In its third iteration, Gallerist Niza Knoll enlists her book club to visually interpret a popular read. The group, initially connected through their professions as artists, will combine their talents for a book-themed exhibition featuring the National Bestselling novel “The Music of Bees.” The show will be on view from April 5 to May 19, 2024, at 915 Santa Fe Drive during regular gallery hours Thursday through Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. with hours adjusted for the following special events: First Friday Art Walks: April 5 & May 3, 5 to 9 p.m. Artist Reception: Friday, April 19, 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays on Santa Fe: April 28, Noon to 3 p.m. Third Friday Collectors Night: May 17, 5 to 8 p.m.

For art exhibitions, the group chooses books based on the story and if they find it visually compelling enough to inspire creative works. Visitors to the past shows were delighted to see the books “A Gentleman in Moscow” and “Where the Crawdads Sing,” come to life. Several of the artists have fashioned eight large paper mâché bees that hang from the ceiling, with others working in mediums such as paint, clay and fiber. The participating artists include Karen Gregory, Niza Knoll, Ann E Lacy, Sally Lewis, Pat Lickly, Aliki McCain, Kristy Melodia, Georgianne Rollman, Ellen Reynolds, and Paula Romero Schmitt. The dustjacket summary of “The Music of Bees” reads: “Three lonely strangers in a rural Oregon town, each working through grief and life's curveballs, are brought together by happenstance on a local honeybee farm where they find surprising friendship, healing--and maybe even a second chance--just when they least expect it.”

Artist Georgianne Rollman explains, “I found this quirky little book to be heartwarming and surprisingly inspiring to illustrate. It's not as visual as some of the other books we've read because it's mostly about emotions. The three protagonists are all working through various kinds of loss and grief, and they're brought together by bees. Their friendship blossoms (like the apple orchards in the book) through a David-and-Goliath-type story involving a large pesticide company. For me, ‘The Music of Bees’ is about courage and the power of friendship. Niza Knoll Gallery is located at 915 Santa Fe Drive in Denver’s popular Art District on Santa Fe and specializes in intriguing conceptual exhibits featuring work by local and regional artists. They participate in the districtwide First Friday, Third Friday, and Sundays on Santa Fe events in addition to hosting private concerts, and guest speakers associated with the exhibitions. The Mix Co-op in the back of the gallery features eight local artists and is open during regular hours Thursday–Sunday, 1-4 pm. Visit www.nizaknollgallery.com to view and purchase works online and for the most up-to-date calendar of events.