Show Preview | Holiday Show

Denver, CO
Arts at Denver, November 27-December 24

Jeremiah J. White, Dragon, oil, 12 x 9.

Jeremiah J. White, Dragon, oil, 12 x 9.

This story was featured in the December 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art December 2015 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story

For 25 years, Arts at Denver’s holiday shows have presented works by the gallery’s artists centered on a specific theme. Starting with a sneak peek the day after Thanksgiving and running until December 24, this year’s show is titled A Time to Share, with works focusing on the theme of winter and the holidays. “[The theme] is simply a reflection of the feeling we want to convey with the show,” says gallery owner and director Paula Colette Conley. “The artists are sharing what’s dear to them, and it’s a time when people purchase gifts for their children and each other, so the sharing comes in that way too.”

An opening reception is held in conjunction with First Friday on December 4 from 5 to 8 p.m., with artists in attendance. The show features the gallery’s 30-plus artists presenting one to five works each in a variety of styles, from contemporary realism to post-Impressionism, and with subjects ranging from a snowy day in the mountains to a starlit night, from animals in the landscape to a beautiful holiday still life. Along with the gallery artists this year are guest artists Arleta Pech, John Schisler, and Jean Shom. “Arleta and Jean are both well-known Denver artists, so it’s wonderful for us to show new work of theirs to people who might have never seen them before or can rediscover them in a gallery,” Conley says. “John is from the East Coast and specializes in still-life paintings. So what he might bring to the Christmas show is simply a different viewpoint from a different part of the country.”

For the second year, a special exhibit titled Tree of Christmas Trees showcases miniature Christmas tree paintings by each participating artist. The pieces are hung on a wall in the shape of a Christmas tree, with proceeds from sales of the miniatures going to charity.

“[Our artists] surprise me every single time with the ways that they interpret the themes for the shows,” Conley says. “It’s like saying ‘paint me winter,’ and they come up with things that are [as diverse as] night and day. 
It’s wonderful.” —Joe Kovack

contact information
303.722.0422
www.artsatdenver.com

Featured in the December 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art December 2015 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!

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