Emmanuel Art Gallery

Episcopal bishop John F. Spaulding purchased this site in 1874 and built the Episcopal Emmanuel chapel in 1876. The structure was purchased in 1903 by the Shearith Israel congregation and was used as a synagogue for over 50 years--known to the local Jewish community as the Tenth Street Shul. The building was sold to artist Wolfgang Pogzeba in 1958 and was used as his studio until 1973 when it became part of the new Auraria campus. It is the oldest religious structure in Denver and retains many of its original features. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1969 and was the first building listed as a Denver historic site. The building has been lightly remodeled to serve as today's Emmanuel Gallery. It is part of the College of Arts & Media and is managed by the University of Colorado Denver. This mission of the gallery is to "enhance the understanding and experience of the visual arts" via exhibits, lectures, and events. Exhibits range from student and faculty work to presentations by local, regional, national, and international artists. This is a small, but high-quality gallery space and exhibits are always interesting and well-curated. The stone building with its Romanesque and Gothic influences is an unexpected surprise in the middle of the modern college campus. It is a fine spot for quiet reflection and contemplation.

Cute small art gallery! Fun fact: it's the oldest church building in Denver; now turned gallery.

I don't know why I never checked out this gallery when I went to school on the Auraria Campus. The gallery is small even with there being space up the stairs that is used. But I don't think it being small takes away anything. I have checked out the new exhibit on Wayne Brungard and the last one on Tenzing Rigdol. I really liked it and will continue to see exhibits.

Great contemporary gallery space on the Auraria campus!