An Insider’s Look: Denver Art Museum Staff’s Favorite Artworks

1. The Family of Street Acrobats: The Injured Child by Gustave Doré

Anisley “Annie” Herrera, Custodial Lead for Facilities Team

This artwork is my favorite piece at the Denver Art Museum. Even though this painting is full of sadness and so many other emotions, it shows that there is no difference between cultures, races, or economic levels when it comes to a parent’s love for their child.

Located in the Classic European Art gallery in Hamilton, 2nd floor.

2. Lupita by Jay Lynn Gomez

Brian Byrd, Security Supervisor for Protective Services

I chose the piece Lupita by Jay Lynn Gomez to represent my favorite piece for a few reasons. Working in the security department at the Denver Art Museum provides a lot of insight and knowledge of the “behind the scenes” operations that occur within the museum daily, while staying out of sight from the public unless our presence is needed. I feel that another department that is not seen or even acknowledged a lot of the time is the facilities/janitorial staff of the cleaning crew. As Gomez describes the piece, they mention that: “It’s important for me to highlight these people that are not going to be recorded in art history”.

The unseen workforce of the cleaning crew does not get enough credit or appreciation for the hours of hard work they put into cleaning the museum every morning, afternoon, and after-hours to make sure the aesthetic and cleanliness of the museum are in order every single day. As Gomez says:

3. Ash No. 125 by Lin Danhua

Chris Waldo, Technician, Facilities Team

Visceral! A parable and a proverb in sculpture. Among so many beautiful works, this one still halts me in my tracks every time I walk by it. This piece speaks to the precise discretion required in the lessons that we teach and the history that we keep to maintain humanity’s fragile survival.

Located in the Asian Art gallery in Martin, 5th floor.

4. Tête-à-Tête by Gail Folwell

Lindsay Genshaft, Senior Manager of Family and Community Programs

It’s so fun to watch kids and families get interested in it and then tell them they can touch and move the statues. Watching their excitement at this discovery gives us all the good feels!

Located in the walk-over bridge between the Hamilton and Martin buildings.

5. Hayagriva Mandala by Monk Artists of Seraje Monastic University

Rose Beetem, Communications Staff Aide

I love this piece for several reasons: it is stunningly intricate and incredibly beautiful, of course! Also, I was able to watch it take shape under the hands of the monk artists. I got to talk with the conservator as he was under a tight deadline (as the gallery was going under construction a week later) to figure out a way to conserve an art piece that traditionally would be destroyed after completion.

Located in the Asian Art gallery in Martin building, 5th floor.

6. Chamber by Charles Sandison

Rose Beetem, Communications Staff Aide

Initially created for the exhibition titled Embrace! this piece mesmerized me from the first time I walked into it. It is meditative and trippy, and I could lie on the beanbags and watch it morph for hours. When it came back on view for Blink! I was thrilled – I really hope it comes back again in the next couple of years!

Currently not on view.

Did you enjoy these staff picks?

Before you leave make sure to visit Denver Art Museum’s website to find out more about their collections and current exhibitions!

This article was originally published on October 27, 2022, as part of our partnership with the Denver Art Museum.