Metro State’s Center for Visual Art (CVA) has pulled off a major coup in Denver’s art scene.

The center will host the Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Prints and Objects exhibition Aug. 29 through Nov. 1, with private viewings Aug. 21-28 during the Democratic National Convention.

This exclusive exhibition of original works by these world-renowned artists has not been seen in the United States since 1992. With 30 pieces having been added, the collection now boasts 130 works.

The exhibition includes a Sept. 18 public lecture by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, which they are presenting as a gift to the CVA, and a VIP reception with the artists. The exhibition and Sept. 18 lecture are free and open to the public. (To register for the event and receive lecture tickets go to http://www.metrostatecva.org/.)

"The Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Prints and Objects exhibition is an example of how the CVA works to mirror Denver's diverse community,” said CVA Curator/Director Jennifer Garner. “We stage eye-opening exhibitions by provocative artists who are accessible to people from the city's many diverse backgrounds and cultures.”

Christo and Jeanne Claude are planning their "Over the River" installation, slated for 2012 in Colorado’s Arkansas River Valley.

Progress being made toward purchase of the CVA building
The timing of the exhibition and related events is expected to present unique and exciting opportunities for Metro State as it strives to raise the estimated $2 million needed to purchase and renovate the building at 1734 Wazee St. that houses the CVA and its adjacent gallery.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s exhibition and VIP reception appearance will help raise funds through private donations and facility rental fees, particularly during the Democratic National Convention.

In May of 2006, the Board of Trustees voted to sign a three-year lease with the option to buy the building so that the CVA can increase its educational and community programming space.

“In 2010, the CVA will celebrate its 20th anniversary by reaching its goal of establishing a permanent community legacy dedicated to art and education," said President Stephen Jordan. "Our $2 million goal will allow us to expand and grow our responsibility of providing underserved populations access to world-class exhibits and artists."

Progress toward achieving the goal is well underway. In December, the CVA received a lead $425,000 challenge grant from the Boettcher Foundation (see http://www.mscd.edu/~collcom/artman/publish/cva_twv5121207.shtml).

At the College’s first “tri-board retreat” in March, members of Metro State’s three boards – trustees, foundation and alumni association – gathered with faculty and senior staff to discuss, among other key initiatives, the CVA purchase. Marilee Utter was named the Foundation Board lead on the CVA initiative (see http://www.mscd.edu/~collcom/artman/publish/ia_twv5050308.shtml).

“Our efforts in raising funds for the purchase of the CVA align with the College’s strategic goals,” said Vice President of Institutional Advancement Carrie Besnette. “The CVA’s literal presence in lower downtown strengthens Metro State’s connection to the city and its role as an urban land grant institution.”

Besnette said the facility rental fees and naming rights are additional components of the fundraising effort. Levels of support and lead-gift naming opportunities range from $5,000 to $750,000.

For more information, contact Assistant Vice President of Development Maureen McKenna at 303-556-5158 or mmckenn8@mscd.edu.