db art news

Tonight I am getting you out and about around town. My picks for tonight are in galleries you might not be currently frequenting, some in areas you might not have visited. But in the spirit of Spring (or the longing thereof), we are bustin out of our winter ruts.

JURIED SHOW OPENING RECEPTION | Artwork Network

Artwork Network’s second annual online juried show, “Anything but Green” is opening this evening. Jurying from the public and a panel of local artists selected the shows finalists. You can preview the work here. Good stuff.

What: Anything but Green Opening Reception
Where: Artwork Network, 878 Santa Fe, Denver, 303.388.7420
When: Friday, March 5th, 5:30-9pm

www.artworknetwork.com

Painting by Christine Buchsbaum

TALIA SWARTZ OPENING RECEPTION | C.C. Opiela Gallery

And just a little further down the street you’ll find Talia Swartz’s funky distorted cityscapes.

What: Opening Reception
Where: C.C. Opiela Gallery, 840 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, 303.552.6831
When: Friday, March 5th, 5-9pm

www.ccopielagallery.com

KAREN SWYLER OPENING RECEPTION | Plinth Gallery

Stop by the RiNo Neighborhood for some really amazing porcelain ceramics by Karen Swyler that raise ceramics to the art form it should more often be.

What: Opening Reception
Where: Plinth Gallery, 3520 Brighton Blvd, Denver, 303.295.0717
When: Friday, March 5th, 6-9pm

www.plinthgallery.com

MICHAEL DOWLING OPENING RECEPTION | Sellars Project Space

Definitely leave time to head out to the Tennyson Art District to see the haunting paintings of talented artist Michael Dowling.

What: Opening Reception
Where: Sellars Project Space, 4383 Tennyson Street 1D, Denver, 720.475.1182
When: Friday, March 5th, 6-9pm

www.sellarsprojectspace.com

GROUP SHOW OPENING RECEPTION | ASLD

The Art Students League of Denver is also celebrating clay this month with a group show of new and established ceramists.

What: Opening Reception
Where: Art Students League of Denver, 200 Grant Street, Denver, 303.778.6990
When: Friday, March 5th, 5:30-8pm

www.asld.org

ANIMATION OPENING RECEPTION | Illiterate Magazine

Illiterate Magazine is bringing together animation and illustration by John Grigsby and Kristophor Hutson, along with some funky contemporary jazz by Entr’acte in their new exhibition space on S. Broadway.

What: Opening Reception
Where: Illiterate Magazine, 82 S. Broadway, Denver, 303.993.4474
When: Friday, March 5th, 6-9pm

www.illiteratemagazine.com

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

Here are a couple of quick picks on your way out tonight. Winter flu has kept me at home, but you should get out and about. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine, you go.

ERIC CORRIGAN OPENING RECEPTION | Walker Fine Art

I had my first art show with Eric Michael Corrigan and have watched his work evolve over the years. There was a quiet period there for a while, and now he seems to be back full strength, prolifically producing new and interesting work for us.

What: Eric Michael Corrigan Opening Recption
Where: Walker Fine Art, 300 W. 11th Avenue, Denver, 303.355.8955
When: Friday, February 26th, 6-9pm

www.walkerfineart.com

OPENING RECEPTION | Space Gallery

Laura Moretz’s new pieces are going to look fabulous in Space, such a beautiful, well, space.

What: Opening Reception
Where: Space Gallery, 765 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, 720.904.1088
When: Friday, February 26th, 6-9pm

www.spacegallery.org

IRON POUR | Dry Ice Factory

Pretty cool display of iron cast into ceramic shell and bonded sand molds. Hit it after dark for the greatest effect.

What: Live Iron Pour
Where: Dry Ice Factory, 3300 Walnut Street, Denver
When: Saturday, February 27th, 2-8pm

www.dryicefactory.org

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

Whether you’re heading out with your sweetie or with friends, fortunately there’s more to Valentine’s Day than chocolates and Hallmark. Here are the picks for this weekend.

BOULDER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL | Boulder Theater

What: Boulder International Film Festival
Where: Boulder Theater, 2032 14th Street, Boulder, 303.786.7030
When: Friday, February 12th through Sunday, February 14th

www.biff1.com

THE LOVE SHOW | CORE

What: The Love Show curated by Dana Cain
Where: CORE New Art Space, 900 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, 303.297.8428
When: Friday, February 12th, 6-9pm

www.corenewartspace.com

painting by Zoa Ace

EMBRACE! FRIDAY NIGHTS | DAM

Say “I embrace art” at the welcome desk and receive a special date-night-done-right package. Bring a special friend to the DAM after 5 pm on any Friday night in February, and you can buy 2-for-1 tickets and get 2-for-1 glasses of wine at Palettes restaurant with purchase of entree.

What: EMBRACE! Friday Nights
Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, 720.865.5000
When: Friday, February 12th, 5pm

www.denverartmuseum.org

VALENTINE PJ PARTY | Redline

What: Valentine Pajama Party, curated by Robischon Gallery
Where: RedLine, 2350 Arapahoe Street, Denver, 303.296.4448
When: Saturday, February 13th, 7-11pm, $40-82

www.redlineart.org

painting by Xiong Lijun

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

BRIANNA MARTRAY | Featured Artist

One of my favorite painters in Denver is artist Brianna Martray. Her paintings of surreal landscapes are at once beautiful and haunting. And her work continues to evolve, in series, including moving into three dimensional pieces. Below is a Q&A with the artist.

How long have you been an artist? How long a full-time artist?

I have been an artist for as long as I can remember.  A moment I go back to in my childhood was in the third grade during art class.  We were working on a drawing and I remember a teacher’s assistant was in class helping out and she was walking around the classroom observing our work.  When she got to my desk she paused and called out across the room to our third grade teacher, “Wow, you can really tell who the real artists are, can’t you?”  My teacher, I’m sure, cringed at the volunteer mother calling attention to this in front of all the other hard working aspiring artists, but that’s one of the few memories I have of the third grade, so obviously it meant a lot to me and the confidence it gave my smaller self was surely invaluable.

I went to school for creative writing and then went on to write a novel in my early twenties.  Somewhere down deep I think I always knew my true calling was the visual arts.  I have been a full-time artist for the most part for three years.   So far, it’s been the most fulfilling and happiest three years of my life.

What was the turning point that launched your career?

When I got my first large commission, quit my job and moved into a studio on Santa Fe Drive in December 2006.  I remember hearing myself tell my former boss that this was my big break, my one shot, I had to grab it or lose it.  I didn’t really believe myself at the time, not even close, but in that instance, ‘fake it until you make it’ worked out in my favor.  I was terrified, actually.  But as soon as this idea of being a working artist became a possibility, as soon as this cliff was in my awareness there was no stopping me from jumping.

What are your greatest sources of inspiration?

Nature, fractals, the cosmos and intuition.  Also, the circle.  Hugely, the circle.  It transcends everything, it’s everywhere, the orbit of our planet around the sun, the shape of our cells, the iris of our eyes, the seasons, the cycles of life; like a big circle drawn around everything, yes, I’ll take it all.  In the 3-D format, this circle has expanded to this tube-like shape for me which also speaks of life at it’s most basic form, the bronchi of our lungs, our veins, the sponge at the bottom of the sea, a worm hole in space.  So within the context of this obsession with circles and fractals–also everywhere, in everything, I think of myself as a landscape artist.  The moment a piece breaks open for me is the moment I’m clear about what landscape I’m in and what lives there.  From the cosmic to microscopic, the very big to very small, I have a gypsy heart and I want to explore every facet of endless landscapes.

What is your typical day like?

Truly, no two days are the same, which is perfect for me given my dread of boredom and fear of stagnation.  Typically, though, I do most of my running around and ‘business’ type stuff during the day, a run to Home Depot or Meiningers, a trip to the foundry, applying to shows, returning emails, meeting with clients, lugging art around to various venues, etc.  And then I eat dinner and settle in for ’second shift’, which is when I make art.  Second shift usually runs from about dinner time to as late as I can stay up, but I’ve found if I start the day out making art I will never get done any of that other stuff I don’t want to do, so I have to do it first.  Often people comment on how prolific I am, and it’s true; but  I work hard for it.  16 hour days are common and I rarely work less than 12, usually about 6 to 8 on Saturdays and sometimes Sundays.  I love what I do and I recognize it’s worth working for, and so I do.

What should we look forward to from you in 2010?

Sculpture!  Right now I’m focusing solely on the 3D world, although eventually I’d like to marry the two, the paintings and the sculpture.  I’m absolutely immersed in 3D work right now, I think I have about 15 pieces in process at the foundry right now.  I’m working mostly in bronze, although I’ve cast a couple aluminum pieces that are hanging pieces.  I’m using the lost wax method so most will be “one off”.  I’ve also recognized for a little bit now that the next step in my career it to reach an audience outside of Denver so I will be traveling a lot.  Who knows what 2011 will hold!

Brianna Martray

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

There are some interesting shows and events this weekend, so get your art on.

PECHA KUCHA NIGHT | BMoCA

20 images, 20 seconds per image, any topic. See what local artists and designers are into.

What: Pecha Kucha Night
Where: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th Street, Boulder, 303.443.2122
When: Thursday, January 28th, 7pm, free

www.bmoca.org

OPENING RECEPTION | Denver Botanic Gardens

Joellyn Duesberry’s art exhibit, Southwest: Sharpening the Edge, balances traditional representations and abstracted reductions of form in plein-air paintings.

What: Opening Reception for Joellyn Duesberry
Where: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th Street, Boulder, 303.443.2122
When: Thursday, Janunary 28, 5:30-8pm, price of admission, RSVP to exhibits@botanicgardens.org

www.botanicgardens.org

OPENING RECEPTION | MCA Denver

Looking for the Face I Had Before the World Was Made is a group show with interesting undertones. In addition to the exhibit, expect a theremin performance (that weird electronic gadgetry instrument), psychic readings, a photo booth and decompression lounge. Should be good. By the way, if you have not yet been to the new building and seen the recent exhibits, you really have to go.

What: Opening Reception
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 1485 Delgany, Denver, 303.298.7554
When: Friday, January 29th, 8-10pm (members 6-8pm), $0.10

www.mcadenver.org

OPENING RECEPTION | Next Gallery

Anton Kirchner’s digitally manipulated images are dreamy and surreal creations that capture attention far beyond the subject represented. His upcoming show blends old school cyanotype printing processing with digital processing.

What: Opening Reception for Anton Kirchner
Where: NEXT Gallery, 3659 Navajo Street, Denver, 303.433.4933
When: Friday, January 29th, 6-10pm

www.nextgallery.us

POTATO CALL FOR ENTRIES | The Other Side Arts

Ah the Potato Show. I just keeps coming back because it’s just so good. Entries due this weekend.

What: Call for Entries – The Potato Show
Where: The Other Side Arts, 1644 Platte Street, Denver, 303.561.3000
When: Art due Friday, January 29th and Saturday, January 30th, 12-5pm

theothersidearts.org

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

Guest Editorial Series

One of the new ideas you got a chance to vote on in our survey is a guest editorial series. So this is the first one. They’ll be written by gallery owners, curators, artists and designers, and whoever else has something interesting to say about contemporary art in Denver.

We’re starting off with a broad view, answering another request from the survey about comprehensive gallery listings. And db art is proud to feature top gallery owner Ivar Zeile, the owner and founder of Plus Gallery and a great supporter of Denver contemporary art.

If you’d like to place your own votes, see the Survey links under LINKS at the right of the pate. And thanks again for reading.

IVAR ZEILE | Guest Editorial

Deciphering Denver’s Vast Art Scene

One of the things I love most about db art news is how it distills the most interesting happenings in Denver’s vast art scene down to a bite-size chunk that would suite the more astute contemporary enthusiasts on any given week.  At Plus Gallery I get asked all the time about what else to see or check out in the contemporary market and while I’d love to spend all of my time informing patrons, it’s nice to have great sources to recommend for information, particularly one’s they can receive easily via email or online.

But Denver’s scene is burgeoning and many of you adventurous types would also like comprehensive listings to explore individual artist studios and other genres of art.  Wouldn’t it be nice if every gallery or hotspot was situated within the same zone?  Some claim that’s what the Santa Fe Arts District is about, but then again there’s RINO, and LODO and ……the list goes on, and on.  Most visitors will find one or the other, but rarely get in depth, which is a problem that dogs many hard-working gallerists as well as artists.

The odds of Denver ever have a centric zone where everything is combined into one is not likely to happen in my lifetime.  Besides online information that is increasingly available and direct, there are still various printed guides that are useful for looking at the big picture, no matter how daunting that might appear!  The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs initiated a handy “Denver Gallery Guide,” currently in its second iteration.  This is likely the most useful guide for anyone to get a glimpse of the enormity of our scene, with approximately 100 galleries listed broken into 8 districts with fold-out maps and basic data on each.  It’s an impressive feat and worth its weight in gold, that is if you can find one.  The guide is printed every two years, which means it’s rarely current.  Initial distribution occurs throughout the city upon its release in limited quantities, and though I can’t vouch for whether there is any follow up thereafter or if it gets distributed at all in tourist zones, it is likely hard to find on the streets or in shops.  Fortunately it is also online and can be found by visiting denvergov.org/DOCA

Each district likely has it’s own published guide outside of the official city brochure, and a great example is the River North Art  District map, which for the last two years has been in the form of a large, foldout map, complete with reference images, an artist rendered dimensional map of the district, and listings for each of the district members broken down by categories.  The large size makes it a little less handy when heading out on a journey, but the effort is supreme and generally pleasing to the eye.

Finally, members of the Denver Art Dealers Association have their own booklet produced on a bi-yearly basis, with each gallery being given a full page to display what is happening at their space or general advertising like one might find in an art-mag.  While this is the most limited guide, it is also very useful for collectors as it covers the top tier of Denver’s scene, members admitted based upon criteria that relates to the specific model they use for displaying art and the ethical value of their business, which is certainly good criteria for those looking for the next Damien Hirst or, in our case, the next Jenny Morgan.  This guide also includes a readable map that navigates the various corners where members are located, which is spread throughout the 8 districts covered in the City guide.

So if you are heading out and ready to tackle on your own the vast ground that Denver has to offer in the arts, locate one of these handy guides and see for yourself what’s happening in the many corners around Denver.  I’ve found these to be useful and recommend asking for them when you visit one of the cities finer establishments, they might not always be out on display but quite possibly available in a backroom.

Ivar Zeile is the owner and founder of Plus Gallery, one of the leading contemporary galleries in the region since it’s inception in 2001. Plus Gallery recently relocated to the unusual and dramatic “Flue” building of the Benjamin Moore Paint complex at 2501 Larimer Street, and was named Art Space of the Year by the Denver Post, and Best New Gallery Space by Westword for 2009.

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

You get your pick tonight. Three hot events in the db-area.

SKIN: DESIGN AFTER DARK | RedLine

SKIN: Design After Dark is the sixth annual fundraiser and party for the Department of Architecture, Design and Graphics at the Denver Art Museum. The party features objects created in the theme of SKIN, designed by creatives in architecture, interiors, graphic design, industrial design, advertising and fashion. Plus of course the party with food, music, drinks, live performances and a gallery exhibit.

What: SKIN – Design After Dark
Where: RedLine, 2350 Arapahoe Street, Denver, 303.296.4448
When: Friday, January 22nd, 7pm-midnight, $45 for under 35s, $70 DAM/Design Council members, $85 General Admission

designafterdark.denverartmuseum.org

OPEN WALL | BMoCA

BMoCA’s Open Wall is your annual opportunity to exhibit your work at the museum and party with your fellow artists. Always a huge crowd comes out from the dark corners of hidden art studios, with work that is surprisingly good. elephantjournal.com will be adding an eco-friendly art exhibit in the upstairs gallery. This year will also feature the opportunity to sell your work or buy someone’s else work through a silent auction.

What: Open Wall
Where: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th Street, Boulder, 303.443.2122
When: Friday, January 22nd, 7-11pm, $5

www.bmoca.org

STORE OPENING | Fashion Denver

Fashion Denver has moved to a new larger location and is throwing a celebration party tonight. The great thing about showcasing a lot of designers is that it’s guaranteed to be a big fashion party. Music, brews and a few fashion perks on hand.

What: Fashion Denver Grand Opening
Where: Fashion Denver, 1070 Bannock Street , Denver, 720.974.2200
When: Friday, January 15th, 7-10pm

www.fashiondenver.com

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

Many exciting changes happening behind the scenes here at db art. Stay tuned as they get rolled out over the next few months, and as always please give me a shout with your deep thoughts. In the meantime, here’s your evening plan.

OPENING RECEPTION | Ironton Studios

Heidi Jung is presenting her contemporary, intimate look at botanicals and insects tonight at Ironton.

What: Opening Reception with Heidi Jung
Where: Ironton Studios & Gallery, 3636 Chestnut, Denver, 303.297.8626
When: Friday, January 15th, 6-9pm

www.irontonstudios.com

OPENING RECEPTION JURIED SHOW | Ice Cube Gallery

Group show juried by Michael Paglia, the art critic for Westword, featuring artists from the neighborhood — RiNo Art District.

What: The Icebreaker Show, juried by Michael Paglia
Where: Dry Ice Factory, 3300 Walnut Street, Denver
When: Friday, January 15th, 6-10pm

www.icecubegallery.com

OPENING RECEPTION GROUP SHOW | David B. Smith Gallery

Group Exhibition, Part I, featuring Ricky Allman, Emil Alzamora, Christina Empedocles, Gregory Euclide, Lori Field, Regan Rosburg, Kristen Schiele and Mike Stilkey.

What: Group Exhibition, Part I
Where: David B. Smith Gallery, 825 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, 303.893.4234
When: Friday, January 15th, 7-10pm

www.davidbsmithgallery.com

painting by Mike Stilkey

OPENING RECEPTION | Zip37 Gallery

Opening reception featuring paintings by Kathy Knaus.

What: Opening Reception with Kathy Knaus
Where: Zip37 Gallery, 3644 Navajo Street, Denver, 303.477.4525
When: Friday, January 15th, 6-10pm

www.zip37.com

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

Welcome to 2010. I know it’s dark and cold, with no real snow, and getting colder. So I’m here to bring you some good news. This time of year is a little quieter, more intimate on the art scene. Perfect for a cold winter’s night.

EMERGING ARTISTS | Abecedarian Gallery

If you’re heading out on Thursday night, have a stop by at this quiet gallery on Santa Fe for some new work from emerging artists Ella Trujillo and Derrick Velasquez.

What: Opening Reception
Where: Abecedarian Gallery, 910 Santa Fe Drive, Unit 101, Denver, 303.534.1038
When: Friday, January 15th, 5-8pm

www.abecedariangallery.com

CLOSING CELEBRATION | Composition

It’s with sadness that I relay that retail art and design store Composition is closing at the end of January. Join them in a last farewell party celebrating seven years of creativity.

What: Grand Closing Celebration
Where: Composition, 7180 West Alaska Drive, Lakewood, 303.894.0025
When: Friday, January 8th, 5-9pm

www.shopcomposition.com

YEAR IN PREVIEW | Walker Fine Art

Every year Walker Fine Art hosts a Year in Preview,  a group show of new works by artists who will be featured in solo shows in the upcoming year. This year features Eric Corrigan, Brenda Stumpf, M Vlasic, Miani Carnevale, and Don Quade. If you haven’t been, Walker is an incredible, stylish urban warehouse-style space with a talented stable of artists. In other words, go.

What: Year in Preview
Where: Walker Fine Art, 300 W. 11th Avenue, Denver, 303.355.8955
When: Friday, January 8th, 6-9pm

www.walkerfineart.com

painting by Eric Michael Corrigan

ARTIST TALK | plus gallery

Highly acclaimed Denver artist Colin Livingston will be discussing his latest and greatest exhibition “The Big Idea.” Definitely check this one out.

What: Artist Talk with Colin Livingston
Where: plus + gallery, 2501 Larimer Street, Denver, 303.296.0927
When: Friday, January 8th, 7pm

www.plusgallery.com/events

Posted By: Christina Kiffney

Congratulations to all the artists and galleries who survived the worst recession since blah blah blah. And congratulations to you Denver art supporters for stepping up when they needed you most. Keep up the good work. So on to the parties. I’ve got a couple of picks for tonight’s festivities, a few art shows this weekend and a film for dessert. Happy new year everyone.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Three good options for New Year’s Eve tonight, beyond the usual dinner and drinks.

What: BALANCE – 15 artists, silent auction, DJs, drinks, snacks
Where: DVLP Headquarters, 2501 Champa St, Denver, 877.663.7422
When: Thursday, December 31st, doors open at 9pm, tickets $20 at the door (VIP sold out)

www.balancedenver.com

What: Silver Screen Ball – video art installations, local artists, DJs, drinks, snacks, red bar & lounge
Where: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th Street, Boulder, 303.443.2122
When: Thursday, December 31st, 9pm, tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the door

www.bmoca.org

What: City Hall NYE – crazy line up of DJs RJD2, Savoy live and more including Daedelus, Jogger, Heavyweight Dub Champion, Vajra, Samples, J Flash, & Animals at Risk
Where: City Hall, 1144 Broadway, Denver
When: Thursday, December 31st, doors open at 8pm, tickets $50

www.coclubs.com/show/detail/24830

NEW YEAR’S DAY

What: Re-purposed pop-up market and art exhibition in a beautiful eco-friendly space
Where: Green Spaces Colorado, 1368 26th Street, Denver, 303.720.6850
When: Friday, January 1st, 4-8pm

www.greenspacescolorado.com

What: Annual CORE Member’s Show
Where: CORE New Art Space, 900 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, 303.297.8428
When: Friday, January 1st, 6-9pm

www.corenewartspace.com

What: 30th Anniversary Member’s Group Show
Where: Pirate, 3655 Navajo St., Denver CO, 303.458.6058
When: Friday, January 1st, 6-10pm

www.pirateartonline.org

FREE FIRST SATURDAY | DAM

What: Free First Saturday
Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, 720.865.5000
When: Saturday, January 2nd, 10am

www.denverartmuseum.org

REX RAY FILM | MCA

Joshua Hassel’s documentary about artist Rex Ray tours his career, from his hometown in Colorado Springs to his live/work studio space in San Francisco, exploring his artistic process and everyday practice.

What:  How to Make a Rex Ray
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 1485 Delgany, Denver, 303.298.7554
When: Sunday, January 3rd, 3pm

www.mcadenver.org

CALL FOR ENTRIES

Open call for entry to all RiNo artists, with guest juror Michael Paglia, Westword art critic. Submit actual work January 8th & 9th, $10/piece, 3 entries max.

What:  The Icebreaker Show Call for Entries
Where: Ice Cube Gallery, 3300 Walnut Street, Denver
When: Entries due Friday January 8th 6-10pm & Saturday January 9th 12-5pm

www.icecubegallery.com

SIDE NOTES

Everyone’s talking about the ELLE DECOR Goes to Denver review.

Shout out to Plus Gallery for getting named Art Space of the Year in the Denver Post.

Diggin MCA’s holiday video.

Posted By: Christina Kiffney