Feeling Blue

Denver’s modern public-art program has been growing since 1988, when it was established under Federico Peña’s watch; over the passing years, the swelling collection has come to include more than 350 works by artists of stature both local and national. And their evidence is everywhere, from civic installations in parks,...

By Susan Froyd

December 12, 2013

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Denver’s modern public-art program has been growing since 1988, when it was established under Federico Peña’s watch; over the passing years, the swelling collection has come to include more than 350 works by artists of stature both local and national. And their evidence is everywhere, from civic installations in parks, at fire stations and on street corners to such familiar landmarks as the Colorado Convention Center and Denver International Airport, where the famous (or infamous) blues — Lawrence Argent’s giant peeping bear, “I See What You Mean,” and Luis Jiménez’s menacing “Mustang” — keep folks gawking in wonderment...and maybe a little confusion.

In celebration of the program’s 25 years (and in reference to the aforementioned pieces), Denver Arts & Venues has mounted Beyond Blue, a two-part behemoth of a show featuring 75 representative artworks by nearly fifty artists who’ve participated. “We hope the exhibits will surprise and delight visitors and give them deeper insights into the artists’ process and style,” explains program manager Michael Chavez.

The works are on view at the McNichols Building and in the Buell Theatre lobby at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, but the exhibition will get an official farewell at a closing reception December 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the McNichols, 144 West Colfax Avenue. Both parts of the show continue through December 22; visit artsandvenues.org for details.
Thursdays-Saturdays; Thu., Oct. 17, 6-8 p.m. Starts: Oct. 3. Continues through Dec. 22, 2013

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Susan Froyd started writing for Westword as the "Thrills" editor in 1992 and never quite left the fold. These days she still freelances for the paper in addition to walking her dogs, enjoying cheap ethnic food and reading voraciously. Sometimes she writes poetry.

Contact: Susan Froyd

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