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.
Opening Reception
April 3, 6-8pm
Join CVA for a collective celebration of emerging artists and designers at the opening reception of the Spring 2026 BFA Thesis Exhibition. This culminating showcase features 27 graduating MSU Denver students whose work spans jewelry, interactive assemblage, zines, and more—each piece reflecting bold research and deeply personal perspectives. Together, these artists examine identity, perception, and the social forces that shape our realities, inviting viewers to consider whose stories are seen, centered, or overlooked. Join us for an evening of conversation, curiosity, and creative exploration. Free and open to everyone.
VASD Lecture
with Liz Nielsen
Wednesday, April 8 at 5:30 PM
Liz Nielsen is a New York-based artist known for her vivid photograms, or “light paintings,” which are created in the darkroom without a camera. Her work has been exhibited internationally and featured in Artforum, The New Yorker, The Financial Times, and The New York Times.
Free and Open to the Public
Visiting Artist, Scholar, Designer Lectures
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.
Crafty Action Society
Wednesday, April , 5:30-8pm
MAKE ART WHILE MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Use your art and craft skills to address social justice issues. Through Crafty Action Society you will:
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Craft in community
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Connect with local orgs activating their efforts toward social justice
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Learn from artists already creating for activism
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Gain access to art + craft materials
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Develop new techniques
Tickets are available on a sliding scale from $10 – $40, with proceeds benefiting community orgs and CVA’s teen program.
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!
