Mission Statement

The American Art Invitational was conceived as a showcase for important representational art in Denver. It is the exceptional artists participating whose work make this exhibition possible. In the 1990’s the Rotary Club’s Artists of America annual exhibitions brought nationally recognized artists to the city and was widely anticipated and acclaimed. Our intent is to resurrect that public excitement and energy with several additions. Our nominating committee has invited many of the artists associated with the ‘Denver School’ a loose knit group of high-level artists who emerged in the 1960’s. The artistic heritage they represent has continued through to present, and so it has also been appropriate to include the best of today’s talent.

The history of art in Colorado dates back to the 19th century. The Artists' Club of Denver was founded in 1893 and included Charles Partridge Adams as well as many other talented artists. Mid-century, the Broadmoor Art Academy was a magnet for luminary East coast impressionists such as Ernest Lawson and Robert Reid. Our current exhibition of living masters begins with the ‘Denver School’ but we delight in viewing all of the works in a larger historical context and encourage the audience to do the same. It is a panorama of visions but a statement of the times.