Arapahoe Libraries is proud to host art exhibits each month at Eloise May, Koelbel and Smoky Hill libraries. Library galleries offer the community a place to view a variety of art at no cost while also providing visibility to local artists. A volunteer art selection committee selects exhibits based on artistic quality, variety of exhibits and the suitability of format for each exhibit space.
Have a question about the galleries or interested in showcasing your art? Visit the Art Galleries page for more information.
Cal Duran
Arapahoe Libraries Featured Artist
Website: artbycal.com, opens a new window
Instagram: instagram.com/volarduran, opens a new window
Join us for an opening reception in honor of Cal Duran, the Arapahoe Libraries featured artist for 2025.
The Arapahoe Libraries Featured Artist program is proud to highlight Colorado-based artist Cal Duran—a Queer, Two‑Spirit, Indigenous, Latinx, Mestizo and mixed‑heritage sculptor, educator and ceremonial creator. Rooted deeply in ancestral practice, Cal channels his cultural lineage, blending influences from India, Mexico and Indigenous traditions through clay, altars, installations, murals and more.
Cal’s art serves as a vibrant portal to community conversation and self-discovery. By interweaving myth, ritual and hybrid identity, Cal’s work holds space for social justice and cultural reclamation. He has installed interactive altars at institutions like the Denver Botanic Gardens, History Colorado Center, Denver Zoo, Museo De Las Americas, Colorado Springs Fine Art Center, Meow Wolf Denver and more.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how your cultural identity influences your art?
Born and raised in Colorado, my mother adopted and father never in the picture of my life, I craved to know where I came from. I was always that little boy in my grandmother's rock garden, playing with the earth. For me I call myself a woven tapestry because I am blessed with so many different cultural backgrounds. My mom native, South Asian and indigenous. My father Chicano. I believe all indigenous lineages intersect and weave together
You describe yourself as Queer, Two-Spirit, Indigenous and Latinx. How do these intersecting identities shape your creative voice?
These shape my voice because I believe being two spirit I hold the harmony between worlds carrying the Divine feminine and masculine and creating a bridge together through the imagination
Much of your work incorporates ancestral practices and ceremonial elements. What role does spirituality or ritual play in your art-making?
Spiritually, and art go hand in hand. Our ancestors created art as a tool to hold the sacred elements, art needs to recognize the ones before as I believe the knowledge of our ancestors lay in our bloodline. The imagination the ultimate safe space
How do you choose the materials, colors, and symbols in your work?
Intuition, listening to the ones before me. Getting inspiration from the earth and elements. We all have our own color story, our own unique lineage and magic
Do you see your art as a form of storytelling? If so, what kinds of stories are you most drawn to telling?
Yes, for my art is my heart, my story and the story of my ancestors and the story of my experience here and now. My art often is honoring the stories of one who has passed away to the other realms. The stories I'm drawn to the stories of the land, the weavings of so many stories that make this woven tapestry of who we are connected.
What inspires you right now?
What inspired me now is, the next generation and how do we hold space for reconnecting to the inner child and play and imagination. How do we cultivate the magic and medicine of each other through creativity
Are there any future projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
Yes!! I'm excited to be creating a large community ofrenda and activation in Breckenridge Colorado October 17th
What advice would you give to young artists—especially those navigating mixed or marginalized identities?
Follow your heart, it takes great courage to show your art. Keep making art, our stories and voices need to be seen and heard. Harness the imagination. Artists are the visionaries, change makers and storytellers of our time. We need you; art can transmute our emotions and harness joy!!
Staff Art Show
The great American photographer, Alfred Steiglitz, once said that "art is the affirmation of life." Visit Koelbel Library in the month of October to find artistic affirmation in the creative works of Arapahoe Libraries staff. From watercolors to photography to three-dimensional pastiche, nearly forty pieces of artwork will give you pause and might elicit praise!
Michael Wheeler
As a photographer, I enjoy seeing the world around me. Part of me enjoys experiencing different cultures while traveling, and my other interests lie in the world around me and the different changes in nature. Life is exciting in color and black and white, and I enjoy capturing those moments in time.
What is your favorite piece in the show and why?
While this is tough to single out one, I think I would go with Rainy Day on Cheung Chau Island simple because I like how tough the older lady is while walking in the rain, no umbrella needed, and she is just going about here day. In my opinion, this is classic Street Photography.
What motivates you to create?
I enjoy creating photographs to experience the world around me, be in the scene as opposed to just letting the world move by.
Who are your biggest artist influences?
I could not pick one artist who influences me, I would say going back to some of my photography instructors during my college days. One always mentioned, “If you have the perfect image in your viewfinder, take the shot, and then look around to see what a better image behind you may be.” Another instructor said to go out and seek places you may find interesting and then think what would improve the photograph, time of the year season wise, and weather, rainy, sunny, etc. I think that shows in several of my photographs by not being afraid to go out in a winter storm, rainy day, whatever the conditions may be.
What message do you want your art to convey to viewers?
My hope is that I am able to bring viewers to a certain place or time. That my viewers experience what the images are hoping to convey.