Art in the Suburbs of Denver

The Museum of Outdoor Arts (MOA) offers visitors a look at sculpture art unlike any other in the area. They also feature a variety of performance art programs. The group places art throughout the Denver area, or you can visit their location in Englewood that features both indoor and outdoor galleries. The site-specific sculpture is placed in botanical gardens, sculpture gardens, office parks, and throughout the city to encourage city residents and visitors to take a moment to appreciate sculpture art in their everyday life. This exposes people who do not have the means or the desire to visit a traditional museum to artwork. However, the museum affiliated with the MOA should be a destination for those who are art lovers. It is located at the Englewood Civic Center which is near the center of the city of Englewood. The site features indoor galleries, studio, events and programs. and occasional displays in the outdoor area around the site.

Englewood underwent a renaissance in the later part of the century when city officials made an effort to gentrify the areas surrounding south Denver. The MOA fit in perfectly with this plan and their sculpture program blends nicely into the renovated landscape and community feeling in Englewood. The public transit system in Englewood, the RTD Light Rail, as well as the public bus system, follow routes that highlight the sculpture throughout the city. This gives folks a chance to enjoy art on their way somewhere, without having to stop and visit a museum. It also encourages people to later take time to enjoy the art at the indoor museum by capturing their interest and piquing their curiosity.

There are ten sculptures in the outdoor sculpture garden at the MOA, nine of which are part of Collection IV. Collection IV was a group of pieces given to the MOA from the International Sculpture Center in New Jersey. The tenth piece is a part of the current exhibit because it "... follows in the examination of late 20th century sculpture.''

Located at the museum site is the Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre. This structure was created in 1988 and is the site of outdoor performances of various arts including music, dramatic performances, and spoken work and lecture. The amphitheatre is considered one of the premier concert venues in Colorado. The site features a massive environmental earth sculpture, created by artist George Hargreaves, and this sculpture is the defining element of the venue today. The theatre has a seating capacity of 18,000 and offers Rocky Mountain sunset views in the background. The site has been host to entertainment performances by B.B. King, Sting, the Eagles, Stevie Wonder, Prince, the Who, and Jimmy Buffett. The venue attracts over 200,000 event goers every year. Fiddler's Green is owned by the MOA and operates under Live Nation, the largest music promoter in the world.

For a relaxing day of enjoying sculptural art, or to see an excellent performance while visiting Denver, take a trip to Englewood and see the Museum of Outdoor Arts.