Denver, CO
Arts at Denver, December 6-23
Jody Rigsby, Feliz Naughty-Dog, oil, 4 x 12.
This story was featured in the December 2017 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art December 2017 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
In keeping with its tradition of spreading holiday spirit through fine art, Arts at Denver hosts its annual Holiday Show again this year. The gallery has hosted the exhibition for a number of years to provide its patrons with a prime collecting opportunity, as well as a chance to give back to the local community. The show features more than 70 new works by 35 artists, as well as 30 small works for the gallery’s Tree of Christmas Trees. Those interested in the show can view work online beginning on November 17 and at a preview event on Friday, November 24, from noon to 6 p.m. The show officially opens on Wednesday, December 6, with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m.
In the past, the gallery’s Holiday Show centered around a specific theme, but this year the artists may interpret the season as they wish. “We usually do some type of theme from year to year,” says Paula Colette Conley, director and proprietor of Arts at Denver. “But I’ve found I don’t like pinning the artists down and saying their work needs to be about one specific thing, like snow or holiday lights.” Whether it’s the thrill of opening presents or the childhood memory of the first snow, paintings are diverse in both style and subject matter. The traditional Tree of Christmas Trees features small canvases that depict things like ornaments, landscapes, and decorated trees. Ten percent of sales this year benefit Maxfund, a no-kill animal shelter in Denver.
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- Janet Anderson, Eventide, oil, 16 x 18.
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- Lindsey Bittner Graham, Sleigh Team Awaits, oil, 8 x 13.
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- Mikael Olson, Unexpected, oil, 24 x 24.
While many of the Colorado-based artists are returning, three guest artists are making their gallery debut in the show. Theresa Conklin brings her narrative figural pieces, along with Monte Thompson’s still lifes and Tracy Haines’ expressive landscapes. “For me, it’s like Christmas all the time here when artists bring in new work,” Conley says. “I don’t know what they’re going to do next, and it’s always an adventure. That’s why these artists are good to start collecting because they are constantly experimenting and changing.” The show remains on display through Saturday,
December 23. —Mackenzie McCreary
contact information
303.722.0422
www.artsatdenver.com
This story was featured in the December 2017 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art December 2017 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
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