David Cook Galleries

PSA: All prints by Denver artist Edward Marecak (1919-1993) are now on sale! 📣

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Edward Marecak moved to Colorado in 1946 following his service in WWII. He studied at the Broadmoor Art Academy until 1950, learning under artists such as Jean Charlot, Mary Chenoweth, and Lawrence Barrett. In the early 1950's, Marecak became deeply inspired by Referential Abstraction and Magic Realism, both of which defined his style going forward. Today, his works are celebrated for their whimsical, dream-like qualities and are held in multiple museums across Colorado, including the Denver Art Museum, the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center, and the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art.

You can find a link to the sale here: https://davidcookgalleries.com/collections/edward-marecak-print-sale

The Saltillo Serape 🇲🇽
Originating from Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, Saltillo serapes were men's garments celebrated for their exceptionally fine weave and intricate geometric design. Over time, the serape evolved into a symbol of affluence, prestige, and Mexican national pride.

-Mexican Saltillo Serape, circa 1800-1850. Vegetal dye on wool.

"Abstract art is uniquely modern. It is a fundamentally romantic response to modern life - rebellious, individualistic, unconventional, sensitive, irritable." -Robert Motherwell (1915-1991)

From left to right:
- "Ether Image 9" by Dale Chisman, dated 1995. Watercolor on paper.
- "Untitled (Abstract in Red, Brown, Amber, and Olive)" by Suzanne VandeBoom. Acrylic on canvas.
- "Rebound Series #2" by Eugene Allen Bavinger, dated 1983. Acrylic on canvas.

Did you know? 🤔
Charles Ragland Bunnell is often credited as one of Colorado's first abstract expressionists, a style that he began exploring in the early 1940's. He was also the first artist to introduce abstract expressionism to the Broadmoor Art Academy in Colorado Springs, where it had been previously excluded from the school's curriculum.

"Untitled (Abstract in Red, Orange, White, and Blue)" by Charles Ragland Bunnell, dated 1953. Oil on canvas paper.

Tucked inside one of Denver's historic downtown buildings, our gallery has spent decades sharing art, history, and stories from the American West. Stop by sometime—we're here Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm.

A little something for our Rocky Mountain lovers 🏔🌲

"Little Bear" by Harold Vincent Skene, dated 1959. Oil on canvas board.

Springtime has officially hit the Rockies. To celebrate, we're sharing this group of paintings by Ethel Magafan, whose work was deeply inspired by Colorado's steep slopes, jagged peaks, and sweeping valleys.

Photo 1: "Valley World", circa 1970. Watercolor on paper.
Photo 2: "High Above the Valley", circa 1970. Watercolor on paper.
Photo 3: "Springtime", circa 1970. Watercolor on paper.

A closeup of the stunning beadwork on a Sioux Indian dress, showcasing the talent and artistry of its maker.

Sioux Beaded Dress, circa 1880. Glass trade beads and trade cloth on hide.

A small moment of beauty captured outside the gallery storefront. 🌸

Fun Fact: Beverly Rosen, whose work is featured here, was the first tenured female professor at the University of Denver. She taught at the university from 1975 until 1981, while also raising four children and running an art gallery alongside her husband. Called "St. Charles on Wazee", this gallery was located only a few doors down!

Photo 1: "Change World" by Beverly Rosen, dated 1964. Oil on canvas.
Photo 2: "Jacob Ladder" by Beverly Rosen, dated 1964. Oil on canvas.