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

August 15
CVA Member Preview: 5:30-6pm
Public Reception: 6-8pm
Join CVA to celebrate the extraordinary work of artists featured in the Dance of Resistance exhibition. Enjoy a first look at the artwork along with light refreshments and music by DJ duo Bass N Boujee.
This event is free. Please register before attending.
Artist Talk with Preetika Rajgariah

Preetika Rajgariah, Warrior 1, 2, 3, 4, 2023
September 11, 6-7:30pm
Preetika Rajgariah is a multidisciplinary artist whose works examine the complicated intersections of cultural + queer identity, nostalgia, and capitalist consumption while referencing her traditional upbringing as an Indian born, Texas raised American. She has been in residence at the Momentary, Oxbow, ACRE, Vermont Studio Center, and the School of Visual Arts NYC, and she has exhibited and performed in spaces such as Material Art Fair in Mexico City, Untitled Miami Basel, the Asia Society Texas Center, Roots & Culture and the Donnelley Foundation in Chicago, the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts and SOMArts in San Francisco, Women & Their Work in Austin, and Diverseworks Houston. She received her MFA from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and currently lives and works in Houston, TX.
This event is free but space is limited, please RSVP before attending.
Culture Club

September 17, 6-8pm
An art-making happy hour where we learn new techniques in community with other creatives. Join us at the Center for Visual Art where we will look to the artwork and mediums found in CVA’s Dance of Resistance exhibition for inspiration. All artistic levels welcome.
Tickets required.
CVA Members – $15
General Public – $20
Dance Performance

Hagudeza Rullán-Fantuazzi, THEYSAYTHEYKNEW (video still), 2021
October 24, 7:30pm
Join the MSU Denver Dance Program and Center for Visual Art for an interdisciplinary performance inspired by the exhibition Dance of Resistance. The performance will take place amongst the artwork in the CVA galleries. Student performers will explore the themes presented in the exhibition through choreographed movement and dance.
This event is free but space is limited, please RSVP before attending.
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!
VASD Lecture

Visiting Artist, Scholar, Designer Lecture
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 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.