FEATURING THE TALENTED AND DIVERSE COLORADO ARTISTS!

In the front gallery the first impression is of the diversity of textures in this group show called “What Was What Is” curated by 931 Gallery Member Janine Thornton. Arranged around the front and central gallery are grids in welded steel, ceramic wall installations, tufted wall art, some abstract paintings and illustrative imagery such as a carousel horse or a tumbling cowboy. When one begins to look closer, there seems to be a sense of both nostalgia and tragedy. Bone-like imagery such as the hand tufted works (Glittery Meat Body ) by Eli West brings to mind the cartoonish works of Philip Guston. On the grid of steel welded boxes by Julie Jablonski are words like “prowler, intruder, destiny” making one think of artist Jenny Holzer. Disbursed throughout the gallery are bright colored collage encaustic pieces showing carousel imagery by Leah Swenson. They seem reminiscent until you look a little closer. Then as you begin to move through the gallery you arrive at an unassuming framed embroidered message by Manda Remmen quietly asking for your attention saying “Do not mistake silence for complacency”.

Further through the gallery you will notice the work of curator Janine Thornton with her mixed media wall works “Memories Driving Through the Prairies” and the mysterious green earthy paintings by Tricia Vitrano in a reference of her homeland in Ireland.

Memories Driving Through The Prairies by Janine Thornton

It is evident that the work with its nostalgic icons is satirical and is deeply concerned about the world today. A question of the contrast between our memories and reality which proves to be mysterious, endearing and sometimes disturbing.

On the way into the back gallery, a tall grey scaled geometric drawing hangs like a portal to a castle. Hanging about 6 feet tall in shades of grey it guides the way to a solo body of work called “Resonant Echoes” by 931 Artist Member Jude Barton. The works are an arrangement of larger and smaller scale pieces using the predominant visual language of geometry set off in the context of color washes ranging from subtle to vibrant. The precision of rigid lines and forms and the vibration of color invite the viewer to pause and experience the expansiveness of the work acting as a catalyst for thought and reflection.

In both cases the shows unite in essence to ask the viewer to pause for exploration. To lean into their humanity and find common experience.

The show runs until September 28, 2025 and works can be viewed by appointment.

Free parking is available in the district.

A CONTEMPORARY COLORADO ART COLLECTION FOR VIEWING THROUGH THIS WEEKEND