If the recent 90-degree days are an example of what this summer has in store, we’re going to be clamoring for A/C by midday all season long (after hiking or mountain biking or golfing in the mornings, of course). Luckily, Denver’s arts community has plenty of ideas for keeping us entertained indoors. Put these nine shows on your calendar.

Charles E. Burchfield: A Resounding Roar, Foothills Art Center

Golden’s premier arts venues is hosting the works of esteemed American painter Charles E. Burchfield. The watercolorist is known for come-to-life paintings that are visual depictions of and responses to the sounds of daily life—like crickets chirping outside Burchfield’s childhood home or a train chugging by. Music and nature sounds will accompany you on your journey through the collection. May 4–July 28 

Amy Ellingson: Sweetbitter Beast, Ted Larsen: Act Naturally, Marcelyn McNeil: Lead Heavy Feather Light, Kate Petley: Repositioned, and Katy Stone: Transmissions, Robischon Gallery

Abstraction is the theme for these five concurrent solo exhibitions. Mediums range from oil on paper to etched woodblocks to salvaged materials. While the works stand on their own as separate shows, they also manage to speak to one another across the large venue. May 17–July 14

Culture Knows No Boundaries, Molly Brown House Museum

Margaret Brown’s Titanic connection may get all the headlines, but the legendary Denverite was also an actress, singer, and musician. In this special exhibition, get to know another side of Molly by performing on stage with her and perusing some of the cultural wares she brought home from her many travels. May 18–August 18

Roberto Juarez Processing: Paintings & Prints 2008–2018, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

Chicago-born painter Roberto Juarez is taking over BMoCA this summer, with more than 65 works on display through September 16. Juarez is known for tackling new subjects and styles in every new body of work, so expect to see something fresh among his colorful offerings, even if you’ve been to a Juarez show before. June 7–September 16

Derrick Adams
Stop by MCA Denver this summer for four new exhibitions, including a collection from Derrick Adams featuring this mixed-media piece, “Boxhead #1.” Photo courtesy of the artist and Tilton Gallery, New York

Derrick Adams: Transmission, Kristen Hatgi Sink: Honey, Lisa Oppenheim: Spine, and Patrice Renee Washington: Charts, Parts, and Holders, MCA Denver

This quartet of summer exhibitions (all of which will be up through late August) at Denver’s contemporary art museum is impressive in its scope and subject matter. Adams explores racial identity through eye-catching works on paper, sculptures, and installations. A video series—as well as a sculpture that will serve as the centerpiece for a variety of performances—created by Sink, a Denver-based photographer, explores the cultural significance of honey, a symbol of wealth, health, and environmentalism (see: the dying off of bees). Oppenheim evaluates labor then and now with a selection of repurposed photographs. And Washington’s ceramic bas-reliefs are a commentary on the stereotyped, radicalized associations of everyday items. Through August 26

(Read about MCA Denver’s appeal to a younger generation) 

Patrick Marold: Astula, Goodwin Fine Art

You’ve likely encountered Marold’s work outside of the gallery. The Denver artist is the man behind the “Shadow Array” installation surrounding the RTD train platform at DIA. The conceptual artist is taking his talent indoors starting June 8, with this Golden Triangle gallery exhibition of charcoal drawings and sculptural works. The show’s title is Latin for “splinter” or “chip” and refers to the various wood elements in the show. June 8–July 21

Annual Members’ Show, Colorado Photographic Arts Center

In its 55th year, CPAC’s annual, juried members’ show will feature more than 50 photographs. What’s more, over half of the featured artists are from the Centennial State. Don’t miss the free opening reception and award ceremony on June 8 from 5 to 8 p.m., when juror Paula Tognarelli, executive director and curator at the Griffin Museum of Photography in Massachusetts, will select the Best in Show winner. June 9–July 14

New Territory: Landscape Photography Today, Denver Art Museum

No need to apply sunscreen to view these landscapes. One of the DAM’s most buzzed-about summer exhibitions is a global collection of contemporary landscape photography. Don’t expect all realistic, bucolic scenes, though: New Territory celebrates unexpected and modern techniques as much as it does traditional photography. The 100-plus works in the exhibition are designed, according to the DAM, to “challenge us to see photography differently.” June 24–September 16

Exotic Escape: Works by Jillian Kay FitzMaurice, Rule Gallery

This will be your second chance to see the Denver-based artist this summer. She’s also featured in Kristen Hatgi Sink’s MCA show (see above). In Exotic Escape, the young artist takes viewers into a world far from Denver, one filled with palm trees and beachy hues. June 29–August 11

So you want to spend more time in the sun? Check out these upcoming alfresco art fêtes:

Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.