Union Hall Denver

How can exceptional design and creative problem-solving make uncommon things happen in common spaces? Find out how during this week’s Doors Open Denver! In partnership with Denver Architecture Foundation, Union Hall is delighted to be 1 of 60 Open Sites with adjusted gallery hours on 9/25 from 10am - 6pm and 9/26 from 10am - 4pm.

✨Architect Haily Tweedie will lead 30-minute public tours of Union Hall at 1:30pm on 9/25 and 10am on 9/26✨

Union Hall demonstrates how mixed-use venues can redefine what’s possible when cultural relevance, public access, and thoughtful design intersect. During the tours, you’ll get the inside scoop on how Haily solved Union Hall’s quirky architectural challenges and exhibition design needs.

Haily Tweedie was part of the original team of architectural consultants at Semple Brown who designed Union Hall and the first floor of The Coloradan. With nearly two decades of experience across hospitality, residential, and restaurant spaces, Haily brought an artful and inventive approach to the project. She now leads her own architecture and interior design firm, Tweed Studio, based in Denver.

This Welcoming Week, Union Hall is proud to be a founding partner of Patchwork of Us — a collective digital quilt celebrating what welcoming looks like across Colorado.🧵

We’re honored to serve as a platform for emerging artists and curators who represent a broad range of backgrounds, interests, and creative mediums. We couldn’t agree more with how current Rough Gems curator Italu Ramos Hernandez describes what welcoming means. “Welcoming is something we create collectively through the ways we listen, make space, share resources, and care for one another.” ().

Italu’s exhibition “In the Shadows” brings together 5 artists who reclaim their stories of migration. Visit the gallery to experience the artwork through Oct. 3rd.

Thanks you Toni Tresca for the sweet write up in Denver Westword! And congratulations to Italu Ramos Hernandez for organizing a stellar curatorial debut 🙌

In the Shadows is on view through October 3rd and marks the final Rough Gems exhibition of 2026. Spend some time with the artwork and experiences of Sammy Lee, Golnar Adili, Carmen Lizardo, Ruth Alvarez Luna, and Katie Mongoven. Gallery hours are Wed - Sat from 12 to 6pm.

💎 APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2027 ROUGH GEMS PROGRAM ARE OPEN 💎

‘In the Shadows’ brings immigrant stories into the light at Union Hall Art Space In her curatorial debut, Italu Ramos Hernandez centers five artists "from different backgrounds and immigrant experiences."

💎 Union Hall Art Space is now accepting proposals for the 2027 cycle of Rough Gems, a celebrated curatorial incubator designed to uplift emerging voices in Denver 💎

Artists, writers, cultural producers, and aspiring curators are invited to submit proposals for original exhibitions that push boundaries, spark conversation, and reflect the vibrancy of the Denver Metropolitan community.

Rough Gems was launched in 2019 to cultivate curatorial leadership and create accessible, hands-on experience for emerging creatives. The program offers a platform for 3 new and emerging curators/curator teams to present an exhibition at Union Hall, complete with financial support, professional curatorial mentorship, and access to valuable resources. Selected exhibitions will take place in six week increments throughout 2027.

➡️ Program eligibility, application requirements, and FAQ’s can be found at unionhalldenver.org/rough-gems-application.

📢 Several improvements have been made to the application process and the program. Prospective applicants are highly encouraged to attend one or both info sessions.

🗓️ Application Deadline: October 27, 2026

Behind the making of “In the Shadows,” now on view through October 3 at Union Hall. Curated by Italu Ramos Hernandez, this exhibition reclaims the immigrant narrative by letting immigrants speak for themselves. Check out artwork by Carmen Lizardo, Golnar Adili, Katie Mongoven, Ruth Alvarez Luna, and Sammy Lee during open hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 12-6pm!

Save the date for upcoming programming:
• Sept 12 - El Pueblo Cuida al Pueblo: Resource Fair and Monologue Performance with
• Oct 1 - Curatorial Talk with Italu Ramos Hernandez

Thank you to Wyatt Scott for the install assist, as always!

As the 2026 Rough Gems program unfolds, Sierra Jeter, Felicty Wong, and Italu Ramos Hernandez are bringing new perspectives, questions, and possibilities to Denver’s arts community through their debut curatorial projects.

As the program grows, so does its ability to cultivate the next generation of cultural leaders. Your support helps create opportunities for emerging curators to experiment, lead, and build careers in the arts.

When you donate to Union Hall, you’re investing in the people who are helping shape Denver’s cultural future. Make a donation and support emerging curators by visiting ColoradoGives.org/unionhalldenver.

Photos by Helen Yoseph, Roxanna, Raymundo Muñoz, and Jess Díaz.