Press Releases:
July 2008
METROPOLITAN STATE COLLEGE of DENVERMetro State Center for Visual Art announces purchase and legacy initiative
(Denver, CO)- Metropolitan State College of Denver's Center for Visual Art (CVA) will host the Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Prints and Objects exhibition Aug. 29 through Nov. 1 (with private showing opportunities Aug. 21 through 28 during the Democratic National Convention).
The exhibition includes a Sept. 18 public lecture, which the artists are presenting as a gift to the CVA, and a VIP reception with the artists. This exclusive exhibition of original works has not been seen in the United States since 1992 and with 30 pieces having recently been added, the collection boasts 130 works.
The timing of this exhibition, along with a visit and series of events by these world-renowned artists on Sept. 18, will present unique and exciting opportunities for the College, the community, the state, and for the artists as they plan their "Over the River" installation, slated for 2012 in the Arkansas River Valley.
For nearly two decades, Metro State has been leasing the space in lower downtown Denver that houses the CVA. Due to a long-time partnership and relationship with the current owners, the College now has the option to purchase the space. By raising an estimated $2 million in private donations, the College plans to purchase and renovate the building and its adjacent gallery, which will allow the CVA, located at1734 Wazee St., to increase educational and community programming space.
With a strong commitment from Metro State's President Stephan Jordan, Board of Trustees and Foundation Board, the CVA has received a lead $425,000 challenge grant from the Boettcher Foundation. "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 Jordan.
"Over the last decade, it's clear the CVA has served as an important component to Colorado's preeminent art programs," said 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," he added.
"The Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Prints and Objects exhibition is an example of how the CVA works to mirror Denver's diverse community. We stage eye-opening exhibitions by provocative artists who are accessible to people from the city's many diverse backgrounds and cultures," said CVA Director/Curator Jennifer Garner.
With additional support, the CVA plans to extend its Art Outreach program to more at-risk communities. This program embodies Metro State's "urban land grant" mission of bringing solutions to urban problems through higher education, experiential learning and community programs that result in economic development, accessible culture resources and social cohesion.
Metro State is the only public higher education program to maintain accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Currently 950 art majors enjoy instruction from art faculty with diverse and creative backgrounds.
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
The exhibition and Sept. 18 lecture are free and open to the public. For information about lecture tickets visit www.metrostatecva.org.
With more than 21,000 students, Metro State has the second-largest undergraduate student population in Colorado. In addition, more than 300,000 people from surrounding communities have taken courses at Metro State for career advancement and personal enrichment. It is one of three institutions that share the Auraria Campus in Downtown Denver, where one-fifth of all college students at Colorado's public institutions study.
METROPOLITAN STATE COLLEGE of DENVER
Metro State Skyline Park Series “Countdown to the 2008 Democratic National Convention” Calendar of Events
What: A seven-part lecture series featuring Metro State faculty and honored guests sharing their perspectives on the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. For detail calendar listing, see below or visit www. http://www.mscd.edu/dnc/skyline.shtml for a PDF.
Where: Skyline Park (16th Street Mall at Arapahoe Street in downtown Denver)
When: Every Wednesday, July 9-Aug. 13, 2008, with a Sept. 10 post-convention wrap-up.
Noon-1 p.m. All lectures are free and open to the public.
CALENDAR
Wednesday, July 9
“Celebrate the 1908 DNC—Then and Now”
A kick-off musical and theatrical presentation to celebrate Denver’s commitment to historic preservation and commemorate the100th anniversary of the 1908 Democratic National Convention held in Denver. The Denver Municipal Band’s Brass Quintet will perform musical pieces originally composed for the1908 DNC, such as “Democratic Fun,” the “Denver Auditorium March,” and presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan’s theme song, “Pickles and Peppers.” Performers from Auraria Casa Mayan Heritage Inc. will reenact speeches heard at the 1908 DNC from Mayor Robert W. Speer and candidate Bryan. Political memorabilia, including reproductions of posters, campaign buttons and books from the 1908 convention will be on display.
Wednesday, July 16
“Images of Women in 1908”: Based on historical research from the Rocky Mountain News, Metro State Professor of History Laura McCall will present images of women from the 1908 Democratic National Convention in Denver, including the first female delegates to participate in a national convention.
Wednesday, July 23
“The Long Road to Freedom: The Issue of Race at the 1908 Democratic National Convention”: Metro State Associate Professor of History and African/African American Studies Jacqueline McLeod and Metro State Chair/Professor of Political Science Robert Hazan will discuss the dynamics of African American freedom beginning with Republican Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, to the commemoration of Juneteenth, and onward to the 2008 Denver Democratic National Convention.
Wednesday, July 30
“Mayor Speer’s Denver—An Historic Walking Tour”: Metro State visiting instructor of history Kevin E. Rucker will lead an hour-long historic walking tour and discuss the 1908 Democratic National Convention, Mayor Robert Speer and the City Beautiful Movement at the turn of the 20th Century. The tour will include the Denver City Auditorium, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and conclude on Larimer Square—the birthplace of that braggart gold camp, Denver City.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
“Coverage of Global Issues and the Group of Eight (G8) at the DNC”: Metro State Chair and Professor of Political Science Robert Hazan will discuss the major global issues that will be covered at the DNC subsequent to the Group of Eight (G8) Summit held July 7-9 in Japan. Topics will include environment and climate change; development and Africa; world economy; political issues, such as non-proliferation; the war in Iraq; and the global war against terror.
Wednesday, Aug.13
“The Not-So-Simple Act of Voting”: Metro State Professor of Political Science Norman Provizer and Metro State Assistant Professor of Political Science Lance S. Denning will lead a panel discussion offering perspectives on “the not-so-simple act of voting” through examination of the role of political parties and the American system of elections, political psychology and political behavior; and leadership and electoral choice.
Wednesday, Sept. 10
“Post-Convention Follow-up and Evaluation—What Comes Next?”: Metro State Political Science Professors Robert Hazan and Norman Provizer, along with Metro State President Stephen Jordan, will moderate a discussion evaluating the 2008 Democratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention and what the outcomes mean for the election, now that the nominees are official.
To learn more about the series, contact Angelia McGowan at 303-501-0752.
METROPOLITAN STATE COLLEGE of DENVER
Peer pressure leads to fun at summer science scholar program
Overland High School senior BiTani Hailu, 17, used to be stressed and anxious in math class even though she earned good grades. But thanks to the Summer Science Scholars program at Metropolitan State College of Denver, now she’s multiplying her love of math and subtracting the stress.
Led by Math Professor Larry Johnson and Biology Professor Doug Petcoff, the program was developed more than six years ago primarily for junior and senior high school students. The two-week program demonstrates hands-on science and mathematics activities, aimed at helping students develop better reasoning skills in those areas. Twenty students from various high schools around the Denver metro area are participating this summer.
Improved knowledge in these areas will increase their chances of going into engineering and science fields where critical industry shortages will provide career opportunities in the near future. According to futurist Jay J. Jamrog, 43 percent of the U.S. civilian labor force will be eligible to retire in the next decade. This includes Baby Boomers who will be leaving major voids in specialized industries such as engineering. Part of the long-term solution to these industry shortages is to promote careers in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics.
For Johnson, working with the students is very important. “We’re on a mission to try to help students get into careers by getting college degrees.”
For the students, the experience has turned anxiety about math into excitement. “My grades were good, but I had to study more,” says Hailu, whose ultimate goal is to become a cardiac surgeon. “I participated last year because my friends were doing it and we were paid $20 a day. But I realized at the beginning of the semester last year how it helped to refresh my memory.”
She’s back at Metro State for a second year to participate in the program which ends Friday, July 18. The students are on campus 8:30-noon each day.
To learn more about the program contact Angelia McGowan at 303-501-0752.
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