Following panels where we had a chance to see some SHSU professors and staff, we proceeded to explore the art scene in Denver. With four major art museums in the city, Denver is considered a high-profile art destination–a reputation we wanted to assess for ourselves.
Denver Museum of Art
After a quick lunch break, we decided to spend our afternoon stimulating our minds in a different fashion by visiting the Denver Museum of Art. Not knowing what to expect, besides a “scavenger hunt” list provided by Professor Yawn, we were eager to explore and curious to know what we would come across.
To our great surprise, there were several incredible pieces from many of the great artists, especially in both contemporary and western art. The building, which is quite modern in and of itself, was filled with names such as Keith Haring, Louise Bourgeois, Victor Higgins, Donald Judd, and Birger Sandzén (more on Sandzen in upcoming blogs).
There were some important outliers to be noted in this collection. Chrissy especially enjoyed a wintery scene by Monet, which she fondly associated with the film, Citizen Kane.
She also enjoyed some modern pieces, and if you know Chrissy, that is a true surprise! Particularly, she preferred works by Roxie Paine in varying mediums.
It’s been a pleasure to see her immersion into becoming an art enthusiast, branching out into more types of art.
Sure, it did require a phase of Andy Warhol, but it was worth it!
It is too bad fellow LEAP Ambassador Michelle Cardenas was not with us; she is a big fan of the idealized paintings of Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Cole, and Thomas Moran, and there were many of these to be seen!
As for me, I enjoyed tying in themes in this trip, and seeing some newfound favorites reinforced their name and style further. Allan Tupper True…
…Alexander Phimster Proctor…
… and Victor Higgins.
I also saw some of my all-time favorites! Among Deborah Butterfield’s herd of bronze-casted horses, we came across three, including the best one I’ve seen in person, which was a horse lying down.
Butterfield’s work is interesting. Not only does she create horses from broad solid objects not typically associated with horses, but the material is often disguised. The above piece, for example, appears to be pieces of wood put together to resemble a horse, but in fact, this piece was made of metal. The metal was cast from wood and then assembled to create the horse.
In the past, we’ve seen Butterfield pieces in DC (the Kennedy Center), NOLA (Besthoff Sculpture Garden), Lubbock (Texas Tech University), and Fort Worth (Fort Worth Museum of Modern Art), but we’ve never seen three in the same place!
Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art
by Chrissy Biello
When people think of art, they might not immediately picture chairs, tables, clocks, or other everyday objects. However, these ordinary objects become extraordinary when designed with unique styles that allow individuals to showcase their personalities and express what truly makes them who they are. The Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art in Denver, Colorado, highlights this idea by showcasing a diverse collection, offering visitors a unique museum experience.
One of the museum’s most distinctive features is its chronological layout. Rather than grouping pieces by type or artist, the collection is arranged by time period, starting in 1870 and continuing to the present. This approach allows visitors to see how artistic styles and design trends evolved over the decades.
Among the many artists featured, the museum showcases the work of Vance Kirkland. His early paintings focused on realism, as seen in Moonlight in Central City.
Later in life, his style shifted toward abstract expressionism, reflecting a dramatic change in his artistic approach.
For those curious about Kirkland’s creative process, his personal studio is preserved within the museum. It features a spacious area where he painted, and in front of this space stands a large bookshelf spanning the back wall. The books include artists such as Matisse, Cézanne, and Botero.
Beyond paintings, the museum features an impressive collection of furniture. One highlight is the Taliesin Dining Chair, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1955. The name comes from Wright’s home, which was destroyed in a fire in 1914 and rebuilt. The chair’s “Taliesin edges” are a signature element in his designs.
Many other Wright pieces can be found throughout the museum…
The museum also displays work by Philip Johnson. Johnson is known for designing the PPG Building in Pittsburgh and the AT&T building in Houston. His Floor Lamp, created with lighting designer Richard Kelly, offers visitors a look at different approaches to lighting and design.
Another highlight is the collection of works by Charles and Ray Eames, a husband-and-wife duo known for their work in architecture, graphic design, and filmmaking, though they are best recognized for their innovative chair designs. Their chairs, displayed throughout the Kirkland Museum, differ from modern furniture yet remain highly functional.
In terms of trinkets, you can find a Noguchi bird compact, a ceramic pitcher designed by Pablo Picasso, and small tea cups designed by Alexander Calder.
Additionally, visitors can view a piece by Dale Chihuly…
…and a set of Roy Lichtenstein dinner plates!
In all, the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art offers a unique experience for those accustomed to traditional art museums. With its diverse collection of paintings, furniture, glassware, and more, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
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