Visual Crossroads

Streams of modernism come together at the Kirkland.

Comments (0) By Michael Paglia Thursday, Sep 24 2009

One of the city’s great cultural treasures, the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art is the brainchild of founder Hugh Grant, who started it a few years ago to display the work of one of the state’s greatest modern artists, Vance Kirkland. But Grant quickly expanded its mandate to include works by other historic Colorado artists, as well as pieces by international designers and craft artists.

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Typically, Grant curates the exhibits himself, but for Streams of Modernism, he’s invited a couple of nationally known luminaries, Katherine and Michael McCoy, to do so. Their idea was to use objects from the museum’s permanent collection to demonstrate how one designer’s work led to another’s. “As teachers, we have always been fascinated with how new ideas creep into the studio and influence the work of designers, often without their realizing it,” says Katherine. Adds Michael, “It illustrates the flow of influence among design pioneers using the extensive collection of the Kirkland Museum, which is like observing a dinner party of the masters of design.”

An opening reception is set for 5:30 to 8 p.m. September 24 at the Kirkland, 1311 Pearl Street. A number of special events are also planned in association with the show, including a gallery talk on October 8 and a lecture on November 19. Streams runs through January 3. To RSVP, or for more information, call 303-832-8576 or go to www.kirklandmuseum.org.
Sept. 24-Jan. 24, 2009