Hi! I'm Denise.
Artist Bio & Mission Statement
I fell in love with the acrylic process 18 years ago—first as a self-taught form of stress relief growing up in Utah, then later through formal instruction at Colorado State University. Painting became a visual language for me, offering connection and expression where my hearing impairment sometimes made words feel limiting.
Today, I live on a quiet stretch of land in rural Colorado, where the solitude fuels much of my inspiration. The land itself—its open skies, wildlife, silence—finds its way into my work. At the same time, I’m grounded by community through my longtime studio in Kashi Kari Co-op in Denver where I keep up engagement with artists and visitors.
Influenced by the Georgia O’Keeffe's independent spirit, I’m driven to create one-of-a-kind, contemporary conceptual westerns—works that reinterpret landscape, myth, and modern life in the American West. I intentionally focus on original paintings, preserving the intimacy and individuality of each piece for their collector.
My mission as an artist is to tell stories that matter—stories rooted in land, identity, and imagination. In 2025, I’m expanding my work to intersect more directly with environmental advocacy and nonprofit partnerships, using art as a way to listen, connect, and inspire action. I believe in the power of narrative-driven art not only to reflect the world, but to shape it.
-xoxo, Denise
EXPERIENCE & EXHIBITIONS
Kashi Kari Gallery & Cooperative | Denver, CO
Studio Artist & Member
Jul 2017 – Present
Athena Project & Dairy Block Women in Their Infinite Forms Installation | Denver, CO
Selected Artist
Mar 2023
Art Students League of Denver Flagpole Project
Grant Recipient & Artist
Jun 2022
Biennial of the Americas “Covid-19 Memorial” | Denver, CO
Virtual Open Show
Jun 2021
R Gallery “Circles & Squares” | Boulder, CO
Open Show
Dec 2020 - Feb 2021
Littleton Museum “Liberating Humor” | Littleton, CO
Open Show
Nov 2020 - Jan 2021
Harvest Moon Women’s Retreat | Elizabeth, CO
Art Instructor
Jul 2019
Colorado Mills Shopping Center “50 for 50” | Lakewood, CO
Open Show
Apr - Sep 2019
CORE Art Space “Grande Petit Deux” | Denver, CO
Open Show
Nov 2016
Minneapolis St. Paul Int’l Airport: Concourse C National Arts Program | Minneapolis, MN
Open Show
Nov 2012 - Apr 2013
DONATION PARTNERSHIPS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Dinosaur Ridge Gala Fundraisers | Morrison, CO
May 2023 | May 2024 | Apr 2025
Access Gallery 99 Piece Fundraiser | Denver, CO
Sept 2024
Firehouse Art Center Marshall Fire Fundraiser for BCWF | Longmont, CO
Jan 2022
Online Covid Relief Personal Artwork Auction| Franktown, CO
May 2020
Keller Williams KW Cares Black & White Gala | Lone Tree, CO
Aug 2017
Utah Friends of Animals Barking Ball Fundraiser | Park City, UT
Sep 2012