Denver Art In One Day - Page 5
Fifth Stop: “Denver's Most Interesting Museum?” –The Denver Post
Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
www.kirklandmuseum.org
1311 Pearl St., Denver
303-832-8576
Admission: Adults: $7, Students/Seniors: $6
After exiting DAM, head east on 13th St., past the Colorado History Museum and up the hill towards Pearl St. On the corner of 13th and Pearl is the former studio of one of Denver’s important painters, abstract expressionist Vance Kirkland (1904-1981). Kirkland lived and painted in the city for more than 50 years, creating a world-renowned body of work, and in the process becoming a bona fide Mile High City icon.
The museum that bears Vance’s name is by no means the biggest art museum in Denver – but size isn’t everything. Virtually every inch of the walls and floors here are covered in eye-catching art and very cool mid-century modernist furnishings. A handy tip – once you’ve made your way through the museum, go back to the beginning and start again. You’re sure to see new, amazing stuff you missed the first time around. Of particular interest is the room devoted to Colorado artists from the 20th century, featuring pieces from some of the state’s greatest creative minds. Kirkland’s own distinctive and colorful pieces are of course well represented, including work from all phases of his career.