50 APRIL 6-12, 2023 westword.com WESTWORD | MUSIC & VENUES | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | SHOPPING & SERVICES | CONTENTS | tutions, including the famed Caribou Ranch studio and musicians such as John Denver, Judy Collins, Dan Fogelberg, Dianne Reeves and more. Be sure to also check out the Red Rocks Performers Hall of Fame in the Visi- tor Center at the top of the amphitheater for another awe-inspiring glimpse into the venue’s storied past. Best Museum for Locals Museo de las Americas 861 Santa Fe Drive 303-571-4401 museo.org Denver is rich in Latino history and owes much of its cultural fabric to that commu- nity, so what better way to get to know your city than to visit a museum that celebrates Latin American art? Whether it’s a First Friday in the Art District on Santa Fe or just a casual Saturday afternoon, the Museo is the place to see and learn about phenom- enal Latin American art, from ancient to folk to contemporary. The nonprofi t gal- lery mounts up to fi ve exhibitions a year; its current display, Colombia: The Corn, the River and the Grave, open through August 19, explores how Colombian traditions are clashing with current confl icts around its natural resources. Best Museum Shop Denver Art Museum 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway 720-865-5000 denverartmuseum.org Most of the time, you go to the Denver Art Museum to explore its widespread, awe- some collection of art spanning centuries of creation. Other times, though, you could just be stopping in to purchase a present from the gift shop, because the DAM’s store is perfect for perusing when you aren’t sure what to get someone. There’s something for everyone here, including puzzles, books, posters, jewelry, sculptures, pins, mugs, shape-shifting toys, clothing, housewares and more. Need to buy something for some- one who seemingly has everything? This is your one-stop shop for kids and adults alike. Best Celebrity Welcome at a Museum Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum 7711 East Academy Boulevard 303-360-5360 Ready for takeoff? Wings Over the Rockies is full of cool artifacts, both historic and futuristic, that celebrate space and provide an ideal escape for technocrats and other geeks. But those who like to stay more grounded will fi nd plenty of amusement opportunities here, too, including a great gift shop and an introductory video by none other than Harrison Ford. Best New Art Space/ Gallery The Medusa Collective 7140 Hooker Street, Westminster themedusacollective.com The Medusa Collective opened in Janu- ary 2022 and has been mounting stunning exhibitions that showcase local artists ever since. Created by artists Amanda Wolf and Gina Ilczyszyn, Medusa is more than a gal- lery; it also has nine private studios for art- ists to rent, as well as an area dedicated to workshops. The next workshop will take place in May with visionary artist Emily Kell, who will lead a class on creating tal- ismans. Opening nights for Medusa exhibi- tions, which sometimes include live music and fi re performers, are always memorable. Best New Private Gallery/ Event Space Ant Life 2150 Market Street antlife.space What would you do after spending 999 days riding around the world on a bicycle? Jacob Lemanski took a hit of acid and de- cided to show the world his art: enormous, psychedelic ant farms. A former engineer, Lemanski used his savings to create Ant Life, a private event space that doubles as a gallery for his beloved ant farms as well as his other art, which includes lumines- cent light spaces, tapestries he calls “space screens,” clothing, beanbags and more. Lemanski has kept the spot booked and busy, hosting everything from wedding re- ceptions to psychedelic mushroom events. He hopes to make Ant Life an established brand, and given that Colorado has legal- ized several psychedelics, he could well be on his way. Best Museum of Iconic Colorado Artists Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art 1201 Bannock Street 303-832-8576 kirklandmuseum.org Founded by director and curator Hugh Grant in 1996 and opened to the public twenty years ago, the Kirkland Museum isn’t just dedicated to its namesake, art- ist Vance Kirkland, but also to artworks by Colorado artists from multiple major movements, many of whom were contem- poraries of Kirkland’s. Everything here fl ows together seamlessly, given that the museum’s layout is similar to a living space or series of salons. Here you’ll fi nd highly creative sculpture, paintings, drawings, ce- ramics, fi ber art, furniture and more. The entire collection, which also includes inter- national works of decorative art, is worth a visit any time, but the current exhibition, Vance Kirkland’s Cosmos, which includes a never-before-seen collection from the infl uential artist, is a must-see before it closes on May 28. Best Photography Gallery Gallery 6 918 West 8th Avenue 303-408-3486 denversartdistrict.org/gallery-6 Gallery 6 had quite the year in 2022, mov- ing from its East Sixth Avenue venue on the edge of Cherry Creek to the heart of the Art District on Santa Fe, where it’s had a hearty reception since reopening in May. The space is far larger than the gallery’s previous digs, providing ample room for photography from Arts and Entertainment continued from page 48 continued on page 52 VAIL, COLORADO FREE TO SPECTATE | MOUNTAINGAMES.COM JUNE 8–11, 2023 ®
