The Emmanuel Gallery has a storied history in Denver’s downtown. Occupying the first religious structure built by US and European settlers in the State, the gallery’s landmark 1876 building was an Episcopal chapel before it became a Jewish synagogue in the early 1900s. In 1973, the Emmanuel became an art gallery situated at the nexus of three college and university campuses. Since then, hundreds of artists have exhibited here in solo and group exhibitions. It has been nearly 20 years since the Emmanuel hosted this important local spotlight. Nearly 1000 submissions were received by artists working in 64 cities across Colorado.

In the end, 50 artworks by 40 artists were selected. Together they reveal the multiplicity of artistic practices and concerns of makers across the state, as well as the burgeoning cultural and ethnic diversity of Colorado’s population and the Auraria campus. Made in Colorado is presented in two downtown locations: in the upper and lower galleries of the Emmanuel and at Gallery 808 in the Santa Fe Street gallery district. At the Emmanuel, artists explore portraiture through aspects of cultural and personal identity. Landscape is another important subject as artists here examine humanity’s relationship to the natural world and also consider our impact on the environment.

Jurors: Cameron Gainer and Olga Viso
This exhibition is generously sponsored by The College of Arts and Media at CU Denver with support from Audi of Denver.