Aspen Grove Shopping Center in Littleton has made a point of being dog-friendly, and with that comes a furry host. After a photo contest drew 300 entries, a little guy who has had a tough life was chosen. Gumby was found living on the streets in Los Angeles — so injured he lost a jaw and all his teeth. Fortunately, a young woman adopted him and he's a joyful companion, we are told. He and his human companion will join other pups and their people at Aspen Grove's new Picnic Park, located near the grassy knoll by the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Purchase food at any Aspen Grove restaurant and bring it to the new picnic tables. South Platte River Trail walkers are also welcome. Aspen Grove Shopping Center is at 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive.

Art from afar

“Vibrant Bounty” is the title of an exhibit at the Littleton Museum through Oct. 17. It comes from China's Shaanxi Province, one of the cradles of civilization, and includes toys, children's clothing, prints and household items. Museum hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free. 303-795-3950.

Painting classes

Castle Rock watercolorist Cindy Welch is offering online watercolor classes, which started Aug. 18. Classes are offered as a live Zoom meeting at 2 p.m. and recorded so a student can download and watch at a convenient time later via a link from Welch. The last class will be a live critique session. Welch's work is exhibited at Rhyolite Gallery, 505 Second St. in downtown Castle Rock. Visit CindyWelchArtist.com for class information and a view of her work.

Kirkland Museum

The Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Arts at 1201 Bannock St., Denver, is now open again to the public. It currently has 4,400 works on exhibit, from a collection of more than 30,000. Items are exhibited salon style, in settings with furniture, china and other objects enhanced by paintings on the walls. Timed tickets may be purchased online at kirklandmuseum.org. 303-832-8576.

Water lilies

Register with Hudson Gardens and they will notify you when a water lily is about to bloom, so you can go watch a “performance.” 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. Also available: fitness classes, yoga. Entrance is free. Donations are welcome. See hudsongardens.org.

Fall outing

The Jackson Hole Wyoming Fall Arts Festival is going to be held Sept. 9-20 with special events including the Quick Draw and Auction on Sept. 19, when artists will create masterpieces in 90 minutes from 8-9:30 a.m. and auction them at 10:30. Western Visions Jewelry Show Takin' It To the Streets and Sunday Art Brunch are happening ... This year's fall festival poster is by Thomas Blackshear. Information: jacksonholechamber.com.

Arvada Center

Arvada Center announces a return to programming on Feb. 26 with “Small Mouth Sounds” Feb. 26 to May 2, 2021. Originally scheduled for spring 2020, when the whole world closed down. No word yet on any holiday events ... see arvadacenter.org.

Denver Art Museum

Denver Art Museum's “Norman Rockwell: Imagining Freedom” retrospective exhibit runs through Sept. 7, with its many warm insights into his American scene. By appointment — reserve in advance. Timed tickets. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; denverartmuseum.org. 720-913-0130.