Lonnie Hanzon

Before there was Immersive Denver, there was Lonnie Hanzon. Well-known in the community as a visual and performance artist and producer, Lonnie was the first in Denver to grasp the importance of the emerging immersive arts and entertainment industry. He has worked tirelessly in his own practice to advance immersive, but more importantly, in the community to help put Denver on the national immersive map. He has continued to offer his experience and mentorship to countless young artists breaking into immersive and has used his own studio as a launch pad for many well-established Denver creators. We can recall more than one instance where Lonnie recommended people from his own project teams for more permanent or higher placed positions on other creative teams. His rationale, he wanted to see immersive grow in Denver and support more opportunities for more Denver creatives. Holding someone back from a career opportunity to keep his own work front and center was never an option. Lonnie is a community builder.

Without Lonnie, there would be no Immersive Denver. He was the first to introduce its founders to Charlie Miller at the DCPA as well as Noah Nelson at the national immersive outlet No Proscenium. He advocated for the need to establish an immersive arts-focused community organization and as supposed us through the years. He has contributed space, equipment, time and tickets to support Immersive Denver and always is quick to offer counsel when we need it. 

Most of all, Lonnie is a Denver original. His recent works include Camp Christmas with DCPA, his interactive center-pieces each year at Pride Fest, and the new Cabinet of Curiosities at the Museum of Outdoor Arts. His expertise in the world of immersive not only brings delight to local audiences, it also provides him with a wealth of experience and insight that he is always happy to share with fellow mile high creatives.

In short, many may know Lonnie as audience members from his many creative projects. But in the context of this nomination, we are pointing to Lonnie as a generous mentor, supporter, leader and innovator in the world of immersive art and entertainment. 

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*Each organization nominated their honoree with an essay. Those essays are posted here, as submitted, to maintain the organization's unique voice and authenticity.

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