Tim Whiten's work is one of two exhibitions that will be on display when the CU Art Museum on the University of Colorado Boulder campus reopens Tuesday. The museum was closed for 17 months amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Wes Magyar / Courtesy of CU Art Museum) — Tim Whiten’s work is one of two exhibitions that will be on display when the CU Art Museum on the University of Colorado Boulder campus reopens Tuesday. The museum was closed for 17 months amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Wes Magyar / Courtesy of CU Art Museum)

By Alex Edwards | For the Camera

PUBLISHED: August 16, 2021 at 5:44 p.m. | UPDATED: August 18, 2021 at 7:55 p.m.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct when artist in residence LaMont Hamilton’s exhibition will be displayed and that the fall exhibition will be “The Art That Made Medicine.”

The CU Art Museum will reopen on Tuesday after being closed for 17 months amid the coronavirus pandemic with a stated ambition to consider exhibitions in terms of equity.

Two exhibitions will be featured at the reopening, and the museum will open a third exhibition in the fall, “The Art That Made Medicine,” that will address human anatomy.

“A lot of people were really excited about the opportunity to be with our students again in person, and interacting with objects directly,” said Sandra Q. Firmin, the museum’s director. “It is more impactful.”

In an announcement, the museum said that staff are seeking to think of exhibitions in terms of equity. Firmin clarified, saying museum staff have used the time to rethink the museum’s place in the world and community.

“We recognize that we can’t be the same museum we were when we were closed,” she said. “The artists are addressing content and seeing how art can actively be an agent for healing and beauty in the world.”

She says the first two exhibitions seek to explore interconnectivity and healing in a positive and constructive way.

Longmont-based artist Kate Petley and Toronto-based artist Tim Whiten will have art displayed at the reopening. Both will feature abstract photographs, paintings, and work on canvas.

Longmont-based artist Kate Petley’s work is one of two exhibitions that will be on display when the CU Art Museum on the University of Colorado Boulder campus reopens Tuesday. (Wes Magyar / Courtesy of CU Art Museum)

Firmin also said artist in residence LaMont Hamilton will also have an exhibition opening in the spring.

“Let me keep that one confidential for right now,” Hamilton said after being asked for more details about the upcoming exhibit. “I have a pretty solid idea, but I don’t want to put it out there just yet because it might change slightly.”

Hamilton will join the museum on Sept. 21 and will stay through Oct. 26.

Though Hamilton has done solo performance art in previous years, he said these have been shorter term, ranging from a day to a week.

“This will be the first time I’ve had a solo exhibition that will be up for a few months,” he said. “That presents a challenge in how to make something that’s dynamic, interesting and also engaging.”

The museum also changed its section process for this year’s artist in residence. Instead of reaching out to specific artists, the museum published an open application on its website. Over 111 artists from around the world responded and the museum ultimately selected Hamilton.

“It was really clear that his research interests align nicely with the research interests of faculty, both researchers and artists,” Firmin said.