January 28, 2020
Caitlyn Diekmann
The “Great Expectations” exhibit at UCCS’ Galleries of Contemporary Art (GOCA), which features installations from emergent Colorado artists, showcases the work of 11 artists. The exhibit opened on Jan. 3 and is running until March 7.
Daisy McGowan, the curator of the exhibit and director of GOCA, chose 11 artists and 10 art pieces from creators who all live and work along the Front Range.
“It is a visually spectacular exhibition that will delight from the first steps in the door,” McGowan said. “It features emergent artists.”
McGowan focused on the “art of now” for curating the exhibit.
“A big part of my role as curator is introducing our community of students and Pikes Peak region residents to artists they may not know about, or, who I think, are pushing into new and interesting directions with their art,” said McGowan.
Across two years, McGowan made 200 visits total to different artists before narrowing it down to the 11 artists and 10 pieces on display.
“I could feature 10 times as many artists, if I just had the space and time.” McGowan said.
McGowan recommends visiting the exhibition at 6 p.m. on the first Friday each month when she and artists will be visiting the gallery, giving visitors the chance to discuss the work with the artists. There are free refreshments available as well.
“I invite all of our students to venture downtown and be part of the cool cultural happenings in their city — take a chance on the art, you won’t be disappointed,” McGowan said. “There is so much delight and depth in this exhibition.”
The exhibit is located at GOCA Downtown. “Great Expectations” is free to students and can be viewed the first Fridays of every month from 5-8 p.m., the first Saturdays from 1-6 p.m., and by appointments which can be made by calling 719-255-3504.
The GOCA gallery at the Ent Center is closed to the public while UCCS students work with artists to create an art experience that will be opening in late February. In late April, the downtown space will be taken over by senior visual arts majors as they create their own show.
McGowan is curating another exhibit for the Ent Center location called “Seat of Learning.” It will feature artists Jane Lackey and Thomas Lehn and will open Feb. 27.