Exhibitions
Current
ReCreate
Aug. 5 – Sept. 28 | Main Library, Arapahoe Ramp
Opening Reception, Sunday, Aug. 16, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Main Library, Mt. Sanitas Room
The Boulder Arts Association members show invites local artists to create art with materials & items that would normally be trashed or recycled. Recycle, Reuse, ReCreate!
Contributing Artists: Ed Narvaez, Jeanne Kipke, Hudson Welch, Michael Deragisch, Kathy Hunter, Jerome Coffey, Khiri Lee, Chris Westbrook, Kathleen MacDonald, Justin Deister, Karen Boehme, Miho Shida, Melissa Getz, Linda Bice, Dean McCready, Rick Dallago, Harriet Edelstein, Gail Gitin, Lynn Sarkis, David Weitzel, John Decker, barbara davison, Jackie Myland, Felicity Tucker, patricia jones, Mike Stabler, Carmen Ardalan, Nina Hausfeld
Ashes of the Wild
Aug. 4 – Oct. 29 | Meadows Library
Brad Matsushita presents a series of animal sculptures showcasing how wildfires and climate change threaten lesser-seen animal species native to Boulder County and surrounding areas. The animal sculptures are made of flame-charred packaging cardboard, drawing a link between human activity and the fragility of nature.
Romanian Folk Arts
July 31 – Sept. 27 | Main Library, Canyon Gallery
Opening Reception, Saturday, Aug. 1, 1 – 5 p.m. | Main Library, Canyon Gallery
Creative Hands: Romanian Folk Arts Workshop, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2 – 4:45 p.m. | Main Library, Canyon Gallery
Experience the richness of Romanian culture through a vibrant exhibition of traditional art, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Featuring authentic garments, ceramics, music, and interactive elements like embroidery workshops, the exhibition highlights the symbolism and heritage woven into Romanian folklore. This immersive experience invites visitors to connect with tradition, creativity, and the enduring spirit of community.
Bright Eyes, Dark Skies
July 29 – Oct. 26 | Reynolds Library
Dark Skies and Bird Migration, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2 – 3:30 p.m. | Reynolds Library, Meeting Room
Cosmic Collisions: How Black Hole Mergers Shape the Hearts of Galaxies, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. | Reynolds Library, Meeting Room
Featuring watercolor paintings, by astrophysicist and artist Dr. Jane Bright, each representing one of Colorado’s International Dark Sky Places. Colorado has more certified Dark Sky Places than any other state. Connect to the beauty of the night sky and the universe around us through artwork in tribute to this natural wonder.
Book it to the Skate Park
ongoing | Main Library, Teen Space
The Graffiti Wall created at the second annual “Book it to the Skate Park” event was on display outside the Teen Space. “Book it to the Skatepark” celebrates all who skate, literacy, and the city and library’s commitments to keeping the skatepark clean and safe.
Upcoming
Global Constellation of Little Free Libraries
Sept. 1 – Oct. 28 | Main Library, base of the Arapahoe Ramp
Meet the Artist: Russell Schnell and the Little Free Library Movement Saturday, Sept. 26, 2 – 3:30 p.m. | Main Library, Mt. Sanitas
These four Little Free Libraries by Russell Schnell celebrate the simple act of sharing books with neighbors. Dr. Schnell, an atmospheric scientist with NOAA and co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, brought the first Little Free Library to Antarctica, completing the organization’s goal of establishing a library on every continent. He has built more than 100 Little Free Libraries and, whenever possible, uses recycled and repurposed materials in their construction. Rooted in Boulder’s strong sense of community and whimsy, this display highlights how small, accessible spaces can inspire connection, creativity, and a love of reading for all ages.
Open Studios 30th Retrospective
Sept. 30 – Nov. 30 | Main Library, Canyon Gallery
Opening Reception, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Showcasing artwork by current Open Studios Member Artists from the 1990s when the Studio Tour began, together with the art they are creating in the present day.
A Colorado Childhood
Oct. 1 – Nov. 27 | Main Library, Arapahoe Ramp
Opening Reception, Friday, Oct. 2, 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. | Main Library, Mt. Sanitas
Paper Dresses, Thursday, Oct. 1, 3 – 6 p.m. | Boulder Creek Room, Main Library
A love letter in maps to the City of Boulder by Liza MacKinnon, a paper garment artist from Lawrence, KS. Each piece is named for a significant individual in Boulder. Also featuring several half-scale freestanding historic costumes.
Nature Journaling in Boulder
Nov. 2 – Jan. 30, 2027 | Meadows Library
Opening Reception, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Nature can be investigated to gain a deeper understanding and curiosity about the natural world. Sketching and journaling is a joyful way to do this. Over the past year, the Boulder Art Association’s Nature Journaling Club has journaled their favorite nature spots in and around Boulder. This exhibit features selections from their sketchbooks, celebrating the beauty, wonder, and diversity of the local landscape.
Inside Time
Nov. 3 – Jan. 28, 2027 | Reynolds Library
During the Covid-19 lockdown of spring 2020, daily life contracted to the walls of home. Inside Time is a photographic reflection by Victoria Engblom on that period, documenting moments of stillness, connection, and adaptation through the eyes of the artist’s daughter.
Sogetsu Ikebana
Dec. 5 – 6 | Main Library, Canyon Gallery
Sogetsu Colorado celebrates it’s 40th anniversary. See flower arrangements made from the principle that anyone can create an arrangement using any materials, anywhere and at any time.
Betty Woodman: Boulder, Community, Legacy
Dec. 12, 2026 – March 24, 2027 | Main Library, Canyon Gallery
Opening Reception, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Betty Woodman (1930-2018) is recognized as one of the most important artists to work in ceramics. She lived in Boulder from the 1950s-1990s. During that time, she was instrumental in founding the Boulder Pottery Lab and later went on to teach at CU. This exhibition will explore Woodman’s lasting impact by presenting her early work alongside the work of several contemporary artists who studied with her.