Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

Did you know that Denver has a museum dedicated to design and decorative art?

I didn't, until I recently stumbled across the Kirkland Museum. The striking yellow tiles of the building and signage for an Art Deco exhibition (one of my favorite design eras) caught my eye, and I knew I just had to check it out.

If you are a lover of fine art, decorative art, and furniture design, the Kirkland Museum is a must see.

With around 4,400 items covering a span of 150 or so years of art and design, there's a wealth of artistry on display in the Kirkland's distinctive building. I honestly didn't know what to expect before I stepped inside, but I'm happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised. I found myself in awe as I made my way through each salon style room; smile on my face as I took in all the detail. And there's a LOT of detail!

Let's take a look...

Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak at Denver Art Museum

Do you have a favorite children's book illustrator?

Is it someone who brought your favorite childhood stories to life? Or maybe the books you read with your own children? Maybe both. 

For many of us, the art work of Maurice Sendak holds a special place in our hearts. We grew up following Max on his adventures with the wild things that live in his imagination. A story that transcends generations and is beloved by so many since Sendak brought the characters to life in 1963. 

If the art of Maurice Sendak has captured your imagination, just as it has mine, then a visit to Denver Art Museum to check out "Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak" is a must. With over four hundred and fifty pieces of work on display, this exhibit features original sketches, drawings, paintings, book mock ups, set designs, theatrical costumes, final book designs, animation cells, promotional posters, and so much more from Sendak's 65 year career. The exhibit also contains items from Sendak's personal collection of works by artists and illustrators by whom he was inspired.   

Let's take a look...

Chautauqua Park Bears 2025

The bears are back in Boulder!

No, not real bears. Those are hopefully still hibernating for the Winter. 

I’m talking about the colorful bear sculptures that call Boulder’s Chautauqua Park home each Winter for Art In The Park.

Art In The Park is an annual fundraiser for Chautauqua Park. Each Winter, colorful bear sculptures are auctioned off to raise money for the upkeep of the buildings and grounds of this National Historic Landmark. These fiberglass bear sculptures all start out as the same blank canvas, but thanks talented artists, no two bears end up alike.

This year, as well as the fifteen large bears that can be found outside, there are also an additional ten mini bears on display in buildings throughout the park.

Let’s take a look at this year’s bears…

Ice Castles 2024/25

Disclaimer: Our visit to Ice Castles was hosted. All photos and opinions re my own.

Colorado’s most magical Winter experience is back, and this year there’s twice the magic!

That’s right - Ice Castles have returned for another season of wonder and awe with not one, but two Colorado locations. The spectacular structures made from ice crystals return to the tiny mining town of Cripple Creek, just two hours south if Denver, along with a new location in the mountain town of Eagle.

We recently checked out the Cripple Creek location and I’m sharing this awe inspiring Winter wonderland with you today. Prepare for lots of sparkly ice crystals photos along with all the tips you need to know for a visit of your own. Plus, a discount code!

Let’s check it out…