Every five years, the Center for Visual Art invites MSU Denver alumni to submit their artwork for consideration and inclusion in an alumni exhibition. Reconnect 2025: MSU Denver Alumni Exhibition is on view May 23 – August 2, 2025.

Opening Reception: Friday, May 23rd 6-10PM

This juried exhibition showcases the creative range of alumni both near and far and includes work across all media. Juried by Rory Padeken, Vicki and Kent Logan Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Denver Art Museum, the exhibition highlights the far-reaching talents of MSU Denver’s creative graduates. Featuring the work of 30 artists with graduation years ranging from 1973-2024, Reconnect celebrates the creative journeys and artistic achievements of the artists, fostering a meaningful connection between former students and the current MSU Denver community.

The Center for Visual Art (CVA) is the off-campus art center for MSU Denver, showcasing contemporary artists whose work sparks dialogue and creates pathways to change. CVA offers free admission to its exhibitions for everyone.

Banner Art by Jeane Michelle Warner Greene

Contemporary art is an ever-evolving conversation that transcends time, identity, and material. Current MSU Denver art students are woven into this dialogue, navigating the intersection of student and emerging artist. The work in this exhibition captures this moment of transition through an exploration of media as an evolving practice.

Presented in the 965 Project Gallery at the Center for Visual Art, Materializing Change was curated by MSU Denver students Bridget Ebert and Alyssa Williams.

Banner Art by Sadie Hughes

Step into a world of wonder and excitement with Novo Ita, the latest and 4th installment of Spectra Art Space's AWARD-WINNING, immersive experiences.

On this self-guided adventure, marvel at the botanical wonders and spectacular art installations as you uncover the story of Novo Ita through interactive puzzles, augmented reality and tactile exploration.

Created by local artists and makers, this all-ages experience is perfect for families & friends seeking a unique and unforgettable adventure!

Waves of Hope: Whispers from the Deep is a collaborative and immersive art exhibition experience at D’art Gallery, at 9th and Santa Fe Dr. in the heart of the Arts District on Santa Fe, that showcases the splendor of the oceans, the challenges our oceanic ecosystems face, and solutions that can make a positive difference locally and globally. The exhibition runs June 19 – July 13, 2025, with an opening reception Friday June 20, 6-9pm. Additional events are scheduled, and all are free and open to the public.

This ocean-centric exhibition, Waves of Hope: Whispers From The Deep, is born from a heartfelt desire to raise awareness about the meaningful ways we can help the health of our oceans from here in Colorado. Even when we live a thousand miles away from the oceans, our daily decisions can have a positive impact on the oceans. 

Colorado is the headwaters for seven major rivers that flow into the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. How we live our lives can have a positive or negative impact on the water quality of these rivers that feed into the ocean providing nutrients and oxygen to the myriad of ocean life forms that inhabit these waters.

“Our actions over the next 10 years will determine the state of the ocean for the next 10,000 years.” – Sylvia Earl

The curator of this exhibition, Natalie Becker says, “It’s not just a collection of my own personal artwork. It is a joining together of over 20 talented Colorado artists that are providing their own visual statements about the Ocean.” 

Participating artists include: Chris Alvarez, Lyn Becker, Natalie Becker, Tamara Brody, Alisha Brown, Deborah Carlson, Elizabeth Carter, Daniella Chace, Susan Dallam, Denise Duker, Pamela Ferris-Olson, Elizabeth Fluharty, Terri Grady, Felicia Kutina, Joanne Lavender, Carrie Makenna, Chuck Mardosz, Laszlo Palos, Jenna Rose, Terri Sanchez, Iveth Schwebke, Gillian Scoville, Karen Storm, Phoung Ta, Trevor Thomas, Janeal Tyler, Paul Warmus, Jessica Wheeler

Location:
D’art Gallery 360 and Gallery West (Immersive Space)
900 Santa Fe Drive Denver, Colorado 80204

Exhibition Run: June 19 – July 13, 2025
Open Thursday-Sunday

Regular Hours:
Thursdays Noon-5 p.m.
Fridays Noon-9 p.m.
Saturdays Noon- 5 p.m.
Sundays 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Special Exhibition Events:
June 20 6:00-8:00 p.m. Opening Reception, Live body painting: Jessica Wheeler, Live entertainment: Elizabeth Fluharty
June 21 6:30-8:30 p.m. Poetry and Movie Showing
June 29 1:00-3:00 p.m. Sundays on Santa Fe, Live entertainment: Elizabeth Fluharty
July 4 6:00-9:00 p.m. First Friday Reception
July 13 1:00-3:00 p.m. Closing Reception

In "Natural Perspectives," artists Sandy Marvin and Nathan Dominik present interpretations of natural elements through their distinctive artistic approaches. Both artists draw inspiration from natural forms, translating them into abstracted two- and three-dimensional compositions.

Sandy Marvin creates mixed-media works primarily utilizing pastel techniques. Her paintings offer thoughtful studies of still-life compositions and natural landscapes, ranging from intimate examinations of specific elements to more expansive environmental views.

Nathan Dominik's three-dimensional sculptures feature detailed representations of botanical subjects and natural landscapes. His collection includes both figurative pieces and more abstract interpretations that maintain recognizable connections to the natural world. Several of his wall-mounted works offer varying interpretations depending on the viewer's perspective.

Banner Image: Sandy Marvin, “Golden Hour”

Artists on Santa Gallery at 747 Santa Fe Drive kicks off Summer with an exhibition featuring mixed-media work by Iris Irene and Sarah Polzin. As neighbors in their on-site studios, they share an artistic kinship and initially bonded over their discontent with the way the world overlooks female creatives. “Wild Strokes | Rebel Bloom”, on view June 20 – July 13, 2025, brings together their distinct yet deeply connected styles into a visual dialogue that celebrates bold color, texture, and the fierce resolution of the feminine spirit. The show is a testament to the inspiration and power that blooms in community.

The public is invited to an Opening Reception during the Art District’s Third Friday Collectors Night, June 20, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., where they can meet the artists and tour their studios, to First Friday Art Walk: July 4, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., and to visit during regular gallery hours.

Irene works with a loose, expressive hand, letting abstract expression overlay the powerful figures beneath. Polzin intricately combines layers of multimedia paintings to build dimensional works of biophilic abstract realism. Despite no coordination of their work beforehand, the pieces for this show naturally align into a cohesive exhibition that highlights their differing processes while embracing vibrant palettes and themes of femininity and growth.

Polzin, a Denver local, hails from a family of artists and her artistic voyage has been profoundly shaped by her environment and upbringing. She received a BFA and Art Education degree from Metropolitan State University. And has since taught in a variety of adaptive art programs throughout Denver and Los Angeles. In addition to her fine art, Polzin and her sister work with their father in the world of sign painting, specializing in murals, gold leaf, commercial art, and installations. She can be found on at Instagram @sarah.r0se.arts and at www.stargazercreations.com.

Irene’s expressive, abstract paintings center on feminine figures and the emotional landscapes they embody. Her work combines bold color, layered texture, and intuitive process. Each piece becomes a ritual—an invitation to feel, reflect, and connect with the mysteries of being human. Also based in Denver, she has background in art therapy and holistic death care. Follow her on Instagram @irisirinestudios.

Artists on Santa Fe Gallery, 747 Santa Fe Drive, showcases the work of member artists ranging from sculptors and painters to printmakers and jewelers. Regular hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 11 am to 3 pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 11 am to 5 pm and Sundays, Noon to 4 pm, The building is also home to the working studios of 25 + artists. Visitors are invited to explore and discover this exciting and enduring creative hub. For more information visit www.artistsonsantafe.com.

Banner Image: Iris Irene, “Crown of Echoes”

D’art Gallery Denver is proud to present NOW WE ARE SIX, an anniversary exhibition featuring the work of all 28 member artists. The gallery invites visitors to explore the diverse visions of their artist collective. From established professionals to emerging talents, each artist brings a distinctive voice and creative approach, coming together to form a captivating mosaic of expression that reflects the spirit of the gallery. With every piece, viewers may discover something new—an emotional connection, a surprising perspective, or simply the joy of artistic discovery.

Let's play with paint pouring!! Create x2 paintings using paint pouring techniques: the dirty pour and the tree ring pour. Join artist Grace Noel at La Alma/Lincoln Park Apr-Aug 2025, *all other dates and bad weather alternate location is in Grace's studio. Materials included with sign up fee!

Beginner friendly? YES! All skill levels are welcome, we will find a design for everyone. Family friendly? YES! Recommended for children 14 years and older. Risk of injury from carving tools, they are sharp! Please request accessibility needs in advance - email grace@gracenoel.art.

**Don't see a date and time that works for you? Email: Grace@GraceNoel.Art to schedule!**

Dates:
July 3rd 6-7PM
July 10th 11AM-12PM
July 11th 6-7PM
July 17th 6-7PM
July 18th 6-7PM
July 25th 6-7PM
July 26th 11AM-12PM

Gallerist and artist Niza Knoll is not one to shy away from important topics. Previous shows at her gallery over the last 15 years have addressed politics, the pandemic and AI. For "Coming to America, A Nation of Immigrants" she invited a group of local artists to create work that presents the tapestry of individuals from around the world who have made up the United States since its founding. The intention of the show is not to convey a particular stance toward the current immigration issues or cut through any nuance but is an artistic exploration meant to provide perspective and initiate discussion. With a fitting opening date of First Friday July 4, the show runs through August 24 with a public Artist Reception scheduled for Friday, July 18, 5 – 8 p.m. The show is also on view during regular gallery hours as listed below.

The focal point of the show is a powerful installation of clay busts created by different artists—each created with an individual style, shape, size and color. They are displayed in lines on the gallery floor, moving toward a large clay obelisk by artist Peter Durst featuring the Statue of Liberty. The exhibition also features paintings, collages and other wall art that further demonstrates the history of immigrants who help build the country under all manner of conditions, whether by choice, forced displacement or through enslavement.

The theme of the show is personal for Knoll, having immigrated at nine years old with her family from Europe to Canada, then to New York City. She understands the challenges of adapting and assimilating to life in a new country.

Participating artists include Sara Behling, Judith Bergquist, Peter Durst, Victoria Eubanks, Karen Gregory, Niza Knoll, Lamecia Landrum, Leona Lazar, Gayla Lemke, Charles Luna, Aliki McCain, Kristi Melodia, Lisa Michot, Georgianne Rollman, Janey Skeer and Carol Warzel. All works, including individual busts from the installation, will be available to purchase.

Banner Image: Charles Luna, “Migrant Assets Greatened America.” Oil on canvas; 42 x 42.

Take a journey through the rainbow with artist Grace Noel in her studio for a special Magical Resin Paint Pouring class! Have you always wanted to play around with epoxy resin paint pouring but didn't have the space and time to do so? Materials are included with ticket price!

*Please note that due to dry times, you will need to come back the next day to pick up your creation

In This Class You Will Learn:
- How to prepare space for a resin pour
- How to prepare a canvas for a resin pour
- How to mix resin
- How to color resin once it's mixed
- How to apply glitter to resin

Beginner friendly? YES! All skill levels are welcome. Family friendly? YES! Recommended for children 14 years and older. Please request accessibility needs in advance - email grace@gracenoel.art.

**Don't see a date and time that works for you? Email: Grace@GraceNoel.Art to schedule!**

Dates:
July 5th 11AM-1PM
July 13th 3-5PM

Grace Noel Art's Wood Burning Art Class guides you through creating wood burned drawings on x2 wooden slices of pine. Class will be held in Grace's studio in the Denver Art Society and all materials are included with admission price. Class creations will be available to take home the same day.

All supplies are included with sign up fee! Beginner friendly? YES! All skill levels are welcome. Family friendly? YES! Recommended for children 14 years and older. We will be using wood burning tools that can cause injury by burn. Please request accessibility needs in advance - email grace@gracenoel.art.

**Don't see a date and time that works for you? Email: Grace@GraceNoel.Art to schedule!**

Dates:
July 5th 3-4:30PM
July 6th 4-5:30PM
July 7th 11AM-12:30PM
July 10th 6-7:30PM
July 14th 11AM-12:30PM
July 24th 6-7:30PM
July 27th 1-2:30PM

Let's make an art journal using a variety of materials included in the class sign up fee! This is a mixed media art class co-taught by both local Denver artist Grace Noel and Spark Alchemy's Lead Coach: Rhonda Skallan. Every class will be held at La-Alma Lincoln Park close to the recreation center and south parking lot - look for the rainbow stools!

*Alternate location for large groups and inclement weather will be at Grace Noel's Art Studio: 734 Santa Fe Dr, Denver CO.

Dates:
July 9th 11AM-12PM
July 21st 6-7PM
July 23rd 11AM-12PM

Have you wanted to learn more about astrology? Join Artist and Astrologer Grace Noel in her studio to begin your understanding of Astrology. In this workshop we will:
- Review all 12 signs of the Western Solar Zodiac - signs: Aries - Pisces
- Which of the four elements represents each sign
- Discover how your sign interacts with the other zodiac signs throughout the year.
- Learn how to read your natal horoscope

The workshop consists of 4 classes that run every month on the second & fourth mondays/wednesdays. Select the class in the ticket section to complete all 4 classes! Select the class in the ticket section to complete all 4 classes! The workshop is designed to run in this order:

Class 1: Intro to Astrology (2nd Monday of the month)
Class 2: Beginner Astrology (2nd Wednesday of the month)
Class 3: Planetary Astrology (4th Monday of the month)
Class 4: Read a Horoscope (4th Wednesday of the month)

Beginner friendly? YES! All skill levels are welcome, we will find a design for everyone. Family friendly? YES! Recommended for children 12 - 17 years and older.

Dates:
July 9th 6:30-8PM
July 14th 6:30-8PM
July 23rd 6:30-8PM
July 28th 6:30-8PM

Have you always wanted to play around with paint pouring but didn't have the space to? Join artist Grace Noel in her studio for a special paint pouring class that is inspired by the magic that you are! Artist Grace Noel is also an astrologer and will teach you how the four elements of fire, earth, wind, and water relate to your zodiac sign! Materials are included with ticket price!

In this class:
- Materials and basic astrology reading are included with Sign Up fee
- Take home box: Grace will provide boxes for the paintings to go home with each student. Students can choose to take home the same day or come back to pick up.

Please note that paintings are messy and may be difficult to take home the same day. Grace provides the option to leave your painting to dry in her studio. Pick Up instructions will be emailed to students through Eventbrite when their paintings are ready for pick up - usually a week later. Shipment is an option and an additional cost.

Beginner friendly? YES! All skill levels are welcome, we will find a design for everyone. Family friendly? YES! Recommended for children 3 years and older. Please request accessibility needs in advance - email grace@gracenoel.art.

Don't see a date and time that works for you? Email: Grace@GraceNoel.Art to schedule!**

Dates:
July 11th 11AM-12PM
July 12th 11AM-12PM

Create with Grace continues with the Flower Coaster Creation Class! For 2 hours, artist Grace Noel will help each student create their own personalized x2 coasters using dried flowers and epoxy resin in silicone molds. Join artist Grace Noel in her studio in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe at the Denver Art Society.

All Materials are included with sign up fee. Creations are available for pick up 24-72 hours after class

Beginner friendly? YES! All skill levels are welcome, we will find a design for everyone. Family friendly? YES! Recommended for children 12 years and older. Please request accessibility needs in advance - email grace@gracenoel.art.

Don't see a date and/or time that works for you? Email Grace at Grace@GraceNoel.Art to schedule!**

Dates:
July 12th 2-4PM
July 27th 4-6PM

Combining bright acrylic colors with metallic leaf on canvas, Karin Kempe creates abstracted landscapes that glow and emanate light. She is inspired by the beauty of the natural world as well as the mysterious landscape of joy and turbulence which makes up our inner “mindscape.” Intrinsic and grounding to each piece is the horizon, that place where sky, sea and land meet, and which orients us as human beings in time and in space.

Jean Herman is a fiber artist who works with fabric, paint, line, color, texture, and stitch to create pieces that reflect her inner thoughts and dreams. She has previously worked as a figurative artist. “New Horizons” is Jean’s risky step into creating fiber works that are three dimensional and abstract. Her work focuses on shape, line, and contrast, enabling viewers to form their own interpretations rather than following realism. Jean is enjoying this new abstract space and views it as her next horizon.

Banner Image: Karin Kempe, “Setting Sun Sky.” Acrylic on canvas; 24 x 30.

Create your own beach scene on an 11" charcuterie board using epoxy resin with artist Grace Noel in her studio! In this art class, we will create a beautiful beach scene on a charcuterie board that can be used in everyday life and special occasions. Plus you get to say "I made it!" when admirers inquire.

Materials are included with ticket price!

*Please note that due to dry times, you will need to come back the next day to pick up your creation

Beginner friendly? YES! All skill levels are welcome, we will find a design for everyone. Family friendly? YES! Recommended for children 12 years and older. Please request accessibility needs in advance - email grace@gracenoel.art.

**Don't see a date and time that works for you? Email: Grace@GraceNoel.Art to schedule!**

Dates:
July 18th 11-12:30pm
July 19th 3-4:30pm

Jenn Merz CQ presents “down the rabbit hole”. A holistic healing journey through trees, with some familiar characters from the beloved “Alice in Wonderland” story. These characters represent different psyches and versions of herself. Illustrating the restoration of her neurons, overpowering the trauma, embracing her PTSD growth. This brand-new series is a celebration honoring her healing and disintegrating trauma.

Schedule Highlights:
Opening reception: Friday, July 18, 6-9 pm
Art and Tea: Saturday, July 26th 2-4pm. Own Teacup encouraged! Live music by Malkasian.
Sundays on Santa Fe: Sunday, July 27, 11am–4pm, live music by Malkasian 1-3pm
First Friday: Friday, August 1, 6-9 pm
Last Look: Sunday, August 10th 11am-4pm

Social Media Tags: @jennmerzcolorqueen 

All events are open to the public.

Gallery Hours: TH 12-5, FR 12-9, SA 12-5, SU 11-4

Banner Image: Jenn Merz CQ, “The Mad Queen.”

Create with Grace continues with the Resin Tray with Flowers art class! For 2 hours, each student will create their own personalized tray (4"x7") using genuine dried flowers and epoxy resin. Join artist Grace Noel in her studio in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe at the Denver Art Society.

All materials are included with sign up fee. Beginner friendly? YES! All skill levels are welcome, we will find a design for everyone. Family friendly? YES! Recommended for children 12 years and older. Please request accessibility needs in advance - email grace@gracenoel.art.

Don't see a date and/or time that works for you? Email Grace at Grace@GraceNoel.Art to schedule a private lesson!**

Dates:
July 20th 3-5PM
July 26th 3-5PM