The mod-vibes of the show include period furniture and art for an immersive experience highlighting how post-WWII designers were exploring and creating new ways of living. Inspired by the excitement of a booming economy, population, and scientific innovations, designers stretched the imagination of how we interact with and define our living spaces.

The catalyst for the Next Stage Gallery show, Denver Art Museum’s summer beacon exhibition, Serious Play: Design in Midcentury America, explores how play was a spur for creativity and innovation in post-war design. CU Denver students, led by faculty Bryan Leister and Michelle Carpenter, have created educational interpretations on view at the both the Next Stage Gallery and Denver Art Museum.  The furniture on view at the DAM and Next Stage Gallery is on loan from the granddaughter of Charles and Ray Eames, the husband and wife team whose designs had a profound impact on American mid-century lifestyle. CU Denver students interacted with and studied the original pieces to create artistic and engaging educational interpretations used as a tool for visitors to both synergistic exhibitions to understand design for living in modern times.

Next Stage Gallery and the College of Arts & Media at CU Denver invites all visitors of the Denver Art Museum and design lovers of all ages to experience these interpretations of mid-century design.

Midcentury Musings: Design for a New Way Living
May 9 – August 11 (opening reception May 9, 5 –7 pm)

Next Stage Art Gallery (located in the Denver Performing Arts Complex)
1025 13th St, Denver, CO 80202

For more information please contact Alice Crogan, alice.crogan@ucdenvere.edu, 303-315-7473.