XI ZHANG "SELFIES" FEATURED IN THE UPCOMING DAVA EXHIBITION "TEXT" MAY 16 - JUNE 28TH

TEXT is an exhibition that explores communications systems across time and cultures.  Through text and images, DAVA youth explored past and current ways of messaging, culminating in stories described through a variety of print/3d media.  Works by guest artists Rick Griffith, Joel Swanson and Plus Gallery's Xi Zhang add different approaches.

After examining the history of communication, DAVA middle school age students used typewriters, texting abbreviations, stop motion and digital animation to tell stories. Younger students inscribed personal stories with drawings and words on hand built clay stelae, drawn selfies, ideograms, and words on wood panels. Visitors will also be able to write messages using ceramic emoticons to share their impressions during the exhibit.

Guest designer Rick Griffith introduced the concepts of typography and communication to DAVA students.  A selection of Griffith's prints created with the letterpress will be included in the exhibition. Xi Zhang's series of paintings represents people takingselfies within traditional settings, mixing old and new. In his digital media pieces, Joel Swanson uses abstract shapes to communicate through Braille and keyboard keys.

DAVA will host an Opening Reception on Friday May 16th from 4 - 7:30 pm
with a spoken word performance by Molina Speaks at 4:30 pm

Exhibition open from May 16 to June 28, 2014

Gallery Hours: Monday to Friday: 10 am- 5pm or by appointment

DAVA is located at 1405 Florence St., one block south of Colfax Avenue in the Aurora Cultural Arts District

For more information, please call DAVA at 303 367 5886 or visit www.davarts.org

OHHECKYEAH PROJECT ALMOST READY TO LAUNCH IN DOWNTOWN DENVER! DOCENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR SUMMERTIME FUN

By now you may have already heard about "OhHeckYeah," the progressive concept that brings gaming to the streets of Denver with opportunities for the public to interact with the Denver Theatre Districts massive LED screens in a new and exciting way. The project received a major ArtPlace America grant last year, and has been driving forward ever since in anticipation of the launch on June 7th and continuing on select evenings through July 26th.

Check out the trailer for "Catchy," the first official OhHeckYeah video game that will debut at this summer's street arcade:

https://vimeo.com/93886700

And mastermind of OhHeckYeah Brian Corrigan is looking for docents to help support the project throughout it's run.  Brian is a terrific guy, one of the smartest and sweetest creatives we've ever met, so this is a great opportunity to help out with a groundbreaking project in Denver. Anyone that is interested in helping or finding out more can contact docent manager Blair at volunteer@ohheckyeah.com and the sooner the better.

PLUS GALLERY EXTENDS HOURS FOR FIRST FRIDAY, MAY 2nd KRISTIN STRANSKY 3D PRINT DEMONSTRATION AND ARTIST TALK HELD @ 4PM ON SATURDAY MAY 3rd

Plus Gallery will remain open till 8pm this evening for First Friday.  Our current exhibition "common / myth" featuring interactive works by Kristin Stransky, is now on view and a thrilling experience for anyone that loves to explore the possibilities within contemporary art.  Stransky was profiled this week by Susan Froyd for Westword's ongoing series "100 Colorado Creatives," read her responses including what inspires her at:

http://blogs.westword.com/

Stransky and Plus Gallery are also featured in this week's print-edition of Westword in the Night and Day section for tomorrow afternoon's first-ever 3D print demonstration.  Stransky utilizes this new technology in fascinating ways throughout the works on view in "common / myth," so it's a tremendous opportunity for everyone to see more about the practical applications of this technology.

Stransky's recent history as an artist has included various applications of "wearable" art, and her exhibition is also an opportunity to pick up her unique new line of jewelry that utilizes 3D printed elements in an exciting capacity.  Included in the line are earrings, necklaces, brooches and bracelets, all ranging between $20 - $100.

DENVER POST RANKS TOP TEN COMMERCIAL GALLERIES ON SUNDAY PLUS GALLERY CLOCKS IN AT No. 4

Plus Gallery is very proud and appreciative to have been noted as the 4th best art gallery in Denver by art critic Ray Mark Rinaldi in last Sunday's Denver Post. Competition in Denver is extreme in what is undoubtedly one of the most surging art scenes in the nation, and the quality much higher than the majority of the world, or even the city itself, tends to acknowledge. Over the course of the last two years since taking over the position of art critic for the Post, Rinaldi has developed a level of understanding and overall engagement for Denver's contemporary scene that is robust and informative. We are particularly proud for his take on Plus Gallery as "....the most adventurous gallery in town..." and "....a crucial showplace for new art in Denver."

Read the full report here:

http://www.denverpost.com/

PLUS GALLERY OWNER IVAR ZEILE TO SPEAK AT CPAC PANEL FRIDAY, MAY 9th @ 6:30pm

The Colorado Photographic Art Center is currently featuring the exhibition "Constructing Images Post-Photography," featuring recent works by Plus Gallery artist Milton Croissant III, Denver artist Libby Barbee and Kansas Cities Anthony Babb.  On Friday, May 9th the CPAC will host an opportunity to get more involved in the discussion around the changing currents in contemporary art and how artists are developing new applications influenced by photography.  Plus Gallery owner Ivar Zeile will be standing in for Croissant at the panel discussion, which starts at 6pm, sharing his knowledge and passion in the digital realm and recent trends that are setting a new and exciting stage for contemporary art, and the fascinating dialogue surrounding them.  This event is $5 for members and students, and $8 for general guests who sign up in advance of May 9th, and otherwise $8 / $12 respectively at the door.

For more info visit http://cpacphoto.org

SAVE THE DATE NO1: MAY 29th

For the return to Denver of one of our most beloved, respected and collected artists, Xi Zhang and his latest solo exhibition "BONE"

SAVE THE DATE NO2: JUNE 13th

Friday Flash returns to the corner of 14th and Champa with a brand new, spectacular collection of digital animation and motion-based artworks.  More details for what's on tap to follow later this month.