I was lucky enough to be in Denver recently, with a friend that knows my passions and knows the area. She quickly herded me to the Kirkland Museum, located at 1311 Pearl Street. I had no idea what to expect when I walked through the doors but I should have had faith in her, the museum was chock full of Glass, Pottery, Furniture and Art!!

Vance Kirkland was an amazing artist, who went through several phases through his life. Bringing art to life with bold colors, impressionism and modernist dots.

His work was a true pleasure to discover and we had the added benefit of a guided tour by a very lovely docent. Vance collected lots of art from Colorado artists, but he also collected Pretty Objects. His theory in life was that there was no time for ugly, and if he was going to use something it should be beautiful. That philosophy sure comes across as you wander through the museum. The museum began in his Studio, when his friends son Hugh inherited his estate. Hugh quickly realized there was not enough room and added 8000 square feet to the building. The studio remains in place, complete with a hammock like contraption of straps that Vance Kirkland used to suspend himself over the art work he created.

As I entered each room of the museum I let out another gasp or squeal of delight as my eyes were drawn to works of glass art the likes of which I've always loved but never seen in person. The case of Ruba Rhombic glass seemed familiar, as well it should as it was recently featured on the Antiques Roadshow when they were in the area.

One of the things that really made the visit special was sharing the tour with the docent. I say sharing, because it wasn't your usual "They talk, you listen" tour, it was a conversation, a mutual passion for the objects around us and an exchange of information. If I had looked around the museum by myself I would have been so distracted by the glass that I would not have noticed the art and furniture enough to appreciate it. Instead, as we walked around, the docent told us the history behind each piece or grouping, why it was collected, how and where it was made, or the intentions of the artist. In exchange I talked about the glass, told her about my experiences and passions with similar pieces and even had the pleasure of being able to let them know who made an unidentified decanter set.

I am sharing a mere handful of my photographs here, but I highly recommend that is you have a passion for beauty, vintage, mid century modern or art, be sure to stop by the museum and take a look for yourself if you're ever in the vicinity. You will not be disappointed!

Written by Helen Gilbert

Catisfaction's Glass Gallery on Ruby Lane