“Colorado Abstract: Paintings and Sculpture,” the recently released book of Westword and Rocky Mountain News art critics Michael Paglia and Mary Chandler, comes to life in this gallery opening. Works from five of the book’s featured artists will be on display and their corresponding artists on hand to talk about Colorado’s art. Check out the sublime greens, pinks, reds, and blues of Boulder painter Virginia Maitland, as well as DU professor emeritis Mel Strawn’s ’80s pattern paintings. Tonight: 5-7:30 p.m. The Sandra Phillips Gallery, 744 Santa Fe Drive 303-573-5969, Free