The Petrie Institute of Western American Art (PIWAA), which oversees the Western American art collection at the Denver Art Museum, is back with its annual Petrie Western Art Symposium. And to help increase accessibility for more guests, the 2024 event will be presented both in person at the Denver Art Museum and in a virtual format.
Maria and Julian Martinez (San Ildefonso, 1886-1980 and 1885-1943), Bowl, about 1921, clay and paint, 8¾ x 14”. Denver Art Museum: Gift of Frederic H. Douglas, 1954.454.
“It is always a delight to reconnect with our attendees, many of whom have been coming since Peter Hassrick started the annual symposium series in 2007,” says JR Henneman, curator and director of PIWAA. “We hope the subject will appeal to a wide range of Western art aficionados, [and] we’re happy to announce that Patty Limerick has agreed to moderate. Her thoughtful questions, humor and insight always help make our symposia memorable experiences.”
Thomas Moran (1837-1926), Mount of the Holy Cross, 1894, watercolor on paper, 18½ x 13½”. Denver Art Museum: Anonymous Gift, 1981.16.
This year’s theme explores the idea of “Creative Partnerships.” Henneman says the theme is inspired by “the story of Charlie and Nancy Russell, which we highlight in the exhibition The Russells in Denver, 1921 currently on display at the DAM. Charlie’s artistic talent and vision combined with Nancy’s business and marketing savvy pushed him to international fame. The 2024 symposium focuses on other integral creative partnerships in Western American art, without which our Western American art canon would look very different.”
Mary Nimmo Moran (1842-1899), Yosemite, 1872, watercolor on paper. Collection of the National Parks Service.
The 2024 symposium will cover a lot of ground, Henneman says, featuring the artwork and collaborative partnerships of esteemed names like Thomas and Mary Nimmo Moran; Maria and Julian Martinez and the artistic community of San Ildefonso Pueblo; photographer Laura Gilpin and her partner Betsy Forster; and modern artist duo Beatrice Mandelman and Louis Ribak. Each of these sets of artists were connected in some intimate way—as spouses, friends or creative colleagues. “The symposium will feature interesting stories and great artwork—always a winning combination,” Henneman adds.
Laura Gilpin (1891-1979), Mrs. Francis Nakai, New Mexico, 1932, platinum print. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.
The Petrie Western Art Symposium takes place in the Denver Art Museum’s Sharp Auditorium on Friday, January 26, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Guests can register at denverartmuseum.org/westernsymposium for virtual and in-person attendance, or register by phone at (720) 913-0130. —
Petrie Western Art Symposium
January 26, 2024, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. MST
Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204
(702) 865-5000, www.denverartmuseum.org
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