February 15 – March 12

“In the beginning was the word . . .”
But what if you were unable to read it? As an artist who is dyslexic, I explore the worlds of illegibility and inaccessibility. I see my work as a visual branch of semiotics – the theory and study of signs and symbols. Eric McGehearty.

Opening Reception – Friday, February 19, 6–8pm
First Friday Reception – Friday, March 5, 6–9pm
Eric will be with us here in the gallery on First Friday.

In the studio – Artwork from the Eye2Eye program
In partnership with Project Eye2Eye and University of Denver

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January 15 – February 13, 2010

Artist Reception - Friday, January 15, 2010
First Friday Reception - Friday, February 5, 2010

An exhibit of imaginative and at times fabled perspectives of the landscape that parallel the transformative process and examination of nature. Two Colorado photographers share in their perilous journeys of survival and wisdom.

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It is hard to believe another year is winding down. We have had a tremendous year here at Access Gallery and I wanted to share some of the highlights from the year. In spite of the economy we are still here and going strong.

This year marked our 30th year as an organization serving people with disabilities through the arts. This year alone more than 15,000 people visited the gallery, more than 2000 people took a class or a workshop with us and another 500 kids with disabilities participated in one of our school based projects.

Clearly, the economy has not helped us in our cause but as an arts organization our creativity and resourcefulness have helped us survive. We have come up with some rather creative pairings through the year including having a group of graffiti artists work with a group of people with Alzheimer’s. With the help of a New Orleans artist displaced by Katrina, the teens in our summer program created a public art project for a community garden here in Denver.

Our hope is to continue offering our innovative programs to people with disabilities in Colorado. In this very special time of year we ask if you would take a moment to help us continue our mission.

Please consider our efforts this holiday and make a donation. Gifts of any size are appreciated and are tax deductable.

Thank you for all your support.
Sincerely,
Damon McLeese
Executive Director

A $20 gift will support a scholarship for an adult to attend an 8 week session of VSAC Community Class.
A $30 your gift will help purchase supplies for the All Kids can create program supporting children and families in our neighborhood.
Gifts of $50 to $250 will support our Artists in Residency programs throughout the state.
Gifts of $500 and above will sustain a full range of VSA programming!!

Please donate today.

On Dec 4, Access Gallery will be having a preview of the show from 4-9pm, along with works by AJ Kiel.

And the actual event got so big, we couldnt have it our space!

So on Friday, Dec 11, starting a 6pm, join us at Andenken Gallery located at 2990 Larimer St, Denver.

They will be auctioning off decks designed by over 200 local artists and designers on Friday December 11, 2009, starting at 6pm. Proceeds benefit two youth-focused design and arts charities, VSA Arts of Colorado’s Access Gallery (thats us!) & Youth Design Denver.

Bordo Bello has organized mentorship teams between established local designers and artists, and students from high schools and colleges in the Colorado area. The boards created by these partnerships will be included in the auction as well as many individual artist’s works.

Tickets can be purchased at the Bordo Bello web site for $15 before the event and $20 at the door. Boards start at $25.

Everyone who comes will be entered to win a collection of door prizes like a comp ticket to the HOW design conference, a 4-pack of rafting tickets, 4-pack of Loveland ski area tickets, Veer Merchandise, A Positiv Skateboard, and a whole lot more! The evening will be filled with sick entertainment including live graffiti by West High School Mural Club, music provided by ArtistRoster.com, and a live skate demo from the BC Surf & Sport Colorado Skate Team. Drinks will be provided by Amp Energy Drinks, Izze sodas, and beer will be $2.

You ready to join us? RSVP HERE.

The Opening night of our “Close Your Eyes, Open Your Mind,”  Tactile exhibit was a great success.  There was lots of wonderful art, entertainment and food!!  Thanks so much to Eddie, Chad, Buna the wonderful sponsors, the artist and everyone else who made this event a huge success!

Remember if you did not make it down this past Friday, please be sure to come down on our First Friday, November 6th from five to nine in the evening.  The fun will be happening all over again!!!!  For more information, call us at 303/777-0797.

Please see the gallery of images from the opening night here.

A tactile exhibit that invites you to do just that…

The show runs from October 16th through November 20th 2009.
During the show individuals can experience unique tactile art, the work of famous artists, delicious exotic Indian food, interactive art experiences, fun educational events and live entertainment.

Events Include:

Opening Night Celebration“Masked Ball” – Friday, October 16th, 5:00pm to 8:30pm. Food generously donated by Little India and Namaste Restaurant.  Special musical guest: Eric Woods and entertainer Tom Anderson as Louis Braille will be on hand to lighten up the evening.

Family Art Day – Saturday, October 31st, 11:00am to 1:00pm. Make your own tactile art, Ann Cunningham, author and nationally known tactile artist, will lead this fun and educational workshop.  Free and open to the public.

The First Friday Art Walk - November 6th, 6pm to 9:00pm. Food generously provided by Star of India and The Royal India Restaurants.  Special musical guest: Eric woods and entertainer Tom Anderson will be on hand to lighten up the evening.  Also canes and sleep shades will be available for participants to experience the artwork in this manner.

Careers in the Arts Brown Bag Event – October 28th, 12:00pm to 1:30pm. Join us for this insightful workshop on learning how to use the arts to move into a new career or just free yourself with the arts as your vehicle.

Closing Reception – November 20th, 6:00 to 8:00pm. Come join us one last time and enjoy the art and entertainment.

Special Highlights:

Many amazing tactile artist will be exhibiting their work including  two internationally known artists - Michael Naranjo and Esref Armagan. Michael is a celebrated sculpture who has honed his skills to the point where he can assess through touch alone whether his pieces have movement, composition, balance and flow.  Esref, with his unique genius, represents space with ease, and his paintings are full of color, light and perspective.

We will spotlight the US Mint limited edition Louis Braille commemorative coin in recognition of his development of the Braille system of reading and writing.

With this show, we are striving to increase awareness around the issues that people face who are blind or have visual impairment, showcase and celebrate the power and ability of these individuals and demonstrate how other art organizations and businesses can be more accessible for people who are blind or visually impaired.

All events will take place at The Access Gallery, located in the heart of Denver’s hottest art district on 909 Santa Fe Drive, with easy access from the bus stop and the light rail. For more information, please call 303/777-0797 or check out our web site at: www.accessgallery.org

Look forward to seeing you there!

This project would not be possible if it were not for our generous sponsors:

The Colorado Center for the Blind is a world-renowned training center for people who are blind.  Established in 1988, the Colorado Center, located in Littleton, has provided innovative teaching techniques and philosophy that continues to have far-reaching effects on the lives of blind people, taking them to new heights of independence.  To learn more call 303/778-1130.

The National Federation of the Blind of Denver is governed by the philosophy that states, “With proper training and opportunity, blind people can compete on terms of equality with their sighted peers”.  They strive to make this a reality. To learn more contact Brent Batron at 303/778-1130.

Sensational Books: Ann Cunningham, author, illustrator and nationally known tactile artist, who creates multi-sensory reading and tactile art experiences.  This includes, “Sadie Can Count,” a children’s book that promotes sensory integration and diversity awareness for all.  To learn more please visit www.sensationalbooks.com

Worley Enterprises: Worley Enterprises, the WE team has more than one hundred employees providing high quality foodservice to our United State soldiers. 75% of the management and labor of the WE team are persons with disabilities. They proudly build opportunity through service to others with thanks to the National Federation of the Blind.  To learn more please visit http://www.worleyenterprises.biz

Dynamic Buna, Inc.: Buna Dahal, a dynamic employment trainer, motivational speaker, and leadership strategist.  She is an expert with over 10 years of teaching individuals and businesses how to think in innovative and strategic way to not only survive but to thrive in the business world of today.  Please check out her website at www.dynamicbuna.com or call at 303/758-1232

Quiet Mind: Is a company providing the nutritional supplement Quiet Mind.  This is a remarkable combination of high quality plant and metallic minerals, vitamins and amino acids.  The formula is designed to provide essential ingredients, furnished through nutritional supplements that may support healthy central nervous systems and balanced moods.  To learn more please contact 303/794-5672 or go to their website at www.quietminds.com

JL Applied Technologies: JL Applied Technologies is a web design company specializing in accessible site design. We were founded in February 2009. We pride our selves on being able to design the most accessible, screen reader friendly, and overall user-friendly websites! We can handle any project, no matter how big or small; anything from personal blogs to enterprise class sites. We believe in quality, not quantity! For more information, please contact Jeremy Lincicome. Phone: 303-539-9377 | Email: admin@jlappliedtechnologies.com | Website: http://jlappliedtechnologies.com

Community Connect Trade Association (CCTA): is an association of business owners and professionals who trade products and services with each other for in an organized system, and through the medium of Community Connect Trade Dollars.  CCTA members increase sales, decrease expenses and increase net profit by doing business with each other.  CCTA is committed to extending economic benefits to citizens and the community at large.  To learn more call 303/945-2444 or visit their website: http://communityconnecttrade.com/

Greenberg Traurig is an international law firm with more than 1,750 attorneys and governmental affairs professionals in 32 locations across the United States and in Europe and Asia. GT was selected as the 2007 USA Law Firm of the Year by Chambers and Partners. We help clients bridge diverse legal systems and cultures, with a focus on efficient, effective strategic advice and legal services. Our multidisciplinary team includes senior lawyers who have been the chief legal officers at major multinational companies and have spent years solving real-world problems in the business, political and legal arenas. For additional information, please visit www.gtlaw.com.

The Purple Door Studios, founded by Madeline Wiener in 1989, is a stone carving studio.  Unique, often monumental sculpture is created with a variety of power tools in an industrial yet creative setting.   Sculptors include: Mark Brodie, Kathi Caricof, Edy Cherniack, Mike Clapper, Vanessa Clarke, Steve Dorrian, Greg Spitzer, Ryszard, Tom Wermers, Josh Wiener, Madeline Wiener, and furniture-maker Phil Mann.  The studio is located at 1335 35th Street, in Denver, Colorado. See some of the work done by Purple Door here.

LABARRE LAW OFFICES, P.C. specializes in employment law, disability rights, Social Security appeals, Randolph-Sheppard Act law, estate planning, and some business law. Scott Labarre is active in national, state and local bar associations through his service in many roles. To learn more please contact LaBarre Law offices, 303/504-5979.

These four wonderful and well-known restaurants serving some of the finest Indian and Nepalese cuisine in Colorado have generously donated their wonderful food to be served at our openings.  These include:

Star of India: located at 3102 S. Parker Road, in Aurora, 303/755-1921
Royal India: located 1550 Colorado Blvd, Denver, 303/758-9099
Little India: located at 1533 Champa St, Denver, 303/629-5777
Namaste Day Restaurant: located at 3355 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Lakewood, 720/963-4005

Poster by David Jensen and Zephan HuBert

Main Gallery – Giving Voice

AIGA Reception – Thursday August 20 – 6:00 pm
First Friday Reception – September 4 – 6:00-9:00pm
A collaborative project of Access Gallery and AIGA Colorado featuring the collaborative posters designed by teens in our summer program working with professional graphic designers from AIGA. Also showing “Funky Birdhouses” created by our teens and artist in residence Ryan Ballard.

See some of the work and team pairings in our photo gallery.

Studio Gallery – Street2Studio

Meet the Artist Reception – Friday August 21 – 6:00 pm, special guest “Killing Fields”
Our Street2Studio a showcase of our summer fellowship project the studio artists showcase their portfolio projects including posters they have designed and a new twist on an old favorite.

Poster by Bimmer Torres

What I Thought I Saw will be up for one more month by popular demand.

What I Thought I Saw will now be shown through August 8, 2009.  This show has been so very well received we have decided to extend the show for one more month.

About the Show - Since 2006, two writers and two photographers have collaborated on this evolving book project and exhibit. The concept for what I thought I saw originated when photographer Kim Silcox kept noticing how people feared sharing truths about themselves because they anticipated negative perceptions and http://www.whatIthoughtIsaw.com/judgments. “This is crazy,” she thought, “no one is actually getting to know the real person.” One by one, each collaborator was drawn to this project both for the challenge of capturing the essence of another’s life as well as the fascination with the wiles of our judgments, so often sneaking up behind us and laying a hand over our eyes.

Photographers – Kim Silcox and Sasha Pola
Writers — Amy Albo and Peta Owens-Listo

To learn more visit the What I thought I Saw  at www.whatIthoughtIsaw.com

In the Studio - ONE WORD a selection of artwork from our teen summer program.

Artist Reception - Friday July 17 from 6-8    Special Musical Guest Patrcia (PS) Saldarriaga will be performing pieces from her upcoming CD - “Step Lightly”

First Friday Reception - August 7, 2009 from 6-9.

Sponsored by The Edmund T. and Elenor Quick Foundation

Support for this exhibit generously provided by

April 17 – Community Connect Networking Preview Party,  5-9pm
April 24 – Meet the Artist Reception, 6-10pm
May 1 – First Friday Reception, 6-9pm
May 2 - Family Art Day: 10am – 2pm, Design Your Own Art Hat. $10 donation
In the Studio – Josiah Lee Lopez
We asked ourselves what do you get when you give graffiti artists a different medium to work with? We got our answer through the “Outside the Wall Exhibit”.  Twenty artists under the age of 21 were given a canvas and the challenge to think “outside the wall”. We are pleased to show the results in the Gallery – one of these creations will be selected and will be recreated on a legal wall.

Pushing the theme a bit further we decided to see what some of our other artists could do by thinking outside the wall. Our friends at 2Kool productions took the challenge and invited some friends to think Outside the Wall.

Meet the artist night sponsored by 2Kool Productions featuring:
Killing Fields – Break Dance    Alexandra and Kofi – Spoken Word
Shanghai Sally – Rock Band    Goodknight – Hip hop
Chairs: Ryan Ballard, Ratha Sok, Bimmer Torres, Khundy, Uzi Buzgalo