Stacy Nick

In the aftermath of the Me Too movement and a long period of self-reflection during the pandemic, artists and arts groups are changing how they work.

In February of 1981, six months before MTV hit the airwaves, FM-TV launched in Colorado on public television’s KBDI Channel 12. A year later, the music video showcase became “Teletunes” and for almost two decades, it helped shape the way many saw and heard music. Among fans, its impact can still be felt today.

This month, zoos across the country — including the Denver Zoo — will begin vaccinating some of their animals against COVID-19. The vaccine was developed with both wild and domestic animals in mind, meaning that at some point, it will be available for pets.

Last summer, due to the pandemic, Chautauqua Auditorium’s Silent Film Series largely went, well, silent. For the first time since it began in 1984, a virtual event was held in place of the live screenings. But it wasn't the same. Now the live event — and live music from a pit orchestra — are returning, with a little something extra.

While music and sports are already back to live events at full or almost-full capacity, the theater world is still easing its way back. This week, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts launched a new podcast that combines history and storytelling, and allows audiences to participate at their comfort level.

Mask mandates are dropping around the state and at various stores and restaurants, and capacity restrictions on crowds at outdoor places are being loosened. As live music events continue their steady return, KUNC arts reporter Stacy Nick stopped at one venue in Lyons to find out how the return to "normal" feels and sounds.

While Meow Wolf Denver still hasn’t disclosed its theme, the art collective gave some hints Monday with the release of some first looks at exhibitions inside their latest permanent installation.

In 2012, the High Park Fire west of Fort Collins burned more than 87,000 acres. At the time it was the state’s largest wildfire, destroying 259 homes and claiming one life. Eight years later, the Cameron Peak Fire burned more than twice as much land, becoming the largest in Colorado history. During both events, one local program sifted through the ashes to create art and help firefighters.

This Sunday is Bereaved Mother’s Day — a day to honor mothers who have lost their children, sometimes even before they’ve had a chance to take their first breath. Since 2005, Denver-based organization Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep has worked with those families to create portraits that commemorate their children. KUNC arts reporter Stacy Nick spoke with the group’s CEO, Gina Harris, to find out more.

In the Japanese tradition of senbazuru, it is said that if you fold 1,000 origami cranes, your wish will be granted. The idea found its way around the world with the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who inspired others with her endeavor to fold enough cranes to cure her cancer, after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Since then, the paper crane has become an international symbol of healing, hope and peace. Last week, local artists came to the Museum of Boulder to help with a similar effort — the Memorial Crane Project.