Narratives Beyon Words
Clara Sherwin, Mae Pina, Jeanell Gordon-Jonour, Emily Mendua, and Alexander Sorrels
BFA Senior Exhibition: Narrative Beyond Words featuring artwork by BFA Studio Art senior's Clara Sherwin, Mae Pina, Jeanell Gordon-Jonuor, Emily Mendus, and Alexander Sorrels
May 2nd - May 26th, 2022
Opening Reception:
Friday, May 6, 2022
5:00-8:00pm
Growing Pains
Brynley Foster, Dahlia Jimenez, Evangelina Diaz, and Taliacyn Childs 
BFA Senior Exhibition: Moments featuring artwork by BFA Studio Art senior's Brynley Foster, Dahilia Jimenez, Taliacyn Childs, and Evagenlina Diaz.
March 28 - April 28, 2022
Opening Reception:
Friday, April 1, 2022
5:00-8:00pm
Moments
Verda Ferrell, Roper Moreno, haxter Haywood, Adiran Rodriguez, and Yan Kong 
BFA Senior Exhibition: Moments featuring artwork by BFA Studio Art senior's Verda Ferrell, Roper Moreno, Thaxter Haywood, Adrian Rodriguez, and Yan Kong.
February 28 - March 24, 2022
Opening Reception:
Friday, March 4, 2022
5:00-8:00pm
Araan Schmidt: Lines and Landscapes 
Araan Schmidt's works explores ideas centered on markers of time, brief moments of description, ritual of being and site context related in the histories of a place. There is a dialogue between the man-made histories of forgotten mining communities in the Colorado Rockies as well as the geological histories for the landscapes they existed in. Erosion lines, ore veins, mining trails, and abandon wilderness roadways are linear fascinations that manifest themselves within the expressive cast metal sculptures in the exhibition.
Opening reception:
Friday, February, 4, 2022
5:00-8:00pm
Exhibition Dates:
January 31, 2022 – February 25, 2022
Neecy Twinem: Stiching Stories 
Opening reception:
Friday, December 3, 2021
5:00-8:00pm
Exhibition Dates:
December 3, 2021 – January 28, 2022
Diana Baumbach 
Diana Baumbach's creative work is rooted in the act of manual labor and daily practice. She explores intersections between art, craft, and everyday life.
The use of patterns is a hallmark in her work, and she works with material through a repetitive process involving piercing, punching, stitching, and folding. Baumbach is currently an associate professor and foundations coordinator at the University of Wyoming where she has lived for the past fourteen years. She received two Visual Art Fellowships from them Wyoming Arts Council (2015, 2021) after receiving the Honorable Mention three times (2011, 2013, 2014).
Opening reception:
Friday, October 1
5:00-8:00pm
Exhibition Dates:
September 27 – November 19, 2021
CO Show: Brad Vetter @ 437C0
Opening reception:
Friday, September 3, 2021
5:00-8:00pm
Exhibition Dates:
August 3 - September 24, 2021
Annual CMU Alumni Exhibition FOUND
Opening reception: Friday, July 2, 2021, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Exhibition Dates:
July 1 - July 30, 2021
Annual "NEXT" Highschool Juried Show
Opening reception: Friday, June 4, 2021 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Exhibition Dates:
May 12 - June 24, 2021
The 437co art gallery at Colorado Mesa University invites you to the upcoming 1st Annual Juried High School Art Exhibition “NEXT”. The exhibition was open to high school students in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. The exhibit presents two-dimensional, three-dimensional, Graphic Design, Animation, and photography.
In an effort to expose young artists to the professional world of art, the Juried High School Art Exhibition offers students an early opportunity to experience art competitions and learn how to properly exhibit their work.
Juror for the exhibition is Suzie Garner, Graphic Design Artist and Art & Design Department Head.
Unconventional: BFA Candidate Exhibition featuring artwork by Kaleb Castleton, Benjamin Costello, and Janae File.
Opening reception: Friday, April 16, 2021, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Reception will be by invite only due to COVID restrictions.
Exhibition Dates:
April 12 - 30, 2021
Kaleb Castleton, Benjamin Costello, and Janae File will present paintings, sculptures, and multi-media works (including audiovisuals) in their BFA candidate exhibition.
Kaleb Castleton's painting investigates the nature of liminality as he works to disrupt and push viewers to accept that not every situation has a clear resolution.
Benjamin Costello creates sculptures that convey messages he wishes to communicate. He desires to create today so that tomorrow, he can create wham he desires.
Janae File's installation work utilizes props and music videos to create particular moods and ideas through lyrics, patterns, and textures.
Classified Perceptions: BFA Candidate Exhibition featuring artwork by Kellianne Copeland, Kayla France, and Ayden Geertsen.
Opening reception: Friday, March 26th, 2021, 5:00pm-8:00pm
Reception will be by invite only due to COVID restrictions.
Exhibition Dates:
March 22 - April 8, 2021
Kellianne Copeland, Kayla France, and Ayden Geertsen will present ceramics, sculptures, and painting in their BFA candidate exhibition.
Kellianne Copeland's functional ceramics focuses on the traditional ideals of femininity by exploring contemporary attire and clothing today.
Kayla France's sculptures focus on her internal/external journey to find her true identity.
Ayden R. Geertsen's paintings focus on her efforts to find a collective and distinctive visual code within a unique human experience.
Idyosyncratic: BFA Candidate Exhibition featuring artwork by Jacintha Turner, Sierra Brundage, and Jessica Hernandez
Opening Reception will be by invite only due to COVID restrictions.
Exhibition Dates:
March 1 - 18, 2021
Jessica Hernandez, Jacintha Turner, and Sierra Brundage Studio Art BFA candidate will present ceramics, sculptures, and paintings in their gallery exhibition.
Jessica Hernandez focuses on her connection to nature by creating biomorphic ceramic sculpture inspired by oceanic textures and lifeforms.
Jacintha Turner's sculptures explore fading memories of toys played with as a child.
Sirra Brundage's painting and printmaking focuses on hope in times of darkness and a balance of tranquility and discomfort, control and chaos, isolation and escape.
Through the Viewfinder: CMU Photography Students
February 1-25, 2021
The Colorado Mesa University 437CO Art Gallery presents Through the Viewfinder, an exhibition featuring work by CMU photography students. This exhibition will present digital images along with traditional cyanotypes, salt print, albumen printing, and gum bichromate printing.
View the CMU Now Story on this exhibition:
CMU Downtown Art Gallery Opens the Door to 2021
Justin LeBlanc: Oil and Floodwater
November 6-27, 2020
Justin LeBlanc is a lens-based artist from Texas who address the impact of climate change from a local perspective. This series of abstract prints combines elements of the oil industry with floodwater from natural disasters that were intensified by the environmental impact of the fossil fuel industry.
Liminality
October 2-30, 2020
Painting, printmaking, and sculpture by Jess Hedlun, Angie Hernandez, and Alex Wiuff
Convergence
September 4-25, 2020
Painting and sculpture by Shayna Allen, Dalton Carlson, and Rose Walsh.
Where Will Your Camera Take You?
March 6-May 29, 2020
An exhibition of photography by CMU students in the AFP&MD and Studio Art programs. Organized by Forrest Zerbe, Instructor of Photography at CMU.
Melissa Sclafani and Bobby Zokaites: Conflux
February 7-28, 2020
An exhibition of sculpture, painting, and mixed media works by Arizona-based artists Melissa Sclafani and Bobby Zokaites that show the breadth and expansion of childhood nostalgia.
CO|Show
December 6, 2019-January 31, 2020
A biennial poster exhibition featuring graphic design from national and international designers.
STILL lives: Eric Elliott and Forrest Zerbe
November 1-29, 2019
Paintings by Eric Elliott, Assistant Professor of Painting, and photographic works by Forrest Zerbe, Instructor of Photography in the Department of Art & Design.
Rachel Carson: STAGED
October 4-25, 2019
Paintings by Rachel Carson, Lecturer in the Department of Art & Design.
Jiyoun Lee-Lodge: Roommates and Strangers
September 6-27, 2019
An exhibition featuring drawings, paintings, and installation work by Jiyoun Lee-Lodge from the Roommates and Waterman the Stranger series.
FOUND
July 5 - August 23, 2019
A national juried exhibition featuring work by CMU alumni, and hosted by 437CO and Colorado Mesa University's Art and Design Alumni Chapter.
Embodiment
May 3-June 28, 2019
Painting and sculpture by Adrina Anders, Addie Mingilton, and Sam Speir.
Conscious Reflections
April 5-26, 2019
Printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics by Alaina Bittner, Charli Gonzales, Hannah Martin, and Troy Utley.
Street Art and Design at CMU
March 1-29, 2019
An exhibition featuring wheat paste, stencils, graffiti markers, and CNC cuts, all in a street art style by CMU design students.
Exposure: The Best of CMU’s Photography
February 1-22, 2019
An exhibition featuring photography by CMU students selected by Forrest Zerbe, Lecturer of Photography.
Small Matters
December 7, 2018 - January 25, 2019
A national juried exhibition of small works, juried by Jared Steffensen, Curator of Exhibitions at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art.
Lenka Konopasek: Disputed Territory
November 2-30, 2018
An exhibition featuring paintings and three-dimensional paper works by Lenka Konopasek. Konopasek is a Salt Lake City-based artist whose work explores the theme of natural and man-made disasters.
Matthew Hopson-Walker: Poverty is the Muscle of War
October 5-26, 2018
An exhibition of artwork by Matthew Hopson-Walker, artist and Assistant Professor of printmaking at Fresno State University in Fresno, California. The exhibition featured screen prints, lithographs, intaglio and relief prints from the Empire Valley series.
Kalina Wińska: Atmospheric Gaze
September 7-28, 2018
An exhibition of mixed media drawings by Kalina Wińska, artist and Associate Professor of Art at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. In the Atmospheric Gaze series, Winska transforms scientific data, such as radar images, surface weather analysis data, and ERSST data, into exceptionally rendered abstract drawings.
The Black Arts: A Tarot Show
July 2-August 31, 2018
Original prints depicting the 22 figures of the Major Arcana of the tarot deck by printmakers from across the country.
Dissonance
May 4-June 22, 2018
Mixed media prints, paintings, and cast metal, mixed media and ceramic sculpture by Diane Krane, Vanessa Porras, Jamie Christine, Rikki Cook and Seirrha Key.
Ether
April 6-27, 2018
Prints, paintings, and ceramic, cast metal and wood sculptures by Darian Green, Zach Drake, Eric Nestle, Cameron Williams and Marcus Fingerlin.
Remarkz
March 2-30, 2018
Mixed media paintings and cast metal, ceramic and wood sculptures by Rachel Moore, Midge Hampton, Riley Kennedy, Katie Miller and Zach Tabb.
Catharsis
February 1-24, 2018
Paintings and sculpture by Michaela Cross, Cynthia Hendrickson, Tanner Hoffman and Terri VanBenschoten.
co2 Poster Biennial
December 1-14, 2017 & January 16-20, 2018
The Colorado Mesa Art & Design Department and the Western Colorado Center for the Arts present the 2017 co2 Poster Biennial, an exhibit of diverse graphic design from around the globe. Students in Mesa Emerging Designers, CMU’s graphic design club, contact designers in numerous countries to announce the co2 open call for posters. co2 does not have a specific theme, but instead is intended to be a poster show about graphic design itself. The works use different languages and theories of design to achieve their intended visual communication. Poster themes range from the political to straightforward event announcements. Visit cmyk2.co for additional information.
Illinois Unearthed
October 2-November 17, 2017
A ceramic exhibit featuring artists associated with Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Utilitarian forms have a long history in ceramics and continue to be a driving force in contemporary practice. The artists exhibiting work are Harris Deller, Amy Chase, CJ Niehaus, Noel Bailey, Matthew Schiemann, Pattie Chalmers and Bethany Benson.
Laura Grossett, The Wishbone the Jawbone and the Backbone
September 1-29, 2017
Grossett is an artist, printmaker, teacher, and founder of Mad Deer Press from Fort Collins, CO. Mediums featured in this exhibit include screen printing and mezzotint etchings.
Run Across Europe
June 1-August 25, 2017
Photographs taken by students and faculty who were part of a Summer 2016 CMU trip to Hungary, Croatia, and Montenegro. CMU’s Art & Design Department and Outdoor Program jointly planned and led the trip. Photographers in the exhibit include Grant Duta, Morgan Wagner, Kaitlin Webb, Alec Williams, Jenna-Lee Yoneshige, and Forrest Zerbe.
Studio Art BFA Senior Shows 2017
Glimpse: Nicole LaRose, Justin Squier and Patricia Gibson
May 3-27, 2017
Materials featured include porcelain, found objects, and cast metal.
Quintessence: Kira Norby, Nadine O'Brien and Jess Smith
April 4-29, 2017
Mediums include painting and sculpture.
Unity in Chaos: Lindsay Hanson and Caleb Brown
March 1-30, 2017
Featuring mediums including bronze, ceramics, and printmaking.
Chroma & Monochrome through Vida en Movimiento: Mitchell States and Elisa Uribe
February 1-28, 2017
Exploring the light, space, and energy of the natural world using various mediums, including porcelain, bronze, and steel.
The 437CO Juried Student Show
November 17, 2016-January 28, 2017
An exhibit of student art selected by CMU Art & Design faculty, with works in the mediums of sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, painting, graphic design, animation, and mixed media.
CMU Art & Design Faculty, That would be chaos...
October 3-November 10, 2016
Featuring 2D and 3D work from CMU's Art and Design faculty, both full-time and part-time. Media include painting, graphic design, ceramic installation, photography, sculpture, printmaking, sign painting, and mixed media.
James Surls & Charmaine Locke, The Two of Us
July 13-September 23, 2016
The work of acclaimed artists James Surls and Charmaine Locke will be on display both at 437CO and at the Grand Junction Art Center. After many years of making art and raising a family in Texas, Surls and Locke moved to Colorado in 1997 and now live and work in the Roaring Fork Valley. Surls' sculptures of wood, stone, and steel are in numerous public and private collections, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and MoMA in New York, the Menil Collection and Dallas Museum of Fine Arts in Texas, and the Los Angeles County Museum in California. Locke's work, both two- and three-dimensional, reflects her study of psychology and her interest in portraying human behavior and motivations through visual symbols.
To view the catalog for this exhibition please click here.
James Surls and Charmaine Locke Catalog
Studio Art BFA Senior Shows 2016
Ineffable; Kurt Breshears, Nikkeya Gray, Kay Hunt, & Katie Ziegelman
May 2-June 30, 2016
Slip, Press, Stroke; Kaitlynn King, Ashtonn Means, & Colin Williams
April 1-29, 2016
Existence, Michael Martinez, Jenni Jones, & Lauren Stern
March 1-27, 2016
Transcend, Kayla Golub, Matthew Jones, & Ethan Dow
February 1-26, 2016
Tony Holmquist, Etched Permanence and Reconstruction
December 4, 2015-January 28, 2016
Holmquist's work utilizes the processes of traditional printmaking, drawing, and collage media elements and incorporates the concepts of visual music and rhythm. Holmquist is an Assistant Professor of Art at Fort Lewis College in Durango, where he teaches Printmaking and Foundations classes. He received his MFA from CSU Fort Collins. He has recently exhibited his work at the International Print Center of New York, Manhattan Graphics Center, and the National Arts Club in New York City.
Cortney Boyd and Nate Steinbrink, Nostalgic
October 2-November 20, 2015
Boyd and Steinbrink are Denver-based glass artists who both received their MFA's from Southern Illinois University. Boyd worked as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the School of Art and Design at Southern Illinois University for six years. She has been awarded scholarships to the Pittsburgh Glass Center and Pilchuk Glass School to further her research. Steinbrink was formerly the curator of exhibits at the University Museum at Southern Illinois University. Steinbrink and Boyd are in the process of converting a former Denver gas station into a glass studio.
Steve Hilton, austerity
August 17-September 28, 2015
Hilton received his MFA in Ceramics from Arizona State University and also holds an MS in Art Education and a BS in Geology. His work, which is a fusion of sculptural and wheel-thrown components, is in the permanent collections of museums, universities, and private individuals in the US and in numerous foreign countries. Hilton is currently a full-time ceramics and art education faculty member at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX and is the programs director for NCECA (The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts).
Rebecca Woods, she rose to devour
June 6-August 13, 2015
Woods is a CMU graduate who received her MFA in Installation and Performance Art from the University of Newcastle in the UK. Using light, Woods creates an experiential exploration of narrative, space, and mood, telling the mythological story of a snake that became the moon.