Events at CVA
CVA offers artist talks, tours, lectures, workshops, classes and much more to foster a deeper understanding of the work we have on view. Most programs are free to attend and open to all. Subscribe to CVA Happenings, our monthly newsletter, to stay in the know about our latest offerings.
Future Landscapes and Lithography
Paul Acevedo Gomez, El Mexican Thinker, 2023
with Paul Acevedo Gomez, Celina Jara Tovar, and Emily Moyer
Tuesday, February 17th 6-8pm
Join us for a mini exhibition tour and conversational artist talks with lithographers Paul Acevedo Gomez, Celina Jara Tovar, and Emily Moyer. We will wrap up with process highlights from each artist and a live stone-lithography printing demo with Paul Acevedo Gomez.
This event is hosted in conjunction with the Futures: 528.0 Regional Printmaking Exhibition on view through March 21 at CVA. It is presented in partnership with Denver’s Month of Printmaking.
Tickets are available with a suggested donation of $10.
Crafty Action Society
Wednesday, March 18, 5:30-8pm
Crafty Action Society is a way to bring people together to learn from local organizations working for social change and to do so through “craftivism“- using creative expression to cultivate awareness and spread their message. February 18 is the 1st session in this monthly series and will be a PechaKucha (Japanese for chit-chat) style presentation from local activists about how your creativity can help their cause. After the PechaKucha we’ll bring out the craft supplies and create an action plan for the coming months. We’ll explore techniques from quilting and embroidery to stenciling, collage, and papier-mâché ensuring activities are accessible to beginners and more advanced makers alike.
Through this program, we are raising money for the organization that we are hosting and our own teen internship program. But no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Tickets are available on a sliding scale from $10 – $40 which will also cover supplies, snacks, and the assistance of our teaching staff.
Tetrapak Printing with Faith Williams Drysten
Faith Williams Dyrsten, Almond with Blue Orchard Bee (Osmia lignaria), 2025
Thursday, February 26, 6-8:30pm
Join us at 6:00pm for a short talk with artist Faith Williams Dyrsten about her work. The 2-hour, hands-on workshop will begin at 6:30pm where participants will explore TetraPak printmaking by transforming everyday food packaging into printing plates. You’ll learn how to engrave lines and shapes, add highlights and texture, and use a printing press to create at least one finished print. This process is similar to traditional drypoint printmaking, with an eco-friendly twist that emphasizes reuse and experimentation. No prior printmaking experience is necessary—just curiosity and a willingness to get inky.
This event is hosted in conjunction with the Futures: 528.0 Regional Printmaking Exhibition on view through March 21 at CVA. It is presented in partnership with Denver’s Month of Printmaking.
Tickets are $40 for CVA members and $50 for non-members. Participation is limited to 15 people.
Paste & Print: Collagraph Printing Workshop
Virginia Diaz Saiki, Fardo Funerario / Semilla, 2024
with Virginia Diaz Saiki
Thursday, March 12 6-8:30pm
Collagraph is a versatile printmaking technique that uses everyday textured materials glued onto a plate to create richly layered images. Join artist Virginia Diaz Saiki and explore how to build your own printing plates, experiment with textures and inking methods, and create unique, expressive prints. No previous printmaking experience required.
This event is hosted in conjunction with the Futures: 528.0 Regional Printmaking Exhibition on view through March 21 at CVA. It is presented in partnership with Denver’s Month of Printmaking.
Tickets are $40 for CVA members and $50 for non-members. Participation is limited to 10 people.
First Fridays
Art District on Santa Fe First Friday Art Walk
First Friday of every month, 6-8pm
The First Friday Art Walks are the signature event of Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe. All year round, rain or shine, the District comes alive on the first Friday of each month as thousands of visitors descend upon Santa Fe Drive to view art from hundreds of artists in galleries, studios, co-ops, upstairs, downstairs, in alleys, on the street—everywhere!
On First Fridays, CVA always has something fun happening, whether it’s vendors and cultural partners in the parking lot, fantastic exhibitions in the galleries, or art-making activities in the classroom, there’s something for everyone!
VASD Lecture
Visiting Artist, Scholar, Designer Lecture
The Visiting Artist, Scholar & Designer Program fosters participation and collaboration with both the institution and the MSU Denver community. An integral part of MSU Denver Department of Art’s mission, the Visiting Artist, Designer & Scholar Program is an invaluable resource for students, faculty, and the community. The program is an interdisciplinary and culturally inclusive initiative, bringing nationally and internationally renowned artists, designers, and scholars to engage with the Department of Art. All lectures are free and open to the public and take place at the Center for Visual Art.
