoln St. and the Acoma Street Parking Garage. 303-623-0524, curioustheatre.org.

Denver Art Museum

Denver Art Museum will present “The Russells in Denver,” with 18 works by Charles M. Russell, recreating his solo show at the Brown Palace Hotel in 1921, organized by his wife, Nancy. Included in general admission. Opening Oct. 1. See denverartmuseum.org.

Craft fair spaces

Some spaces remain in the Friends of the Library/Museum Craft Fair, scheduled for Oct. 7, at Ketring Park on Gallup Street in Littleton. lisa@littletoncraftfair.org.

Vintage Theatre

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora, will present “Cabaret,” Sept. 15 to Oct. 22. with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, book by Joe Masterhoff. Directed by Bernie Cardell, music director Tanner Kelly, choreography by Adrienne Hampton. Tickets: $20-$38. 303-856-7830, vintagetheatre.org.

Stories on Stage

Stories on Stage opens “Random Acts of Kindness” on Sept. 17, 2 p.m., at Su Teatro, 721 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. Stories read by actors. Tickets, $26, storiesonstage.org or 303-494-0523.

Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens York Street programs for fall: Sept. 9 — Family workshop with Museo de las Americas about Chicana artist and author Carmen Lomas Garza, known for family stories told by illustrations of family traditions and community. Workshop designed for families with children age 6 and up. Fall Plant and Bulb Sale on Sept. 22-23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission, reservations required. 1007 York St., 720-865-3500, botanicgardens.org.

Ballet Ariel

Ballet Ariel opens its 25th season with “Aurora’s Wedding” from “Sleeping Beauty.” Oct. 7, 3 p.m.: Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre, 119 Park Ave. West, Denver; Oct. 15, 3 p.m.: Elaine Wolf Theatre, at the JCC Mizel Arts and Culture Center, 350 S. Dahlia St., Denver. Tickets: $25, $23, $20 include performance and tea party. See balletariel.org or 303-945-4388.

Evergreen theatre

“Into the Woods” opens Sept. 15 at Ovation West Theatre’s fall season at Center Stage in Evergreen, 27608 Fireweed Drive. See ovationwest.org.