HELEN H. RICHARDSON — THE DENVER POST
Jude Todd, 4, plays in the water at the swim beach on April 22 at Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora.
Wax-based media highlighted in “Apis Opus”
By Amy Norton
YourHub contributor
NKollectiv, at 3485 S. Broadway, is presenting its third annual “Apis Opus” juried exhibition, a celebration of wax media, on view from May 3 to June 1. U.S. artists working in any beeswax-based media, such as encaustic or cold-wax medium, were invited to apply. In contrast, the first two iterations of the show were focused solely on encaustic work by local Colorado artists.
A public opening reception will be from 3 to 6 p.m May 3. There will also be a Second Saturday Reception and Open Studios session from 4 to 8 p.m. May 10.
Encaustic medium is solid at room temperature and must be heated to a molten state to apply to a surface. It is made up of beeswax and often a small amount of damar (tree sap) resin; if pigment is added, then it is called encaustic paint. The layers are brushed on and the wax cools quickly before being reheated between each layer in order to fuse top layers of wax to those below.
Cold wax is soft and mixable at room temperature without added heat due to the inclusion of a solvent, such as odorless mineral spirits. It is often mixed with oil paint to make it a bit more transparent with a matte finish, while also allowing for a textured layering process with a faster curing time than oils alone.
The exhibition was juried by local encaustic artists Kelly Austin-Rolo and Michele Messenger, who selected over 60 pieces from 138 entries by 42 artists from across the U.S., including Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In addition, NKollectiv artists who create work with wax media will be included in the exhibition.
All selected pieces are derived either from beeswax-based media, alone or combined with other materials, resulting in a colorful display of diverse two- and three-dimensional artworks. The show’s name
comes from Latin, with apis translating to the common genus of bees and opus to a work of art.
“Kelly and I thoroughly enjoyed the fun, but difficult, task of looking at so much great wax-based art from great artists,” Messenger said “We think the show will offer a new perspective on both encaustic and cold wax and will be inspiring, challenging and so very interesting.”
“From hive to hand, ‘Apis Opus’ showcases the versatility of beeswax in contemporary art—connecting nature, process and place,” Rolo said. “It celebrates this timeless material as transformed by artists from across the country into pow-
erful, tactile works of art.”
NKollectiv and EASEL are in the expansive upstairs shared space at 3485 S Broadway in downtown Englewood. NKollectiv is a curated gallery for local artists to display and sell their work, giving them opportunities to interact with collectors and grow their practice.
A selected portfolio of artwork is available for purchase online at nkollectiv.com, along with more information about specific artists and events Follow the gallery on Instagram and Facebook @nkollec-
tiv. EASEL— Englewood Art Studios, Events and Lessons, is a dynamic art-focused community hub. The space includes working-artist studios and rentable gallery, event and classroom space. F ollow EASEL on Instagram and Facebook @easelcoartspace and visit www.easel-co.com for more information. Regular hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays with expanded hours to 8 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month.
Amy Norton provides marketing and communications to small businesses.
“Tangled Wheels,” by Lisa Marie Kwesell.
“Nesting Time,” by Lynne Miller.
“We Are All One,” by Dianna Fritzler
A piece by Beth Wadsworth
ARAPAHOE COUNTY
County commissioner appointed to Colorado Aeronautical Board
By Jill McGranahan
YourHub contributor
The Colorado Senate on March 13 confirmed the appointment of Arapahoe County Commissioner Leslie Summey to the Colorado Aeronautical Board, which addresses issues of aviation safety, administers reimbursements of aviation and fuel tax revenues, maintains the state aviation system plan, and works to reduce negative impacts of aviation on surrounding areas.
Governor Jared Polis appointed Summey as one of two Eastern Slope government representatives. She will complete the current term of former board member Chaz Tedesco, which expires on Dec. 19, and may be reappointed up to twice more for terms of three years. She received unanimous confirmation from the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee during her appointment hearing
Summey serves as one of three Arapahoe County representatives on the Centennial Public Airport Authority and previously served on the Centennial Airport Noise Roundtable, which brings together community, industry, and government entities to identify and resolve community concerns
CAB is comprised of nine members:
• Two Eastern Slope government representatives;
• Two Western Slope government representatives;
• One member representing a statewide association of airport managers;
• One member representing a statewide association of pilots;
• One member familiar with and supportive of the state’s aviation issues, interests, and concerns;
• Two community representatives as defined by HB24-1235; and
• The executive director of the department of public health and environment, or the executive director’s designee, is an ex officio
nonvoting board member.
“I am honored by the Governor’s appointment to this board and eager to serve in this capacity, building on my experience on the Centennial Airport Noise Roundtable and the Centennial Public Airport Authority,” Summey said. “As a representative of Arapahoe County and as a resident, I have a track record of working hard for my constituents and I’m excited to work at the state level for the good of all Coloradans.”
Arapahoe County is home to Centennial Airport, one of the busiest general aviation airports in the nation As such, Arapahoe County is a leader in airport noise abatement and is the first community in Colorado to require its airport to switch from leaded to unleaded aviation fuel.
Summey is the Arapahoe County District 4 Commissioner. She was sworn into office on Jan. 9, 2023, and her current term expires in January 2027. She is the first Black person to be elected to serve as a commissioner in Arapahoe County and the first to serve as the board’s chair in 2025.
Jill McGranahan is the public information officer for Arapahoe County.
Linda’sGuide to Leaving aLegacy
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When it comestoprotectingyourlife’swork, leave thelaw to those trained, licensed,and calledtopracticeit.Inthe businessofprotecting legacies,relyingonunqualifiedadviceisahigh-riskstrategywithpotentially catastrophicoutcomes. Expertisematters.Beforemakingmajor estate planningdecisions,seekthecounselofaqualifiedestateplanningattorney. Yourfamily—andyourlegacy—deservenoless.
PROVIDED BY JILL MCGRANAHAN
Arapahoe County Commissioner
Leslie Summey
Briefing
HIGHLANDS RANCH
Concert band’s Swing Shift offers An Afternoon of Jazz
Join the Highlands Ranch Concert Band’s Swing Shift, an 18-piece big jazz band at 2 p.m. May 3 for a free jazz concert. All ages are welcome.
Swing Shift is the jazz arm of the Highlands Ranch Concert band. This 18-piece ensemble is a traditional big band that plays a variety of styles including swing standards, ballads, jazz-rock, and blues. Featuring vocalist Kirstin Forbes and the improvisational talents of many members, the group plays in a variety of venues around the south metro.
This performance will be at the Highlands Ranch Senior Center, 200 East Highlands Ranch Parkway.
— Joel Klein
CENTENNIAL
Joint neighborhood garage sale includes 100+ sellers
The popular neighborhood-wide garage sale in Cherry Knolls, The Knolls and Tiffany is back for its 15th year. Scheduled for May 2 and 3, this well-loved community event—organized and sponsored by The Steller Group real estate team—has built a reputation as one of the largest and most active garage sales in the Centennial area.
More than 100 homes are expected to participate, offering a wide range of items including household goods, furniture, toys, clothing and more. To help shoppers navigate the neighborhoods, printed maps showing participating homes will be available at key neighborhood entry points. Directional signs also will be placed throughout the area.
Individual sellers set their own hours, but most sales begin around 8 a.m. and continue until midafternoon depending on the weather each day.
Cherry Knolls, The Knolls and Tiffany are in Centennial, between Colorado Boulevard and University Boulevard, off Dry Creek Road.
Shoppers are invited to explore, find great deals and enjoy one of the area’s most anticipated community events.
— Jennifer M. Steller
LITTLETON Workshop focuses on beginner abstract painting
The Heritage Fine Arts Guild of Arapahoe County invites artists of all experience levels to join “Abstract Colorado: Painting for Beginners” with acclaimed artist Christian Dore This in-person acrylic painting workshop will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17 at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1701 W. Caley Ave.
In this workshop, participants will be guided through every stage of creating an abstract acrylic portrait of Colorado, blending natural elements with personal artistic expression. Dore’s hands-on instruction will explore color, texture, and composition, offering a welcoming space for beginners and those new to acrylic painting.
The workshop costs $50 for Heritage Fine Arts Guild members and $100 for nonmembers. Registration and supply details are available at heritage-guild. com.
Dore, a fine artist and former BBC graphic designer, draws inspiration from Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes. Known for his colorful, textural abstracts, Dore captures the region’s warmth, spirit, and dynamic beauty in his work. His paintings combine expressive color, layered surfaces, and intuitive creativity, inviting viewers into a rich visual and emotional experience. Learn more at christiandore.com.
— Kim Dwyer
ARAPAHOE COUNTY
Arapahoe Libraries used book sale offers bargains
Arapahoe Libraries will host a book sale featuring thousands of used books, most for $3 or less. The sale will be held indoors and outdoors at Smoky Hill Library, 5430 S. Biscay Circle in Centennial, from May 1 through May 4.
“Most used books at the sale are priced at $3 and under. Children’s hardcovers are $2 and paperbacks $1. You can also find rare and collectible titles priced as marked. Sunday is bag day: We
provide the bag, and you fill it for just $12. All funds from the sale support library services, like the popular Summer Reading program,” said Louise Richey, Arapahoe Libraries community engagement manager.
To learn more, visit arapahoelibraries.org or call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279)
— Margay Dean
Celebrate spring at 5th annual Chalk Lines and Vines
Chalk Lines and Vines returns for its 5th anniversary on May 3 and May 4 at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave. in Aurora, featuring Colorado wines, artists, artisans and local bands, including Extreme Strings, Asha Blaine and Ninety2K. Chalk artists will be onsite creating one-of-a-kind pieces for guests’ entertainment.
Chalk Lines & Vines is a 21 and over event. General admission tickets start at $40 online for Saturday and $30 for Sunday, or $50 at the door Saturday and $40 on Sunday. Admission includes a souvenir wine glass and tote. Limited VIP tickets are available for $75 and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, access to a VIP lounge and parking, and full pours of wine.
Event highlights include more than 15 Colorado wineries, more than 15 artists creating chalk art, local vendors, food trucks and bands throughout the night
The Sip and Create section allows visitors to engage their creative side, creating friendship bracelets and painting wine glasses, boho pots and fire tiles
This event is open to adults 21 years and older. Tickets, artist biographies, a full lineup of bands and more information is online at arapahoecountyeventcenter.com/ chalklinesandvines
— Jill McGranahan
COLORADO
VFW announces
4th annual Day of Service
The Veterans of Foreign Wars’ fourth annual VFW Day of Service — a dedicated day of service led by veterans throughout the country and the world — will kick off May 3, the first Saturday
in May, marking the start of veteran-led community service projects to take place throughout the month.
“For the past three years, thousands of VFW members and veterans around the world have joined together for the VFW Day of Service, showcasing the myriad ways they are #StillServing,” said Al Lipphardt, VFW national commander. “By fostering connections and supporting their communities, they have exemplified the strength of unity. We are excited to see Day of Service 2025 grow even larger from previous years, deepening our reach and making a stronger impact in the communities we serve.”
Launched in 2022, VFW Day of Service began as an outgrowth of the organization’s #StillServing campaign that launched in 2020 to recognize the ongoing dedication of veterans and service members who continue to serve their communities after their military service has ended.
Veterans are more likely than civilians to volunteer in their communities, according to a recent civic health survey* of veterans. The same study showed veterans donate to charities, register to vote and are involved in their communities and local government at a greater rate than their civilian counterparts.
The VFW is calling on all veterans across America and around the world to join in the VFW Day of Service to show that veterans never stop serving.
Register an event and get resources at VFWDayofService.org, or find a local event to join and see how other veterans around the country are making a difference
— Michelle Cheesman
Your Hub
Managing editor: Julie Vossler-Henderson, yourhubnews@denverpost.com
Advertising representative: Christine Moser, cmoser@ denverpostmedia.com, 303-954-1133
For information on posting your content online, visit yourhub denverpost.com/how-to-post
COLORADAN IN DRAFT
GONZALEZ — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
RODOLFO
Texas tight end Gunnar Helm (85) is wrapped up by Georgia linebacker Chris Cole (18) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in October 2024in Austin, Texas. The former Cherry Creek stand out was draffted by the Tennessee Titans.
Cherry
Creek’s Helm goes to Titans in fourth round
By Luca Evans levans@denverpost.com
The summer before Gunnar Helm’s junior year of high school, Cherry Creek offensive line coach Det Betti stepped back for a moment during a practice and took stock of a rather appalling personnel discrepancy. There were 25 kids, give or take, in Cherry Creek’s wide receiver line. There were about three, in total, in their tight end group.
So Betti went over to Helm, standing among a clogged crop of receivers, a bigger kid who had yet to crack varsity
Why don’t you try tight end?
“I remember him saying, ‘Well, Coach, I really don’t know how to block anybody,’” Betti told The Denver Post in April
Helm learned He went to Texas out of Cherry Creek, an unheralded three-star recruit, and blocked for the majority of his freshman year. Then another. Then another. Before his senior year, a vacancy in the Longhorns’ tight end room popped open, and Helm went to tight ends coach Jeff Banks and told him he wanted to play in the NFL.
Now, Helm’s officially an NFL tight end, snapped up by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round
of the NFL draft at pick No. 120
But he won’t settle at hearing his name called last weekend.
“Coaches say, ‘What do you want out of this, out of this whole thing?’” Helm told The Post earlier in the month. “And some guys are like, ‘Well, I want to say I played in the NFL.’ And I think that’s just kind of selling yourself short a little bit.
“I want to leave my mark on football.”
Helm broke out at Texas in 2024 as a pass-catcher, racking up 60 catches for 786 yards as one of the more productive tight ends in the nation The Titans were in on a tight end in the middle rounds, a source with knowledge of the situation told The Post, and Helm will head to Tennessee to catch passes from No. 1 pick Cam Ward.
“I know this — he’ll compete his butt off for Tennessee,” Helm’s high school coach Dave Logan told The Post. “They’re getting a really good athlete, big athlete, that is gonna be versatile enough that they’ll be able to play him at different spots.”
He’s the second tight end from this class to see an NFL journey continue from Colorado, as the Rams took Littleton native Terrance Ferguson in the second round.
THE ADVENTURIST
Your weekly guide to getting outside, from snow and sun to hiking, skiing, wildlife and more.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Estate of Jerry Owen, Deceased. Case number: 2025PR30164. All persons having claims against the above-named estateare required to present them tothe Personal Representative or to the DistrictCourt of Douglas, County, Colorado, on or before September1,2025, or the claims may be forever barred. Dr. Joshua Kirk McGill, Esq., Counsel for the Personal Representative, 7730 East BelleviewAvenue, Suite A-300, GreenwoodVillage, Colorado 80111
NOTICETOCREDITORS:Estateof Augusta Pierrette JulienneWells,Deceased.Case number: 2024PR71. All personshaving claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to thePersonal Representative or to theDistrict Court of Arapahoe, County, Colorado, on or beforeAugust 24, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred. Ruth Ann Meyers, Personal Representative, 116 W. RichSt., Norman, OK 73069.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Estate of James William Steffen,a/k/a James Steffen, a/k/a James W. Steffen, Deceased. Case number:2025PR135.All persons having claims against theabove-named estate arerequired to present them to the PersonalRepresentative or to the District Court of Arapahoe, Colorado, on or before August 17, 2025, or the claims may be foreverbarred.Kathryn Gibson, Personal Representative, PO Box52, Afton, OK 74331
NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Estate of Anthony Cannon, Deceased.All persons having claims against theabove-named estate arerequired to present them to the PersonalRepresentative or to the District Court of Arapahoe, County, Colorado, on or beforeAugust 24,2025, or the claims maybeforeverbarred. IngridCannon, Personal Representative, 3013 S. Jericho Ct., Aurora, CO 80013.
