Preview: RedLine remembers Dale Chisman

Catalogue cover art, "Dale Chisman in Retrospect"

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Dale Chisman, who died in 2008, was one of the most significant abstract painters to have ever worked in Colorado -- a roster that includes the likes of Vance Kirkland and Herbert Bayer. But Chisman wasn't just a great artist. He was also a great arts advocate, with his efforts ranging from encouraging emerging artists to being among the founders of MCA Denver -- where his memorial service was held.

"Fall," 2000, oil on canvas.

​Thursday night, RedLine unveils the long-awaited tribute to him, Dale Chisman in Retrospect, showcasing works he did between the 1970s and shortly before his untimely and premature death a couple of years ago. The pieces in the show, organized by Jim Robischon and Jennifer Doran, have been gleaned from the artist's estate and from local collections. The resulting exhibit includes many works that have either not been shown in decades, or have never been exhibited before.

The festivities get under way at RedLine, 2350 Arapahoe Street, on Thursday, January 13, at 5 p.m. with a reception for members, followed by an opening for the general public beginning at 6 p.m.

It's a full-tilt undertaking with an accompanying catalogue, as well as a panel discussion on January 26 at 7 p.m. at RedLine that will be moderated by MCA Denver director Adam Lerner. (Conflict-of-interest note: I wrote one of the essays in the catalogue, and I'll be on the panel.) Other panelists include Mary Chandler, Hugh Grant, John Woodward and Simon Zalkind, who also wrote an essay for the catalogue.

This exhibit is essential viewing for anyone even remotely interested in contemporary art in Colorado, and it's only running for the next six weeks. Call 303-296-4448.