Where Creativity Meets Elegance: An Evening at the Denver Art Museum

Photo: StevePeterson.photo

On Friday, June 6, 2025, the Denver Art Museum fired up its summer season with its annual spring fundraiser, Uncorked: Delight at the Denver Art Museum. Thanks to the enthusiastic generosity of trustees, patrons and friends, the evening was a resounding success, raising $650,000 for the museum’s innovative Learning & Engagement programs.

This year, the event was reimagined as an evening in three parts, celebrating connection, creativity, and community. The Denver Art Museum is grateful to event co-chairs, Jen & Alex Hardie and Craig & Nicole Harrison, and the devoted Committee for their leadership and guidance as the event has grown and evolved.

Photo: StevePeterson.photo

The evening began with a Golden Hour Reception with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and wine tastings provided by Gruet, Hampton Water Rosé, Maison Saint Aix, and Panther Ridge Vineyards, tastings by Strongwater mocktails, and Pizzolato zero alcohol sparkling wine were also offered. The Golden Hour featured the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition work by artist Rupprecht Matthies, and electrified string quartets performed by Spinphony. 

Guests proceeded to a sparkling Sunset Dinner in the Sturm Grand Pavilion featuring a sumptuous meal, exquisite wines, and an engaging gala program led by Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Mayer Director, highlighting the impact of the museum’s Learning & Engagement programs and the vital community-based activities that take place both inside and outside the museum’s walls.  Dinner entertainment was provided by La Pompe Jazz. A live and silent auction of artful experiences included the chance to bring the DAM Creative Caravan to your home for an afternoon of artmaking, exclusive access to museum exhibitions and collections, and a one-of-a-kind evening of art at the Kirkland Museum. 

Photo: StevePeterson.photo

The paddle raise started strong with an extraordinary $100,000 Challenge Grant generously provided by the Berger Collection Educational Trust and was further energized by an additional generous match offered by the Stevinson Fund for Excellence.  Both matching grants were met, raising significant funds to sustain the museum’s ability to build art and creativity experiences together with communities, fostering well-being, belonging and empathy for all. The evening closed with a Starry Nightcap in the museum’s Morgridge Creative Hub, with desserts, after-dinner drinks, and dancing to DJ Miss Haze. 

Delight at the Denver Art Museum was presented by the Sarah Shaw Anschutz Foundation, the Berger Collection Educational Trust, Nicole & Craig Harrison, and UMB Bank. Creativity Sponsors were Century Communities Foundation, Contract Furnishings, Nancy Leprino, and Amanda J. Precourt.  Art Accessibility Sponsors included Bellco Credit Union, Marlowe & Harrison Crowne, Davis Graham & Stubbs, Renée Duncan, Cory Freyer, Daniel & Jonathan Futa, Bridget & John Grier, Jen & Alex Hardie, Wendy & Bob Kaufman, Panther Ridge Vineyards, and Spyder Construction.  The Denver Art Museum would like to thank all involved for their support.   

Photo: StevePeterson.photo

About the Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum is an educational, nonprofit resource that sparks creative thinking and expression through transformative experiences with art. Its mission is to enrich lives by sparking creative thinking and expression. Its holdings reflect the city and region—and provide invaluable ways for the community to learn about cultures from around the world. Metro residents support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), a unique funding source serving hundreds of metro Denver arts, culture and scientific organizations.

Photo: StevePeterson.photo

Photo: StevePeterson.photo