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Use this guide to keep up with new art exhibitions opening around town and see ongoing shows worth a visit. This listing is updated every Thursday.
But first:
In Denver arts news
- Denver Art Museum announces biennial James Balog Earth Vision Awards: These awards are juried prizes intended to support photographers, from anywhere in the world, who are responding to today’s complex environmental issues. The biennial awards feature a $40,000 first prize and a $25,000 finalist prize. Selected works by the award winners will be added to the Denver Art Museum’s celebrated Photography collection. The call for entries officially opens Sept.1 via the CallforEntry (Café) platform and will close Oct.1.
- Community Revitalization Initiative supports arts organizations across the state: On July 15, Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado Creative Industries division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced 12 new recipients of the Community Revitalization Tax Credit, awarding millions of dollars to organizations across the state, including $1.5 million for Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, $795,00 for Creede Center for the Arts, $686,000 for Rainbow Dome, $150,000 for Su Teatro and $1.5 million for the Telluride Film Festival.
- RiNo ArtPark Gallery and Studios enters new chapter: RiNo Art District will continue offering subsidized artist studios at the RiNo ArtPark, where current studio artists pay only the cost of utilities and also supports additional subsidized studio opportunities across the broader district, thanks to generous grant funding in 2026 from the RiNo Business Improvement District. The incubator’s inaugural exhibition, “Welcome Back,” opens Aug.7, with a First Friday Festival and reception at 1900 35th St. Guest-curated by Jill Hadley Hooper, co-founder of RiNo Art District, and Jonas Sanchez, a Denver-based emerging curator, the exhibition brings together nearly 50 local artists to exhibit works across multiple RiNo ArtPark exhibition and event spaces. RiNo Art District will also open a new Creative District Welcome Center the same evening, which will serve as a central hub for information about the district’s news and announcements, creative programming, social events and more.
- First Friday vendor registration: August First Friday vendor registration is sold out. September registration is $50 for regular spots (assigned randomly), and $75 for corner spots. Register on the ADSF website.
Art shows opening around Denver this week
“Process Marks”
Opening reception: Friday, July 24, 5 to 9 p.m.; through Aug. 30
Rolo Gallery, 910 Santa Fe Drive
“Process Marks” is a group exhibition featuring the work of Ashton Lacy Jones, Elissa Quist, and Tiffani Erdmanczyk. Although each artist has their own distinct practice and style, the works in the show are united by texture, color and a shared visual language that lets each artist’s work speak to the others in the room. Together, the three bodies of work create a conversation about surface, layering, and the physical marks left behind by material and method.
Summer Exhibition Opening Celebration
Friday, July 24, 7:30 to 10 p.m.
MCA Denver, 1485 Delgany St.
Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art for an opening party of the museum’s summer exhibition, “Colorado Currents,” which brings together recent artworks by 28 artists with ties to Colorado, in the spirit of exploring how Colorado is experienced today. There will be DJ sets, drinks available for purchase and more. The party is included in general museum admission.
“Bottled Up”
Saturday, July 25, 6 to 10 p.m.
Rachel Ralph Gallery, 8345 E. 16th Ave.
“Bottled Up” features works by Jae Mo and Kevin Hennessy, showcasing art inspired by roadside travels across America.
Institute Residential Fellowship Symposium and Reception
Monday, July 27, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Clyfford Still Museum, 1250 Bannock St.
The Clyfford Still Museum hosts a full-day symposium to showcase projects by each Institute Residential Fellow. The 2026 Fellows include Lamees Rahman and Martha Tuttle in studio art; Paul E. Nelson in art writing; Jon M. Wargo in early childhood education; and Kathryn Graddy and Michael White in social enterprise. Registration is free and open to the public.
“Future Archives”
Opening reception: Friday, July 31, 6 to 8 p.m.; through Aug. 29
PlatteForum, 910 Galapago St.
PlatteForum artist-in-residence Erica Rawson’s work is featured in her show “Future Archives,” which was created in collaboration with ArtLab Interns. “Future Archives” is a multidisciplinary art project that invited interns to explore memory, identity, and creativity through analog artmaking as they worked across collage, printmaking and sculpture and transformed personal experiences, family histories, observations, and collected materials into original works of art.
Artwork by Amanda Stavast
“Suspended Beliefs” by Craig Robb and “At Face Value: Icons, Objects, and Attitude” by Amanda Stavast
Opening reception: Friday, July 31, 6 to 9 p.m.; through Aug. 16
Pirate: Contemporary Art, 7130 W. 16th Ave., Lakewood
In “Suspended Beliefs,” Craig Robb presents a body of new sculptures created in his metaphorical style using wood, steel, acrylics and found objects. The show is a reflection of Robb’s experiences and the time we live in. Meanwhile, “At Face Value” by Amanda Stavast is a collection of paintings that mark a bold turn toward pop-driven imagery, where saturated color, recognizable forms, and unapologetic presence lead the conversation. This exhibition showcases work that examines image, identity, and cultural performance through a pop-informed lens.
Artwork by Tatyana Hope
“Mythical Flowers” by Rebecca Yaffe and “Folklorica” by Tatyana Hope
Opens Friday, July 31; through Aug. 16
Next Gallery, 6501 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood
“Mythical Flowers” uses abstract monoprints to imagine flowers that don’t exist in nature, but perhaps could have existed in myth. Each work is named for a lesser-known woman from Greek or Roman mythology. The names are not meant to illustrate the myths themselves, but to suggest personality, temperament and transformation. Meanwhile, “Folklorica” is a celebration of memory, imagination and play inspired by Tatyana Hope’s years as a Waldorf teacher. Created on watercolor paper with a spontaneous, childlike spirit, the drawings invite viewers into abstract worlds where familiar forms begin to emerge.
Ongoing art shows worth a visit
Courtesy of MOA
“Beyond the Western Horizon“
Through July 31
Madden Gallery at Museum of Outdoor Arts, 6331 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, Greenwood Village
Celebrate the “reimagined myth, memory, and the enduring spirit of the American West” with “Beyond the Western Horizon,” an exhibit featuring twenty artists and over fifty artworks depicting aspects of the American West, from people and animals to landscapes, through a variety of mediums. “We’re lucky to live in a state with stunning natural resources, strong light and Western lifestyles stimulating our many talented visual artists,” MOA founder and director Cynthia Madden Leitner says.
Photo by Caroline Hissong, We Don’t Waste
Canstruction Edible Art Gallery
Through the end of July
Cherry Creek Shopping Center, 3000 E. 1st Ave.
Canstruction has turned Cherry Creek Shopping Center into a giant edible art gallery. Eight teams of architects built massive summer-themed sculptures entirely out of canned food. Expect everything from playful, larger-than-life creations like a flamingo pool floatie to intricate architectural designs like a sandcastle. The cans will ultimately be donated to Denver food recovery nonprofit We Don’t Waste.
Photo by Jacob Maness
CPAC’s 2026 Members’ Show
Through Aug. 1
Colorado Photographic Arts Center, 1200 Lincoln Street, Suite 111
CPAC’s 63rd annual juried members’ show is a highly selective survey of the best contemporary photography from Colorado and across the country, showcasing CPAC’s talented community of over 700 members and providing artists with an important exhibition opportunity. Thirty-two members are featured in the exhibit and were selected from a pool of 162 photographers who submitted more than 850 images.
Artwork by Charlie Allen
“RHINO MILK”
Through Aug. 7
The Lab on Santa Fe, 840 Santa Fe Drive
In this rare solo exhibition by an out-of-state artist, Charlie Allen presents his work, and randomness, ridiculousness, humor and funk ensue. The work is as down-to-earth as it is full of intellectual gymnastics.
Art by Ray Carney
“Flipping Scripts 2: An Exhibition of Colorado Curators”
Through Aug. 7
Bitfactory Gallery, 851 Santa Fe Drive
Conceived and curated by Dan Drossman, “Flipping Scripts 2” is meant to celebrate the artistic voice of the people who are integral to Denver’s art scene but not always as visible. Sixteen of them are participating in this group show, representing an impressive selection of creative leaders, including Ray Carney, Michael Dowling, Daisy Fodness-McGowan, Ray Munoz, Eric Nord, Sophia Poppy-Erickson and more.
“Pain & Prosperity”
Through Aug. 2
Pulse Visual Art, 3256 Walnut St.
This solo exhibition featuring the work of Fresh Sam is made up of works on canvas, framed prints, T-shirts, and custom clothing. A fashion designer and wardrobe stylist by trade and founder of the clothing brand Infatué, Fresh Sam will be venturing outside her typical mediums to explore the idea that pain shapes us all. This collection invites the viewer to see pain differently — whether emotional or physical — not as an ending, but as a catalyst for prosperity.
Daniel Salazar
“Accidentally on Purpose – Pasó lo que tenía que pasar”
Through Aug. 9
Museo de las Americas, 861 Santa Fe Drive
“Accidentally on Purpose – Pasó lo que tenía que pasar” is a landmark exhibition celebrating the 50-year artistic journey of Denver Chicano renaissance artists and activists Maruca and Daniel Salazar, featuring animation, film, video, photography, installation, sculpture, and paintings created over the last half century as Maruca and Daniel Salazar chronicled the Chicano movement and the role of art in social change — celebrating their journey of Chicano identity, from Denver’s Northside and across the invisible railroad tracks.
“Rock Paper Scissors”
Through Aug. 9
Friend of a Friend, 3575 Chestnut Place, Suite 112
Featuring artists Leah Dixon (New York), Melanie Flood (Portland), and Sharifa Lafon (Denver), “Rock Paper Scissors” explores the dual role of artist and exhibition organizer, demanding a consistent balance where time spent in one arena almost always takes away from another through a range of sculpture and photography.
“Wasted Days and Wasted Nights”
Through Aug. 15
Leon Gallery, 1112 E. 17th Ave.
This solo show by Denver-born, Long Beach-based artist Mario Zoots is in collaboration with his son, curator Jonas Sanchez, featuring large xeroxed family photos, collages, and an installation piece. The show highlights themes of family, Denver culture and heritage.
Gene Youngmann
Plein Air Buddies Show and Sale
Through Aug. 15
James J. Richey Gallery at Lakewood Civic Center, 480 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood
See 51 paintings created outdoors in Colorado by 17 artists at the Plein Air Buddies show. The Plein Air Buddies group was formed six years ago by several professional artists and educators. Today, the group enjoys each other’s company and discussing the artwork produced as they paint and share ideas. All paintings on display are also for sale.
New exhibitions at 931 Gallery
Through Aug. 16
931 Gallery, 931 Santa Fe Drive
Three new art shows are opening at 931 Gallery. In “Reflections,” Lisa Calzavara exhibits a new contemporary colorful abstract painting series in three parts that explores the visual poetry of water and the emotional landscapes it can hold. In “Strangers I Know,” Gaby Zapien displays new paintings of people she has never met, using photographs found online or in old magazines as reference material. Finally, Denise Demby’s “Out of Square” contains smaller-scale shaped canvases and sculptural mixed-media wall pieces that merge painting with sculptural objects and shadows.
CSU
On the Walls at CSU: Posters from the 1970s
Through Aug. 16
CSU Libraries – Morgan Library, 1201 Center Avenue Mall, Fort Collins
Colorado State University showcases campus life, design and activism through archival posters from the ’70s at Morgan Library. The exhibition features posters, exhibition panels and publications produced at CSU in the 1970s and preserved in the University Archives.
Art by Kris Iltis
“Shades of Blue”
Through Aug. 17
Artist on Santa Fe, 747 Santa Fe Drive
“Shades of Blue” is a group show exploring the emotional and symbolic range of the color blue across paintings, mixed media, textile work, sculpture, functional ceramics, photography and jewelry.
“The Demi-Decade Exhibition (Part 1)”
Through Aug. 17
Galleri Gallery, Meow Wolf Convergence Station, 1338 1st St.
This year will be five years since Convergence Station opened its portal. To celebrate the milestone, the venue is putting on a showcase of artwork by Meow Wolf’s on-site art & scenic, tech and maintenance teams. The exhibition is included with Meow Wolf admission.
“Tilting West”
Through Aug. 23
The Arvada Center Galleries, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada
“Tilting West” is a large-scale group exhibition that re-examines the genre of the American West through a contemporary lens. Blending invited and juried artists from across the region, the exhibition includes 12 invited artists and 102 selected works chosen from 1,555 submissions by 335 artists. This exhibition presents a wide range of perspectives that engage with and challenge the traditions within Western art.
Come Together: 150 years of the Emmanuel
Through Sept. 19
Emmanuel Art Gallery, 1205 10th St. Plaza
One of Denver’s oldest buildings turns 150 this year, and CU Denver is marking the milestone with a new exhibition opening June 18 at the Emmanuel Art Gallery. “Come Together” celebrates the vibrant history of the Emmanuel from its inception as an Episcopal church (1876–93), to its history as a synagogue (1903–58), to its time as an artist studio for Wolfgang and Susan Pogzeba, and since 1976 as the Emmanuel Art Gallery on the Auraria Campus. The exhibition includes the work of twenty artists who are connected to the Emmanuel’s exhibition history, with artworks ranging from the mid-1980s to new works created specifically for “Come Together.” Read our story here.
“Simulacra”
Through Oct. 10
Marie Walsh Sharpe Gallery, 5225 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs
“Simulacra (or, The Persistence of Nature in an Age of Mediation)” considers how the natural world persists when our encounters are increasingly mediated by technology and threatened by ecological collapse. The exhibition features the work of Bill Viola, Etsuko Ichikawa, and Dornith Doherty.
Photo by Chris Rogers
“Cowgirl Hat Ball”
Through January 2027
Denver International Airport, Concourse B, 8500 Peña Blvd.
DIA just got a new art installation, a 10-foot sphere built from over 500 straw cowgirl hats with a smaller companion piece made from 175 miniature hats by Louisville-based artist Terry Maker. “Cowgirl Hat Ball” will be on display in Concord B through January.
BMoCA
Nikki Pike: “YES“
Through November 2027
BMoCA, 1750 13th St., Boulder
“YES” is a large, red steel piece of the word “YES,” Nikki Pike’s potential antidote to xenophobia, both a call to action and a reminder that the affirmative and the welcoming are something as innate to us as our fears. Pike is a Denver-based artist and activist.
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