June means Denver is in full festival season! The Five Points Jazz Festival, The Juneteenth Festival, and many more arts, music, and cultural festivals are kicking off this month.

Here at RedLine, we’re ramping up for two of our most exciting exhibitions of the year: Floyd D. Tunson’s Ascent and the Black Power Tarot exhibitions, opening on June 10th.

Throughout June, our Reach & Resident Artists and Alumni are also hard at work with new solo and group exhibitions, murals, and more. Check out our June art events roundup below — featuring RedLine artists!

Sam Grabowska - “Grossly Affectionate” and Group Exhibition

What: Group exhibition
Where: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art - 1750 13th Street, Boulder, CO 80302
When: June 23 – September 5, 2022

About the exhibition: RedLine Resident Artist Sam Grabowska will be showing their work at the upcoming group exhibition “Grossly Affectionate.”

Grossly Affectionate explores hybridity and challenges binaries, such as human/nonhuman, hard/soft, and organic/synthetic. The seven exhibiting artists play with and push against the possibilities and limitations of their materials. Each artist alludes to or references bodily form, while abstracting its appearance.

As a result, the works evoke interpretations and undertones that reference a body, but are amorphous and oppose definitive categorization. Grossly Affectionate presents the idea that a body can be a host of things: an architectural structure, a virtual space, a landscape, and even a humorous costume.

Artists include: Kate Casanova, Cristóbal Cea, Daisy May Collingridge, Sam Grabowska. Mr. Hanimal, Jennifer Pettus, and Estevan Ruiz.

“Aura” Group Exhibition

What: A partnership between Denver Film x Union Hall x Eriko Tsogo/Hilitehead LLC
Where: Union Hall - 1750 Wewatta St, Suite 144, Denver, CO 80202
When: May 13 – July 9, 2022

About the exhibition: A collaboration between Denver Film and Union Hall, AURA is a prescient to our current moment, as the pandemic is changing how art is being created, seen, and sold. AURA explores the interdisciplinary territory of art and technology – presenting a mix of traditional and experimental art forms that challenge the possibilities of creative innovation to enlist technology as new modes of valuation and expression in cultural production and critique. The artists in this exhibition explore the ways that we live in digital worlds and physical ones, challenging the idea that only “real” objects possess an aura.

About the artist: Sam Grabowska was born to two Polish parents some years ago. As a child, Sam built forts in their backyard. As an adolescent, they found home in marginal spaces like overgrown fields and abandoned smelters. In their 20s they studied film, architecture, and cultural anthropology culminating in two bachelor degrees, a Master's, and a Ph.D. Now, as a recovering academic, Sam works in photography, film, and architectural sculpture exploring the ways in which historically marginalized people find refuge in this odd world. They are particularly interested in the multi-sensory elements of space that can help heal trauma.

Contact: postethotic@gmail.com
Artist website: https://www.manifolding.com/
Instagram: @_manifolding_/

Anna Maria Hernando - “Gardens: Collaborations with Nature” Group Exhibition

What: Group exhibition
Where: Sun Valley Museum of Art - 191 5th St E, Ketchum, ID, 83340
When: June 16 - August 20

About the exhibition: RedLine Resource Artist Ana María Hernando will be exhibiting work at the “Gardens: Collaborations with Nature” exhibition at the Sun Valley Museum of Art this summer.

Through a museum exhibition, classes, tours and film, Gardens: Collaborations with Nature uses the ideas of nature as collaborator, nature as curator and nature managed as lenses through which to view the role of gardens in our lives. How do gardens inspire and express artistic creativity? How do they offer solace and joy, changing our human experience of the natural world? How do flora and human beings work together as partners in the creation of garden spaces?

Participating artists: Ana María Hernando, Katy Stone, Jil Weinstock, and Sarah Jones.

Solo Show at Robischon Gallery

What: Solo show
Where: Robischon Gallery - 1740 Wazee St, Denver, CO, 80202
When: Opening reception Friday, June 24th, 6–8 pm

About the artist: Ana María Hernando is a multidisciplinary artist from Argentina, now based in Colorado. She is interested in making the invisible visible, and devotedly explores the sacred feminine through women's rich histories, their daily lives and relationship to hand-worked textiles and wares. In her installations, Ana María uses textiles in abundance, and includes the work of women from around Latin America, from embroideries of cloistered nuns in Buenos Aires, to the weavings and wares of Peruvian women from the mountains. Ana María was the 2020 Prix Henry Clews in Sculpture awardee chosen by La Napoule Art Foundation.

Contact: ana@anamariahernando.com
Artist website: https://www.anamariahernando.com/
Instagram: @anamariahernandoart

Cherish Marquez - “In Sickness & In Health” Group Exhibition

What: Group Exhibition
Where: McNichols Civic Center Building - 144 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202
When: June 1-June 30, 2022

About the exhibition: Most of us know the saying “in sickness and in health, ‘til death do us part.” This common wedding vow conjures up images of an idealized future between two people and their devotion despite life’s ups and downs. But what else does this phrase indicate? Historically, this pledge has been part of a wedding ceremony for two heterosexual, opposite-gender, able-bodied individuals.

Marriage between lesbian women or gay men was only made legal in the U.S. in 2015, and today it is still very difficult for disabled individuals to get married at all. The promise of “in sickness and in health” takes on new dimensions, however, when we think outside of the social construct of marriage and of what it means for those who cannot or do not marry.

In this exhibition, we bring together works by artists who examine illness, human relationships, and the domestic sphere in order to delve into alternative visions of devotion. The artists explore disability (physical, mental, visible, invisible, etc.) as it impacts people of color and femme, non-binary, and queer bodies in particular, including the historic, ongoing suffering and toll that HIV/AIDS has taken on LGBTQ+ individuals. T

hey also look at the ways that private and gendered spaces become a battleground for promoting an ethos of care where the labor of caretaking must be valued by all. As curators, we are interested in the intersections of disability—and illness in particular—with queer and feminist critiques of marriage, of patriarchy in the home, and of dominant hetero imaginings of domestic space and sexualities. With this exhibition, we want to pose the following questions: What is queer about illness? How can we reimagine devotion outside ableist notions of “normal” bodies? And, how do feminist notions of care intersect with the concept of “chosen families” in LGBTQ+ and crip culture?

Curated by Mary Grace Bernard & Genevieve Waller. Artists include Cherish Marquez, Margeaux Feldman, Michael Espinoza, Matthew Hilyard, Meca'Ayo Cole, Stephanie Lindsey, Jeff Byrd, Paloma Ayala, Mary Grace Bernard, and Genevieve Waller.

About the artist: Cherish Marquez is from a very small town called Sierra Blanca, TX, a place that has been a significant inspiration to the artist's work. As a third-generation native of Sierra Blanca, Texas, the artist's body has been exposed to several personal and political atrocities. Sierra Blanca is located 16 miles from the Mexico border, which means she came into constant contact with border agents for most of her life. She experiments primarily with video games and interactive media that exist in similar spaces within her alternate universe. She has shown in galleries in the past, such as RedLine Contemporary Art Center and Leon Gallery. She completed her MFA in Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver.

Contact: cmarq321@gmail.com
Artist website: http://cherishmarquez.com/ 
Instagram: @cherish.marquez 

Melody Epperson - “Discover the Covered: The Artist Process” Solo Exhibition

What: Solo show
Where: Next Gallery — 6501 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO, 80214
When: June 24-July 10, 2022
Opening reception: Friday, June 24th, 5-10pm MST

About the event: “Most people think creating art is somewhat of a mystery. Discover the Covered: The Artist Process digs into the complex and mysterious thoughts inside the artist’s mind as she prepares for the exhibition. It de-mystifies the process and turns it into the artwork itself. Epperson is somewhat unique in that the process she uses to create work is almost as significant as the work itself. Her creative process begins with curiosity, then research and the discovery of new ideas and finally moving to the studio for the creative act.” 

About the artist: Melody Epperson's artwork focuses on her experience as a woman, both in society and within her own skin. Her creative process is central in her artwork. It starts when she becomes curious about a concept, she then reflects on it or investigates the idea and finally she takes creative action. This is evident in Epperson’s recent body of artwork, where she investigates the interconnection of all living things. In both series’ Epperson investigates the wisdom of nature. We can better understand our own interconnection through their example.

Contact: melodyepperson@me.com
Artist website: www.melodyepperson.com
Instagram: @melody.epperson

“Oh My Stars!” Monthly Zodiac Themed Skate Date

Photo by Maria Levitov. Image of a skater rolling under and through the legs of another skater at Rainbow Dome's Oh My Stars!.

What: Roller Skating Pop Up
Where: RollerDome - 2375 South Delaware Street, Denver, CO 80223
When: June 10, 2022, 2-10 pm MST

About the event: Rainbow Dome’s mission is to offer an alternative to the classic roller rink experience, combining art, community, roller skating, and FUN!

“Oh My Stars!” is a monthly zodiac-themed skate date at the Rollerdome, home of Denver Roller Derby and Rocky Mountain Rollergirls. Every third Friday of the month, this series features pop-up art + roller skating experience! 

Entry is $10 online ($15 at the door) and offers access to an open skating rink from 2pm to 10pm. Free skate rentals (kids sizes - men’s size 14), art installations, photo booth, exclusive merchandise, and local DJs. 

The events will feature Rainbow Dome’s signature attraction, the integration of roller skating with experiential art, inviting attendees to experience custom made art designs and installations. Families welcome, though we ask that children are supervised while skating. The Rainbow Dome is an art project led by Therin Zimmerman and RedLine Alumni artists Frankie Toan and Kate Speer.

For June, the Gemini skate date will also be a special Pride Event, featuring a queer vendor market and pop-up special performances. Oh My Stars! is sober-friendly and family-friendly event.

Learn more: https://www.rainbowdome.com/ 
Contact: skaterainbowdome@gmail.com

Tony Ortega - Community Mural

What: RedLine Resident Artist Alumni
Where: Denver North High School - 2960 Speer Blvd, Denver, CO 80211

RedLine Resident Artist Alumni Tony Ortega worked with Think 360 Arts, Denver North High art teachers, and art students on a community mural.

About the artist: Tony Ortega has been a working artist and teacher for the past 36 years.  He is the recipient of the coveted Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts (1999) and the Mayor's Award for Excellence in the Arts (1998). Tony Ortega’s lifelong goal is to contribute to a better understanding of cultural diversity by addressing the culture, history and experiences of Chicanos/Latinos through his art. His work can be found in the Denver Art Museum, Los Angeles County Museum, and the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center. He has exhibited extensively in the United States, Latin America and other parts of the world. 

Contact: tortegaartist@cs.com
Artist website: www.tonyortega.net
Instagram: @tortegaartist

June Art Events at RedLine

As summer approaches, RedLine enters the final days of our 2021-2022 exhibition program, Afrofuturism + Beyond.

While we’re sad to say goodbye to Afrofuturism + Beyond, we can’t wait for you to experience the powerful and poignant grand finale: Floyd D. Tunson’s Ascent and the Black Power Tarot.

Join us for the opening reception of both exhibitions on June 10th, 6-9pm MST!

Learn more about our June exhibitions >