In this Issue
Meet Donors Christine Ekman & Joe Zell
Christine Ekman and Joe Zell have been longtime patrons of arts and culture in Denver, including Kirkland Museum. This year, they deepened their investment. We caught up with them to talk about why they support the Museum and how the salon style display impacts their view of art. “The salon style … allows you to see art as something in your own life, in your own home,” they shared.
Take a Last Look: Dave Yūst exhibition closes October 1
Don’t miss your chance to see this retrospective of longtime Colorado artist and educator Dave Yūst. The exhibition, Evidence of Gravity & Other Works, includes Yūst’s most recent works as well as paintings, prints and posters by the artist from Kirkland Museum’s permanent collection.
This Fall, Design Takes Center Stage at Eat, Drink, Sit
Vance Kirkland once said, “If I am going to eat off of something, drink out of something, or sit in something, it is going to be great design.” Join us for a sensory salon series, where we will spotlight the contributions of three female designers, often in the shadow of more famous men – designers Mary Wright, Grete Marks and Charlotte Perriand.
An object from each designer will be paired with an experience matching the month’s theme in a salon format that our Museum namesake enjoyed when hosting friends. Join us October 11 to Eat, November 8 to Drink and December 13 to Sit. Attend one event or the entire series – member tickets are $50 for one evening or $125 for all three.
Save the Date for the Member Soiree
Wednesday, October 25: Member Evening Soiree
We so appreciate your support – join us for a night exclusively for members to celebrate and thank you!
Undercover Stories: Lionel Geiger Counter
If you’ve seen the new film “Oppenheimer,” you’ll recall the eerie crackling of a Geiger counter, which measures and detects radiation. The movie follows physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man behind the Manhattan Project and the creation of the first atomic bomb. You can experience a bit of that history here at Kirkland Museum, as we have our very own Geiger counter!
The CDV-700 (Model 6b) Geiger counter, manufactured by Lionel Electronic Laboratories in 1962, is on display in Vance Kirkland’s Studio Workroom. Find the Geiger counter during your next visit!
These counters became popular in households for personal use during the Cold War and again after 9/11. The clicks warn of radiation in the atmosphere – clicking 10 times per minute is normal; clicking 100 times per minute is not. The maker of our Geiger counter was better known for making toy trains but entered the industry with the purchase of Anton Electronics’ Laboratories.
Becca Goodrum’s Visit across the Pond Makes News
Our staff understands how impactful a visit to a museum can be. So, when our Curatorial Associate Becca Goodrum was wowed by a visit to Dorman Museum in Middlesbrough, England, she shared how meaningful the experience was—and her note about seeing the Christopher Dresser collection there made news! “Thank goodness Dorman Museum exists to keep and protect these treasures,” Goodrum shared in a thank you note that was published by the Teesside Gazette.
Goodrum has studied Dresser, who is considered the first industrial designer. Kirkland Museum has 24 of Dresser’s designs in its collection, including Three Panel Screen, created from wood and lincrusta by Dresser in 1880. Lincrusta Walton, named for its inventor Frederick Walton, is a heavy paper soaked with linseed oil and embossed with an allover pattern. It was popular in the late 19th century because it was more durable than other options as well as waterproof. Dresser created some of the first patterns utilizing Lincrusta.
What’s In Store: Signed Coasters from Dave Yūst
Take a piece of Dave Yūst’s exhibition home with you. The artist has signed sets of coasters featuring the vibrant colors of his Chromaxiologic series (on display through October 1). There are two sets of four coasters to choose from, each available in limited quantities.
Purchase in-store or online – members always receive 10% off their purchases!
Free for Members: Watch (or Rewatch) Past Museum Lectures
Exclusively for members, you can access recordings from our recent educational programming.
Kirkland in the News
See the latest mentions of Kirkland Museum in the media:
Support Our Mission
Thank you to the following businesses who provided in-kind support for Dave Yūst: Evidence of Gravity & Other Works
Interested in 2024 sponsorship opportunities?
We’d love to talk to you about how we can partner to celebrate and support arts and culture. To start the conversation, contact us at [email protected].
Meet Donors Christine Ekman & Joe Zell
Full Story
Christine Ekman and Joe Zell have been longtime patrons of arts and culture in Denver, including Kirkland Museum. This year, they deepened their investment. We caught up with them to talk about why they support the Museum and how the salon style display impacts their view of art. “The salon style … allows you to see art as something in your own life, in your own home,” they shared.
How long have you been a supporter of Kirkland Museum?
Well, we gauge everything by the pandemic, so let’s say pre-pandemic, although it was not too long after the new building opened.
Why do you choose to support Kirkland Museum?
We like to support the arts where we live and travel. Kirkland Museum is such a Colorado museum, Vance Kirkland taught at the University of Denver, Hugh Grant is a Colorado treasure for many reasons, including his love of the arts, and Kirkland Museum has the largest collection of Colorado artists of any Museum. It’s just a fantastic organization.
Why has it been important to you to increase your support this year?
We like the concept of “find your own Calcutta,” something attributed to Mother Theresa. Find ways to support your own community. The idea of supporting Kirkland Museum financially allows us to build our connection to the community and allows the community to gather in a setting that encourages new relationships.
What was your first impression of the Museum?
The yellow tile on the exterior says something fun is happening in the building. We of course love the salon style and the story of moving the Vance Kirkland studio to the new location. It’s an experience to just walk through the building.
What do you like best about the Museum?
The salon style that [Interim Associate Museum Director & Deputy Curator] Chris Herron and [Founding Director & Curator] Hugh Grant have created allows you to see art as something in your own life, in your own home. Many museums have art that can only be shown in a museum. Kirkland Museum always displays art in a manner that is relatable for anyone who has walls, and of course shelves.
Do you have any advice or recommendations for folks to make the most of a visit to Kirkland Museum?
As a member you receive notifications of special events, which are always so well done. It’s also a museum that you can stop in and spend 20 minutes just absorbing the atmosphere and feel inspired or spend two hours and feel like you have a better understanding of the 20th century.