Gallery Hosts Share Their Favorite Artworks

By Lindsey Miller

February 10, 2022

Lindsey Miller is the Coordinator of Lifelong Learning and Accessibility in the Learning & Engagement department at the Denver Art Museum. Lindsey has been at the DAM since May of 2013 and her favorite exhibition that has been on view here is Georgia O’Keeffe in New Mexico. Lindsey was the first-ever access intern and has had several roles in the L&E department before becoming Coordinator.

Gallery hosts make all visitors feel welcomed and well cared for, keep people and objects safe, and help visitors experience the museum in ways that are engaging and inspiring. They can be spotted hanging around the galleries and wearing a rainbow lanyard. Next time you're visiting, make sure to say hi, and don't be afraid to ask them any and all questions you may have!

As you can imagine, gallery hosts spend a lot of time in the galleries and with the art. This is why we've asked gallery hosts to share their favorites of current artworks below. Take a look, and then visit the museum and show us which work of art you like the most too!

A hand holding a paper heart in front of the artwork, “L’ecartele (El descuartizado)” by Gunther Gerzso. — “Gunther Gerzo always takes me on a journey. This is why I enjoy his art.”—Laura Burchard, Gallery Host

Gunther Gerzso, *L’ecartele, (El descartizado),* 1944. Oil paint on canvas. Collection of John and Sandy Fox. © 2022 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / SOMAAP, Mexico City.

Hand holding a paper heart in front of the statue "Shiva Nataraja" — “This has always been one of my favorite pieces at the DAM, even before I started working here. I love the way Shiva has complete control, even in the midst of complete chaos. I feel a sense of serenity every time I’m around him.”—Jesse Swedlund, Visitor Operations Supervisor

Tamil Nadu Province, India, *Shiva* *Nataraja*, 13th century. Denver Art Museum: Dora Porter Mason Collection, 1947.2.

A paper heart shown through on the screen of the artwork "Secret Garden" by Daniel Brown — "I love the constant change of this piece and the opportunity to become a part of the art. When I'm a host in this gallery, I'm curious to watch for visitors’ reactions of surprise. If I see visitors leaving the gallery (especially kids) who didn't notice the art, I like to point it out so they can experience a moment of wonder.”—Nancy Bratton, Gallery Host

Daniel Brown, *Secret Garden,* 2008/2015. Interactive software program. Denver Art Museum: Funds from the Ralph L. and Florence R. Burgess Trust, 2015.267.1–5. © Daniel Brown.

Hand holding a paper heart inside Shantell Martin's "Elevator" at the Denver Art Museum. — "I love this piece because it reminds us that we can encounter art anywhere, not only framed on walls but perhaps the six sides of the inside of an elevator."—Gucci Fan, Gallery Host

Shantell Martin, *Elevator*, 2019. Digital graphics, printed on vinyl. Denver Art Museum: Museum purchase from the Volunteer Endowment Acquisition Fund, 2020.660. © Shantell Martin.

Hand holding a paper heart in front of Pedro Friedeberg's "Kant's Kindergarten." — “Pedro Friedeberg walks us down the halls of infinity.”—Laura Burchard, Gallery Host

Pedro Friedeberg, *Kant’s Kindergarten*, 1973. Mixed media on cardboard. Collection of John and Sandy Fox. © Pedro Friedeberg.

Hand holding a paper heart in front of the artwork, "She—White Collar Worker" by Yu Hong — "I chose this work because it reminds me of the time when I lived with my mom in our apartment back in Russia."—Jamilya Khalilulina, Gallery Host

Yu Hong, *She–White Collar Worker*, 2006. Acrylic on canvas, color photographs mounted on wood. Gift from Vicki and Kent Logan to the Collection of the Denver Art Museum, 2010.488A-C.

Hand holding a paper heart in front of the statue "Made in China" at the Denver Art Museum. — "I love this piece because it’s a thought-provoking commentary about consumerism and mass production, but it’s also a huge silly dinosaur."—Gucci Fan, Gallery Host

Sui Jianguo, *Made in China*, 2005; edition 1 of 4. Painted fiberglass. Gift from Vicki and Kent Logan to the Collection of the Denver Art Museum. © Sui Jianguo

Hand holding a paper heart in front of the artwork "Black Bears" by Herbert Dunton at the Denver Art Museum. — "This is one of my favorite artworks here at the DAM (among many) because I grew up in Colorado and absolutely LOVE bears. This painting, *Black Bears* by William Herbert Dunton is not only beautifully executed with a vibrant color palette and excellent brushwork, but also quite innocent and lovely."—Fiona McAliney, Gallery Host

William Herbert Dunton, *Black Bears,* about 1927. Oil on canvas; 50 x 50 in. The Roath Collection, 2013.101