Denver Arts Events August 31-September 6

Whether it’s making your own creations, or sitting back to enjoy those of local pros, there’s a lot to get into this week. If I could enjoy five shows, performances, events, or exhibitions this week, this is what I’d do. Enjoy.

✺ September 1 Come up with a killer poem on the spot, and win a cash prize at Dude, IDK Slam: A Fresh Ink Slam! at Dude, IDK Studios. 7 p.m. More info and tickets.

✺ September 2 Join Denver Public Library for a complimentary screening of Nickel Boys, based on the Pulitzer-winning novel. MCA Holiday Theater. 7 p.m. More info and registration.

✺ September 4 Enjoy an evening with one of the richer string instruments at Colorado Symphony Cello Ensemble at Boettcher Concert Hall. 7:30 p.m. More info and tickets.

✺ September 4 If you’re not spending Friday night making Ceramic Miniature Chonky Pets, you’re doing it wrong. Community Clay. 6 p.m. More info and registration.

✺ September 4 Set out on a journey that toes the line between fairy tale and surveillance state at Annie Siems’s exhibitionHans, Gretel and the Wolf at Visions West Contemporary. Through October 3. More info.

Are you an artist? Check out these local calls for art.