Park Hill Character: The Grand Finale

Helen Wolcott Calls Final Curtain After 50 Years Of Art Shows

By Cara DeGette

GPHN Editor

Helen Wolcott likes to say that she just makes jewelry, and trouble.

For a half a century Wolcott has hosted twice-yearly art and crafts shows in her home. The extravaganzas began in the 1970s during the thick of the court battle over school integration, in which Park Hill was at the heart of the struggle.

“During all those hours in court, we realized that we were all artists,” she says. Some, like her, made jewelry. Others were spinning pottery or knitting or doing macrame. The artists/social justice warriors ultimately banded together for a different cause — to promote art and beauty, and insert some positivity into the neighborhood during rough times.

Wolcott’s show this month, on Nov. 11 and 12, will be her last. Now in her early 90s, she claims she’s “falling apart” — though, as her friends like to note, she can go toe-to-toe most days with the Energizer Bunny.

Wolcott still volunteers at the nonprofit Park Hill Bookstore — a connection that dates back decades, and will continue to make her one-of-a-kind jewelry. In the past, Wolcott spent her time on the frontlines, picketing for civil rights. She volunteered for Planned Parenthood for 35 years, including as a patient escort. She is a charter member of the Denver chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality.

“I admire her vitality and intelligence,” says fellow artist Patricia Foster. “She and [her husband] Oliver moved into the Park Hill neighborhood during the beginning of integration in the city. They deliberately choose Park Hill because of their strong beliefs in racial equality. This was a time when so many people were moving out of the neighborhood. I wish I had known Helen back then.”

Last month, many of Wolcott’s co-artists held a garden party to honor and thank her. The centerpiece cake carried the message, “Happy, Happy Everything” — which is also the message on the sign that hangs on her front door.

“Helen is a strong woman of action,” said Cristina dePalma-Vega, an artist and friend. “Her universal concern for the world, in all walks of life and in every corner of our planet, is in every fiber of her being. Her contribution is in each of us who she inspires to work for the common good, and will be felt for many generations to come.

“She has worked tirelessly for our community and the community at large. She has taught us self care and supplied us with books and more titles than I can ever read in my life time; we all wear her jewelry and we can’t imagine where she finds time to do it all. She is a faithful, loving friend and I love her.”

 

The November Show

Helen Wolcott’s Holiday Show and Sale is is set for Saturday, Nov. 11 and Sunday, Nov. 12. The show and sale runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

The event, at 2309 Clermont St., includes the work of artists and artisans who display and sell their creations. Everybody is welcome. Bring a friend, stop by, and celebrate the holidays with a glass of mulled wine or a cup of herbal tea.

Wolcott specializes in costume and silver jewelry. Other participating artists include:

• Cristina dePalma-Vega (Fabric and paper art)

• Carmen Curtis Basham (Pottery)

• Robin Wilton (Weaving)

• Anne Heine (Knitting)

• Pamela Bliss (Hand-made soaps and tie-dye)

• Anita Kienker (Quilted creations)

• Patricia Foster (Fine art/painting and cards)

• Darrell Wunderlich (Homemade salsa and jams)

• Katy Hales (Plants and candles)

• Cindy Noel (Fused glass)