Seen: Mike Stilkey — Words Fail Me

September 22nd, 2009 — by Jack in Shows

Mike and Elizabeth Stilkey

[LA artist Mike Stilkey opened his newest solo at David B. Smith Gallery in Denver this past weekend. Dailydujour contributor Josh Witham took in some of the show prep as well as the opening. Here's his report complete with photo gallery]

Femme fatales, despair, longing, and chunky pink ponies of many things graced David B Smith’s gallery last Friday as Mike Stilkey premiered his new line of work, “Words Fail Me.” As Stilkey’s paintings and ingenious book sculptures were on display so was a beautiful, out of tune piano; personally veiled in book covers by Stilkey (A project which turned out to be a bit more ambitious than everyone thought…).

The show opened to great reception; with thanks to the amazing jazz piano player, Al, who helped create the perfect companion piece to Stilkey’s body of work. To play around with the show’s title “Words Fail Me,” Stilkey also hung sheet music over Al’s head.

Mike and his wonderful wife Elizabeth were present for the opening, who made the night that much more enjoyable. With every aspect of the show juxtaposed; it turned out to be an incredibly authentic display of one unique artist’s world. Definitely not a show to miss if you’re in the Denver area before October 10th.

David B. Smith Gallery
1543 A Wazee Street
Denver, CO 80202
303. 893. 4234