FAQs

Is CVA wheelchair accessible? Yes. CVA’s public spaces, offices and bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.

Does CVA provide seating? There are benches throughout the gallery. We also have lightweight seats available on request. If you would like a seat, please ask any staff member.

Can I check my bag or coat? Yes. We have complimentary coat and bag check. We may ask guests to check large items like backpacks, luggage or shopping bags before entering the gallery.

Are strollers allowed inside CVA? Yes. Although we may ask that large, nonessential items such as backpacks or large bags, helmets, skateboards, etc. be stored at the front desk during your visit.

Does CVA provide large print and/or audio materials for visitors? We are happy to provide large print and audio materials to guests with advance notice. Please email us at cva@msudenver.edu or call the gallery at 303-615-0282 to make a request.

Are animals allowed in CVA? No. However, service dogs trained to perform a task directly related to a person’s disability are welcome inside CVA.

Is outside food and beverage allowed inside CVA? Sealed containers are allowed but please leave all other food and beverage items at the front desk.

Is alcohol allowed inside CVA? We do occasionally serve alcohol at select events but please do not BYOB.

I have a question about the artwork – who can I ask? Any of our staff would love to talk to you about the artwork in the gallery. Gallery attendants posted at the front desk and throughout the gallery are happy to chat or answer your questions.

Can I sketch or write in CVA? Yes! But please use pencil only as mishaps with ink pens and markers may damage the art. If you do not have a pencil, please ask for one at the front desk.

Can I take pictures of the art? Yes! Unless otherwise noted, you may take photos for your own personal, non commercial use. Please do not use flash.

Tripods, light kits, commercial and portrait photoshoots are not allowed without advance notice. Please email cva@msudenver.edu or call the gallery at 303-615-0282 to make a request.

To request images for publication, please email CVA’s Communications Manager Jenna Miles at milesjen@msudenver.edu.

May I share my pictures or videos of the artwork on social media? Yes although we ask that you please tag us at @cva_msudenver and credit the artist whenever possible.

How can I learn about events at CVA? We post details on all of our upcoming events on our event page. You can also subscribe to receive our monthly newsletter, CVA Happenings, to learn about upcoming events.

I would like to attend an event at CVA – do I need to RSVP or register for a ticket? In most cases, yes. We will say if an event requires a ticket or registration in the event’s description listed on CVA’s Event page.

Does CVA have a mailing list? How do I sign up? Yes! Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter, CVA Happenings, occasional announcements and exclusive invitations.

How do I get to CVA? CVA is accessible by car and public transportation. The nearest light rail station is 5 blocks away at 10th and Osage.

Where can I park? Free parking is available in our parking lot on a first come/first served basis. Be sure to ask one of our gallery attendants for a complimentary parking pass at the front desk. Street parking is also available throughout the neighborhood.

How long are parking passes valid? CVA parking passes are only valid while you are visiting CVA. If you plan to explore other galleries and business in the Santa Fe Arts District, we kindly ask that you move your vehicle after your visit to CVA.

Where can I leave my bike? There is a bike rack adjacent to the sidewalk in front of the gallery.

Does CVA offer membership? Yes, CVA offers membership at a variety of levels to fit your needs and budget. We are proud to offer free MSU Denver Art Student memberships and discounted memberships for MSU Denver alumni, faculty and staff as well as non-MSU Denver university students.

How do I become a member? You can learn more about or register for membership online here. Or you can register for membership in person next time you’re at the CVA by asking for a registration form at the front desk.

What are the benefits of becoming a member? In addition to great perks like free admission to our ticketed events, invitations to members-only previews and parties and discounts on CVA merchandise, members have our utmost appreciation and gratitude for their generous support. CVA’s exhibitions, programs, workshops, classes, tours and events are free and accessible to everyone thanks to our members.

How long is membership valid? Memberships are valid for one full year.

How do I renew my membership? You will receive a reminder when it’s time to renew your membership with easy instructions.

Do you offer family or household memberships? Yes! Dual level memberships are often the best fit for families.

Will I receive a member card? If you register for your membership online, you will receive your card in the mail within 30 days. If you register in person at CVA, you will receive your card the same day.

What should I do if I lose my member card? No worries! Contact cva@msudenver.edu for a replacement card.

Do you offer reciprocal memberships to other galleries and museums? Yes! Muse and higher level memberships enjoy reciprocal membership to hundreds of museums and galleries nationwide through Mod/Co (managed by MCA Chicago) and the College and University Art Museums Reciprocal Program (managed by Yale University). View the full list of Mod/Co partner museums here. View the full list of College and University Art Museums Reciprocal Program museums here.

How do I donate to CVA? You can donate to CVA here. Thank you for your generous support! No matter the size, your gift makes a difference.

CVA partnered with EnChroma, Inc. to offer eyewear to visitors with color vision deficiencies, or color blindness. EnChroma is an independent, Berkeley, California-based company that develops leading patented lens technology to improve the lives of people with color vision deficiency (color blindness). EnChroma’s Color Accessibility Program helps public venues, schools, state parks, libraries, museums, and other organizations purchase and loan EnChroma glasses for use by visitors. Guests at the CVA may check out the glasses free of charge at the front desk while visiting.

What is CVA’s connection to Metropolitan State University of Denver?  CVA is the off-campus art gallery of Metropolitan State University of Denver and is part of the university’s College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. We serve as an interactive art laboratory for MSU Denver students, faculty, staff, alumni and the larger community. CVA was founded in 1990 to expose students to leading-edge contemporary art and to broaden MSU Denver’s art program.

CVA is part of MSU Denver – does CVA only show student and faculty work? We show work by professional, contemporary artists of both local significance and international reach. Each year, our exhibition schedule features a mix of prominent, internationally-known artists to emerging artists. MSU Denver art department faculty and MSU Denver alumni are often invited to participate in our exhibitions along with local contemporary artists. We also host the MSU Denver BFA Thesis exhibition twice a year featuring the work of graduating studio art and communication design students.

How are exhibitions chosen at CVA? CVA’s Director and Curator organizes and plans each exhibition. The exhibition schedule is decided about two years in advance.

How long do exhibitions last? Exhibitions are typically on view for 10 to 12 weeks.

How many exhibitions does CVA have a year? We have four major exhibitions each year as well as four exhibitions in the 965 Project Gallery and two BFA Thesis Exhibitions.

Is CVA part of an arts or creative district? CVA is a member of the Arts District on Santa Fe.

Is CVA hiring? Open positions are posted on MSU Denver’s Job Site.

I’m interested in learning more about CVA – how can I stay in the loop? To learn about upcoming events, exhibitions and more, subscribe to our newsletter, CVA Happenings.

I am an artist – will CVA show my work? Artists may send exhibition proposals. Please keep in mind that our exhibition schedule is decided 2 years in advance. For consideration, artists should send between 6-10 web sized images of their work, a resume and supporting materials such as critical reviews, etc. to cva@msudenver.edu.

Can I bring my portfolio or artwork to CVA in person? Please do not mail or bring in any physical materials including original artwork, slides, CDs, DVDs, catalogues, documents or printed proposals. Any materials brought to or mailed to the CVA will not be returned.

I submitted a proposal – what happens next?

Due to volume, our curator is unable to respond to all inquiries. If there is interest in the submitted work, you will be contacted for more information. CVA retains all materials submitted; individual artist files are maintained by the CVA for review in future exhibitions.