Works in progress: Behind the scenes at the revived McNichols in Civic Center Park

By Susan Froyd Wed., Oct. 24 2012 at 6:50 AM

Categories: Architecture, Arts and Culture

Street artist Jolt, at work on his McNichols Building installation "Born Funky."

At 11 a.m. today, a small group of dignitaries led by Mayor Michael Hancock will gather at the McNichols Building at the edge of Denver's Civic Center (just named a national landmark) to cut the ribbon on the classical structure's new lease on life. Built in 1910 as a Carnegie Library, the open, sparsely renovated McNichols building will now serve as a cultural center, rental-event hall and multiple gallery space, right in the heart of the city.

The public will get a first taste of things to come at tonight's swanky debut party and fundraiser, LIGHT, featuring a compendium of illuminated installations and light shows (including Collin Parson's continuing exhibit Lightscapes), along with trendy food and music. But things will really start swinging in November, when Denver Arts Week sweeps in with several art exhibits officially opening to the public.

Collin Parson, "Lightscapes."

One of those shows, Fuera de la Frontera/Outside the Border on the third floor, will make a splash with site-specific installations and other artworks by sixteen high-profile local Latino artists. Until then, here's a sneak peek of that show's installation-in-progress.