Join us for the opening reception of Rough Gems third and final pop-up exhibition- There is really no difference between art and prayer. There is a definite piety exhibited in meticulous documentation. There is reverence in the aesthetic, scribe-like translation of text. There is an undeniable devoutness in a trompe l'oeil depiction. There is really no difference between art and prayer considers the work of queer-identifying artists who command their mediums with extreme, devotional control. These artists achieve a spirituality in their work that seems referencial to, but transcends religions. Curated by Robert Martin and featuring works by Adam Milner, Jacob Aaron Schroeder, Joe Sinness and Jess Kohl, this exhibition utilizes the subtle strategies employed for display throughout the canon of religious art; such as hanging work slightly above eye level to evoke awe and spotlighting singular works by centering them independently at the ends of corridors, transforming Union Hall into a cathedral of artistic sanctity.

Rough Gems is an annual open call and collaborative curatorial project. Taking place from January 15 - March 12, 2020, Rough Gems will showcase the work of three Denver-based curators in a rotating pop-up exhibition format. Selected through an open call for proposals, each of the three curators is granted access to Union Hall’s space, budget, and additional resources in order to create a two-week pop-up exhibition, as well as support in creating supplementary events and programming throughout their two-week run of show. The goal of this ambitious rotating exhibition series is to showcase local curatorial and artistic talent by turning over Union Hall’s gallery space to emerging curators, inviting them to share an exhibition in an active and experimental environment.