Ed Dwight: Casting a Legacy

Introducing Mad About Art! Meet Ups, late afternoon programs that will feature a special presentation followed by a social hour with refreshments and conversation about the program. 

The first Mad About Art! Meet Up will be held at the beautiful History Colorado Center and will feature a discussion of the current exhibit Ed Dwight: Casting a Legacy.  The presentation will be lead by  Dr. Gwendolyn Lockman, Senior Exhibition Developer and Historian,  and Acoma Gaither, Associate Curator of Black History.

Ed Dwight is a living legend whose artwork makes history come alive. Working from his Denver studio since 1977, Dwight has dedicated his artistic career to sharing African American history – while he himself continues to shape history as a trailblazer with astronomical accomplishments.

Dwight’s renowned sculptures preserve the stories of Black cowboys and homesteaders, jazz greats, and civil rights leaders. Through these cast creations, Dwight combines historical research, technical innovation, and imagination. More than a dozen of his artworks shine in this exhibition exploring his life and contributions as a renowned sculptor and innovator.

Dwight’s striking and poignant work is a testament to his accomplishments as a pilot, engineer, and the first Black astronaut candidate in the United States. Dwight has broken down barriers throughout his life, from integrating his Catholic school to an outstanding career in the US Air Force, from his entrepreneurship in the greater Denver community to his groundbreaking work as a bronze artist. At 92 years young, Dwight achieved his dream of being an astronaut in 2024, becoming the oldest person to go to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket.

Dr. Lockman, exhibit curator, says: “Ed Dwight is the ultimate history maker.  Time and again he has been the first to accomplish what he’s done, and he has dedicated his work as an artist to sharing with audiences everywhere.  It’s all there in his bronzes: his background as an engineer, his creativity, his awareness of history and his legacy.”

Location: History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway Denver CO 80202
Event Time: 2-4pm; 2pm presentation followed by a social hour and tour of Ed Dwight: Casting a Legacy exhibit.  You will also have access to other exhibits until 5 pm
Program limited to 120 members
RSVP by November 9
Cost to Attend: $35.00, includes museum admission
Parking Suggestion: Cultural Complex Garage, 65 West 12th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204