Time is running out to see Becoming Van Gogh, an in-depth exploration of Vincent van Gogh’s unconventional path to becoming one of the world’s most recognizable artists. The exhibition, which examines critical steps

in the largely self-taught artist’s evolution, includes more than 70 paintings and drawings by Van Gogh along with works by artists he responded to. Becoming Van Gogh is on view at the Denver Art Museum (DAM) through January 20 in a world-exclusive engagement.

Due to high demand, the DAM has further expanded the hours of Becoming Van Gogh during the holiday season, staying open until 9 p.m. most nights, New Year’s Eve and Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until midnight January 18–20. Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended to assure entry.

Timed and dated tickets are required; tickets are available on-site, online at www.vangoghdenver.com or over the phone by calling 720-865-5120 or 720-913-0130. A service fee will be added to tickets booked over the phone. Tickets to Becoming Van Gogh include general admission.

Please plan for $5 pay-on-entry parking in the Cultural Center Parking Garage on weekends through January 20.

During expanded hours, the entire Hamilton Building will remain open for visitors to enjoy, including the 40-year retrospective El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa, on view through January 6. The North Building will close at the regularly scheduled time except January 18–20, when it will stay open late with the Hamilton Building.

 

Paint Studio and Weekend Artist Demonstrations

In the Paint Studio, visitors can dive into the creative process and explore assorted techniques and mediums, see tools used by artists and photographs of their workspaces, play with paint or contribute to a larger-than-life masterpiece. Each weekend local artists will demonstrate different painting techniques in a variety of mediums. Free with general admission; no reservations are required.

Weekend Demonstrations in January, noon–3 p.m.

Sharon Rouse: Watercolor Painting — January 5 and 6, 12 and 13

Molly Brown: Painting Maps with Watercolors — January 19 and 20, 26 and 27

 

Conversation with Curator: Looking for Van Gogh in the Permanent Collection

January 4, 4–5 p.m.

Conversations with Curators feature lively discussions with different curators on the first Friday of every month. In January, join curator Timothy J. Standring as he gives further context to the incredible achievements of Van Gogh by shedding light on works by other French masters. Free with general admission; no reservations are required. Meet on level six of the North Building. For information, call 720-913-0130.

 

Becoming Van Gogh: The Roots of His Trademark Style

January 8, 6–7 p.m.

The seeds of Van Gogh’s signature style—gathered in Paris in 1886 and 1887—took root and saw full flower in Provence in 1888.  Professor Judy Sund will discuss the process by which a transplanted Dutch provincial merged aspects of French Impressionist, post-Impressionist and japoniste art to become Van Gogh. Tickets are $5 for students, $8 for DAM members, $10 for others. Sponsored by the Department of Painting and Sculpture.

 

Artist-in-Residence: Walt Pourier

Weekend workshops January 5 and 6, 19 and 20

Walt Pourier is the DAM’s Artist-in-Residence for December and January. A graphic designer who creates his images for skateboards, he will be working on-site on and off during museum hours in the North Building’s level three studio in the American Indian art galleries. Meet Walt and work with him at two public weekend workshops in January. Free with general admission; no reservations are required.

 

Decades: An Expanded Context for Western American Art, 1900-1940

January 9, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

This symposium by the DAM’s Petrie Institute of Western American Art explores western American art within the context of decades, presenting a more dynamic and rich perspective. Four prominent American art scholars will examine western American art alongside concurrent events in American art and history, revealing interesting—and often surprising—intersections between western American art, American history, and the larger canon of American art.  Tickets are $25 student, $55 DAM member, $65 others. Doors open at 9 a.m. Space is limited, and reservations are required. For details, call 720-913-0025, or e-mail western@denverartmuseum.org. The annual symposium is funded by the Petrie Institute of Western American Endowment Fund and the Al and Gerri Cohen Lecture Fund. Media sponsor is Western Art Collector.

 

Laura Letinsky Lecture

January 23, 7–8:30 p.m.

Laura Letinsky’s photography has evolved from studies in melancholy and absence to subtle, yet surprising, explorations of perception, color and space. Wavering between flatness and volume, her photographs contain

mysteries that challenge viewers to keep looking and asking questions about how we see. Laura Letinsky: Still Life Photographs, 1997–2012, on view through March 24, 2013, traces the paths Letinsky followed in her work from the late 1990s until today. Join Laura for a conversation about her work. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $8 students and DAM volunteers, $12 DAMC members and artists, $15 DAM members, $18 others. Sponsored by DAM Contemporaries, a DAM support group, and the Photography Department.

 

Untitled Returns with Untitled #53 (Aftermath)

January 25, 6–10 p.m.

The 2013 season of Untitled kicks off with a look at artistic ending points and cultural consequences.  The program will celebrate the photography exhibition Laura Letinsky: Still Life Photographs, 1997–2012, and turn the focus on food and its impact on the new world in the Spanish colonial collections. Untitled is included with general admission to the museum, which is two-for-one with valid student ID during the event. Cash bar. Untitled is sponsored by Macy’s Foundation and made possible by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Catering provided by Kevin Taylor.

 

Winter Break: Just Add Color

December 22–January 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

With school out, stop by to join in Van Gogh-inspired activities, play with color on an interactive family tour, participate in creating a family music and art concert and craft your very own artist’s portfolio to collect and store all your creations. General admission is free for kids 18 and under during Winter Break. For more information, call 720-913-0130 or e-mail familyprograms@denverartmuseum.org.

 

Create Playdate: Bundle

January 9, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Drop in with your little ones aged 3 to 5 and meet up with other tots and their grownups for art-making and story time in the galleries. Free with general admission; children 5 and under are always free. Reservations are not required. For more information, call 720-913-0130 or e-mail familyprograms@denverartmuseum.org.

 

CelebrARTE: ¡Carnaval!

January 20, 1–4 p.m.

¡Bienvenidos al CelebrARTE! Bring toda la familia and drop in anytime to DAM’s monthly, bilingual program. Celebrate Carnaval—one of Latin America’s most vibrant holidays.  Prepare for the parade, Brazilian style.  Make your costume in the Taller (artist’s workshop), and then show it off with some samba moves. All CelebrARTE activities are included with general admission; no reservations are required. Find the fiesta throughout the DAM. For more information, call 720-913-0054 or e-mail msalazar@denverartmuseum.org.

 

Free First Saturday

January 5, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

On the first Saturday of every month, you can enjoy the museum’s art collections and non-ticketed exhibitions without spending a dime! Free general admission tickets are available on-site starting at 10 a.m. A special exhibition ticket is required for Becoming Van Gogh. Free First Saturdays are sponsored by Target and made possible by the citizens who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).

 

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