Building a Women’s Art Museum From Scratch (Colorado’s Grassroots Movement)

In this episode of Museum Backstage, host Samantha Hunt Duran pulls back the curtain with Denver-based contemporary artist and arts leader Carrie MaKenna—co-founder of Dart Gallery and founder/president of the Colorado Women’s Art Center and Museum (CWAM).

Carrie shares what inspired her to help build a women’s art museum from the ground up, why museum representation still matters (especially for women artists), and what it takes to curate meaningful exhibitions without a permanent building. You’ll hear the real-world, behind-the-scenes logistics—calls for submissions, loan agreements, installation crunch time, and the creative strategy behind designing an experience people actually want to explore.

They also zoom out to the bigger mission: preserving the legacies of Colorado women artists, strengthening local culture, and creating a community-powered museum model supported by artists, members, and grassroots momentum.

Plus: a preview of CWAM’s upcoming Self-Portrait Exhibition and ways to get involved.

00:00 Welcome to Museum Backstage

00:42 Meet Carrie McKenna: Artist and Museum Founder

02:06 The Birth of the Colorado Women’s Art Center and Museum

05:15 The Denver Art Scene: A Unique Perspective

10:07 Challenges and Triumphs for Women Artists

19:25 Curating in Temporary Spaces

35:00 The Excitement (and Momentum) Behind CWAM

36:07 Why Denver Is the Right Home

36:49 A Growing Groundswell of Colorado Women Artists

37:47 Gender Representation in the Arts

41:54 Membership, Community, and Support

42:45 The Museum’s Vision for the Future

45:24 Building a Permanent Collection

50:59 Carrie’s Personal Journey + Family Influence

59:38 Upcoming Exhibitions and Events

01:02:07 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

If this episode resonated with you, there are a few ways you can support the work being done at the Colorado Women’s Art Center and Museum:

🌱 Learn more or become a member: CWAMUS.org

🎨 Attend an exhibition or event if you’re in or near Colorado

💬 Join the conversation — share this episode with an artist, curator, or museum professional

⭐ Subscribe, rate, and review Museum Backstage to help more people discover these stories

Your support helps amplify women artists, preserve cultural legacies, and shape the future of museums.

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