The art scene in Denver is full of hidden treasures that emerge in lavish and unexpected places, so take advantage of the artistic presence both on and off campus this quarter. Whether you’re looking for up-and-coming artists or critically celebrated museums, the eclectic art scene has everything to offer and you will never be without something to do.
2015 Faculty Triennial
Where: Vicki Myhren Gallery
Address: 2121 East Asbury Ave.
Started: Jan. 16
Ends: Feb. 22
The Faculty Triennial is an exhibit showcasing the artwork of 21 School of Art & Art History faculty members. Consisting of numerous art mediums and styles, the exhibit highlights the ingenuity and diversity of the school’s art department. The entire Denver community and student body alike can come and appreciate the prestigious artists of DU that inspire students on a daily basis. One of the artists, Roddy MacInnes, teaches “Photography and the Invention of Photography” and instills in his students that history is an important predecessor for passion. His Instagram account usually features black and white portraits of students along with some of his edited photography. This on-campus exhibit is a perfect way to spend free time in between classes.
At Home / On Stage photographic works by Glenn Ross
Where: Leon Art Gallery
Address: 1112 East 17th Ave.
Started: Jan. 10
Ends: Feb. 15
Two years, 20 songwriters and 60-plus concerts later, Glenn Ross has finally finished his project that bridges the gap between the private lives of multiple musicians in Colorado and their more public second home—the stage. Ross traveled to the intimate places where musicians wrote their music and watched backstage as they performed shows. The exhibit features 70 self-printed photographs, designed so that ‘home pictures’ are paired next to ‘stage pictures’, that create a connection between an artist’s two different worlds. Glenn Ross’s visual combination of photography and music truly mirrors the heart of Denver’s art community. This exhibit is currently being held at Leon Art Gallery, an equally unique venue that celebrates local artist and is a quiet place to escape the busy DU campus. The Leon Art Gallery also hosts poetry readings, solo art exhibits, live musical performances and is the home to 10 of John Denver’s limited-edition photographs.
Black Sheep Fridays
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Cafe
Address: 1485 Delgany St.
Starts: Jan. 23
Ends: March 27
From open mic to speed dating, Black Sheep Friday offers weekly weirdness and provides a creative escape from the Denver bar scene. From 6-8 p.m. on Friday nights, visitors can enjoy the $5 admission fee and choose to either participate in the fun or explore the other Museum exhibits. For one of the evenings, “Dear Diary Open Mic,” guests can read or reenact posts of a teenage diary. Other hilarious events range from building alien-inspired terrariums to enjoying Dick Cheney and Joe Biden impersonators who read excerpts from Miami Vice. Black Sheep Friday is a seasonal tradition that relieves stress and provides endless entertainment.
Brilliant: Cartier in the 20th Century
Where: Denver Art Museum
Address: 100 West 14th Ave. Parkway
Started: Nov. 16
Ends: March 15
Cartier, one of the most influential accessory brands in history, donated over 200 iconic pieces of jewelry and men’s accessories to the Denver Art Museum. Denver is the very first city in the world to exhibit these unseen works of art that have accumulated over the past 75 years. Cartier transformed the fashion industry and its historical influence still remains prominent in today’s modern fashion.
One of Cartier’s original pieces, The “Love Bracelet,” is a traditional bracelet that women screw on their wrists to symbolize romance and is still extremely popular today. This two-level exhibit displays extravagant crowns, headpieces and brooches worn by royalty along with a variety of beatiful and cultural pieces from the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
