Core New Art Space member Lola Montejo grew up in Madrid during the heady '80s, when the urban center blossomed culturally after years of censorship under the Franco dictatorship. "My grandmother once told me that she was not even allowed to have a typewriter," Montejo remembers. "During that time of new freedom, people really explored a lot of the possibilities in art, fashion, architecture, moviemaking -- just all across the board."

Under the umbrella of La Movida Madrilena, that post-Franco cultural shift influenced her to become the artist that she is today. Montejo's abstract paintings, which express shades of such Spanish influences as Picasso and Miro, will officially be on display in a solo show at Core from January 5 through 22. But tonight's early-bird reception will be like a New Year's Eve trip back in time, with Spanish tapas, red wine and the bright disco music all of Spain was listening to at the time. "I'm hoping that people really enjoy the night and get a feel for what that spirit was," she says.

Join Montejo from 5 to 10 p.m. at Core, 900 Santa Fe Drive; admission is free. For information, visit www.corenewartspace.com or call 303-297-8428.
Sat., Dec. 31, 5-10 p.m., 2011