The Denver Art Museum presents Southwest Impressions: Prints from the Barbara J. Thompson Collection

DENVER–June 3, 2025–The Denver Art Museum (DAM) announces the debut of Southwest Impressions: Prints from the Barbara J. Thompson Collection opening June 29, 2025, and on view through June 14, 2026, in the Western American Art galleries on level seven of the museum’s Martin building. Southwest Impressions will be included in general admission, which is free for everyone 18 and under as well as for museum members.

Southwest Impressions highlights works on paper by artists who lived or traveled in the American Southwest during the late 1800s and first half of the 1900s, drawing inspiration from the region's unique landscapes, people, architecture, and animals. The exhibition celebrates Barbara J. Thompson’s collection of over 100 prints gifted to the Petrie Institute of Western American Art (PIWAA) in 2024 in honor of her grandfather, the printmaker C. A. Seward.

Southwest Impressions acknowledges the important role of printmaking in western American art, particularly during the first half of the 20th century. Presented in two rotations of around fifty prints each, visitors will be guided through a range of print processes including intaglio, block printing, lithography, and serigraphy. The exhibition is accompanied by a digital publication. In-gallery interpretive elements include custom-made videos of each print process.

Southwest Impressions is organized by the Denver Art Museum. It is made possible by a generous gift of art from Barbara J. Thompson made in honor of her grandfather, the printmaker, C. A. Seward. Additional support is provided by the Elder Family Giving Fund, Harmes C. Fishback Foundation, the donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign and the residents who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Promotional support is provided by 5280 Magazine and CBS Colorado.

Large Native American man sitting in traditional wear
Lithograph image of a large man with a shovel laying bricks

Images: Left: Howard Cook, “Big John” (Taos Indian John Lujan), 1927. Woodblock print on paper; 13 1/8 x 11 7/8 in. Denver Art Museum: Gift of Barbara J. Thompson in Memory of C.A. Seward. 2024.26. Right: Kenneth Miller Adams, Brick Maker, about 1931. Lithograph; 9 1/4 x 9 7/8 in. Denver Art Museum: Gift of Barbara J. Thompson in Memory of C.A. Seward, 2024.11. © Estate of Kenneth Miller Adams

Planning Your Visit

The most up-to-date information on planning a visit to the Denver Art Museum can be found online under the Plan Your Visit tab. Use this page to find details on ticket pricing, public transit options and access information. General admission for museum members is free every day. Youth aged 18 and under receive free general admission everyday thanks to the museum’s Free for Kids program. Free for Kids also underwrites free admission for school and youth group visits.

About the Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum is an educational, nonprofit resource that sparks creative thinking and expression through transformative experiences with art. Its holdings reflect the city and region—and provide invaluable ways for the community to learn about cultures from around the world. Metro area residents support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), a unique funding source serving hundreds of metro Denver arts, culture and scientific organizations. For museum information, call 720-865-5000 or visit www.denverartmuseum.org.

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