Director of Visual and Performing Arts

March is a nebulous month at best in Colorado. I have learned not to trust February’s gentler days, because the weather can and will turn on you in a moment, but I have found that once March comes, even Colorado natives’ thoughts turn to spring. As a child, that word suggested many realities, the first being my mother’s zeal for spring cleaning which was usually a three-Saturday sentence.  Then there were the New England spring rains—from mild showers to sudden anxious downpours—but they brought spring flowers to my backyard—tulips, forsythia, and a host of Wordsworth daffodils, which transformed the grey world into a splendid display of yellow.

Best of all, however, was the promise of spring break, which CA enjoys in the third week of March and which many of us start planning on the second of January. For those remaining in the Denver area during this time, there are many artistic experiences to enjoy, whatever the elements provide—enough to afford you a proper Denver week of the arts.

My favorite museum offerings include an exhibit at the Denver Art Museum, entitled, Audacious—Contemporary Artists Speak Out, in town now through May 14. It is a commentary on our relationships with everything from issues of culture to politics and the environment by a number of significant voices in the art world, including Franz Ackerman, Tracey Emin, Brian Alford, Ana Mendieta, and Christo, to name a few. You can also still see the "Star Wars" exhibit as well, if you have not already done so. So much is kid-friendly at this museum, and you can spend a good portion of your day here.

While in the neighborhood, you might swing over to the Clyfford Still Museum and see 60 of Still’s mature abstract works, including those he did later in life, a number of which have never before been on public view. In conjunction with Swedish designer, Louise Kugelberg, curator Julian Schnabel reverses the order in which visitors usually pass through the gallery. If this is your first visit to this gem of a museum, watch the film and browse through the reading material. Both are well worth your time.

On the theater scope this week is Constellations, by English playwright Nick Payne at Curious Theater, a romance and exploration of  whether a single word can alter the course of your life. Kinky Boots, the musical, is at the Buell, based upon the 2005 British Film by the same name. Also, on Friday, March 24, you can catch the Colorado Symphony Orchestra in A Symphonic Tribute to Comic Con at the Boettcher Concert Hall that will transport you to Gotham City, featuring your favorite music from the movies, television, and video games. Continuing on the music front, Augustana Arts, on March 17, will present Cead Mile Failte, or, One Hundred Thousand Welcomes. The Colorado Women’s and Men’s Chorales will perform with St. Mary’s College Women’s Chorale in a special St. Patrick’s Day concert for the entire family at Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver.

In dance, while only a preview of their upcoming work, Divisions, on March 28 is Teaser, Episode #13 by the truly wonderful Wonderbound Company of dance. Set to the music of Denver’s platinum-winning group, the Flobots, this piece promises to be yet another exciting piece of dance by this innovative company. This performance is early—6:30 p.m. at the Wonderbound Studio on Park Ave. West in Denver. Also, a little before spring break, you might want to see Colorado Ballet’s spring performance of Attitude on Santa Fe on March 10 and 11, featuring two new ballets. These take place at the Colorado Ballet Black Box Theater on Santa Fe Drive, Denver. Check out the website for details.

There is a much to do, and this is just a start. Check out children’s hands-on art opportunities, spring break camps, a plethora of galleries and just being part of the Denver experience. Notable leader in the contemporary art world, Damien Hirst, says that art survives through its effect on others. So just think, by participating, you are doing a public service. May we all be affected by the goodness of Art, whatever form it takes, as we spring ahead this March. Happy break, and may your daffodils be bountiful!