MetroSpective

Homegrown 'Effect' Spotlights Alums

The upcoming exhibit "Metro Effect" combines a wide range of talent from previous Metro art students.

For the first time in 15 years, Metro Alumni will combine their efforts to produce an art show that highlights their post-graduate work. The exhibition will include the latest artwork from 26 graduates, all who attended Metro over the past 25 years.

The event is being showcased at The Center for Visual Arts, Metro's outlet for contemporary visual art. The Center is a non-profit organization that depends on private donations, volunteer efforts and federal funding.

Dedicated to the Denver area, the Center for the Visual Arts has earned several awards and remains committed to multicultural promotion and educational events.

Over 20,000 people visit the CVU annually to attend a variety of workshops, lectures, and exhibitions.

Among the artists featured at Metro Effect is Chuck Middlekauff, who graduated from Metro's art program in 1982. Several of his pieces were selected by the juror board to be displayed at the exhibition.

Middlekauff currently resides in Austin, Texas and had not returned to the Denver area prior to this show.

The artist's pieces are watercolor on paper and acrylic on canvas with subject matter typically deemed as American nostalgic.

His work focuses on objects that may be overlooked in daily life and is displayed in an entertaining format.

Middlekauff's work is on display in numerous galleries around the country. His influences range drastically from previous instructors to David Dornan, Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol. Middlekauff said his education at Metro prepared him for his professional career by creating a strong work ethic that he took with him after college. The general courses the artist took allowed him to progress in the real world as a well-rounded and knowledgeable person. Instruction from professors such as Craig Marshall Smith helped evolve Middlekauff's skills as a professional artist.

He said he was surprised after graduation when he realized that the art world requires you to be a businessperson as well as a creator.

Middlekauff said, "You can't predict what will be popular and what everyone will buy. You have to paint for yourself, your vision; follow your heart. That's true art ... saying something about who you are and how you see the world and life."

His advice to aspiring artists is to not take themselves too seriously and to be realistic, flexible and to understand that change is a good thing.

Middlekauff said remembering what is important in life while pursuing success in the field is important.

Middlekauff looks forward to seeing fellow artists' work at the Metro Alumni exhibit-artwork that doesn't follow trends and gives the audience a new and interesting perspective.

The Metro Effect show highlights the best work of alumni artists from Metro. A reception celebrating the show's opening is scheduled for Sept. 15.

The general public may attend from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., while center members are allowed to enter one hour earlier.

Admission to the exhibit is free to the public.

The Metro Alumni Exhibition continues through Oct. 29 at the Center for the Visual Arts, located at 1734 Wazee St. in LoDo.

CVU can be reached at (303) 294-5207. Business hours are Tuesday - Friday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday noon - 5 p.m.