Noted Denver Painter Mark Travis Dies

Longtime Denver artist Mark Travis died last week in his home and studio near downtown. In precarious health for many years, he is thought to have suffered a heart attack.

Travis was born in Ohio in 1952. After moving out West, he became a noted contemporary artist in Denver during the 1980s and '90s, and examples of his work can be found in many private and corporate collections in the area. His distinctive pieces were shown in local galleries over the years, including Payton-Rule, Studio Aiello, Walker and currently Space Gallery at 765 Santa Fe Drive.

His earlier work was abstract with his most highly regarded creations being monumental mixed-media paintings incorporating boards and other found objects. In recent years, he'd turned to figural abstractions. These paintings were often erotically-charged, revealing his abiding interest in the depiction of the nude female form, as in the mixed-media on canvas that's pictured and is available from Space.

An impromptu memorial and exhibition is planned this Friday, December 21, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Pirate Contemporary Art, 3659 Navajo Street, 303-458-6058. People with photos of Travis or works by him are asked to contact Candice Pulliam at candice@locatefineart.com. For further information go to www.marktravis.net, a website established by Renna Shesso. -- Michael Paglia