Cortney Lane Stell, the visionary behind Black Cube, a nonprofit nomadic art museum that’s reshaped Denver’s contemporary art scene, has spent more than two decades curating innovative exhibitions that push boundaries and challenge traditional spaces. With a deep passion for site-specific art, Stell’s work transcends the walls of conventional galleries, inviting us to engage with art in unexpected places across Colorado and beyond. Her curatorial path began in Italy, organizing exhibitions in everyday spaces, and has since evolved into a dynamic career, including her long tenure as the gallery director for Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and her impactful role at Black Cube. Her work is also on display at The Dikeou Collection, where she is the curator of artist Devon Dikeou’s Mid-Career Smear. Here, Stell shares her favorite spots to experience the best of Denver’s art in all its forms.
Arts + Culture
Best place to experience contemporary art: Black Cube Nomadic Art Museum
Most Inspiring public art piece in Denver: The invisible public artwork Soundwalk by Jim Green
Denver’s most thought-provoking gallery: David B. Smith Gallery
Favorite local art collective: Collective Misnomer
Best public art installation: Mustang/Mesteño by Luis Jimenez
Top gallery for photography: Colorado Photographic Arts Center
Where to discover emerging artists: Squirm Gallery
Favorite outdoor art installation: Community Forms by Matt Barton
Most exciting upcoming exhibition: MCA Denver’s Movement Towards Freedom
Best place to connect with the art community: RedLine Contemporary Art Center during the annual resident artist exhibition in January
Best spot for artist residencies: Anderson Ranch Arts Center
Best place for art-inspired retail therapy: Rule Gallery
Favorite museum gift shop: Aspen Art Museum
Where to find unique, artist-made gifts: Squirm Gallery’s market
Best place for art supplies: Re-Creative Denver on Santa Fe
Favorite performing arts venue: Central City Opera House
Top venue for live performances: Glob
Best place for an art date: Black American West Museum & Heritage Center
Dining + Drinks
Most inspiring place for a creative meal: La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal
Best spot for a post-exhibit cocktail: The Cruise Room
Where to take an artist for a meal: Buckhorn Exchange
Miscellaneous
Most underrated aspect of Denver: Its artist-run spaces
Denverites you’d invite to your dinner party: It would be a big dinner party filled with Denverites past, present, and future. Some in attendance would be Clark Richert, Ed Dwight, Donna J. Haraway, Michael Huemer, Hannah Wormington, Rick Waters, Marilyn Megenity, Isaac Linder, Thomas Bopp, Colin Ward, Louis Martorano, Annie Geimer, Carlos Fresquez, Rick Griffith, Florence R. Sabin, and Ronald Otsuka.
