As my most recent display at Michael Warren Contemporary came to an end in July, I find myself reflecting on what a remarkable journey it has been. Showing my work at a gallery like this was an opportunity I didn’t take lightly. It’s been a pivotal experience—one that has not only expanded my reach beyond Arkansas but also deeply influenced the direction I’ve taken as an artist.

For those who might not be familiar with it, Michael Warren Contemporary is a highly respected gallery in the heart of Denver’s vibrant arts district, known for supporting both emerging and established artists. When I first started looking for galleries outside of Arkansas, one of the cities I dreamed of breaking into was Denver.. I was fortunate to be selected for a group show at Sync Gallery in late 2019, which initially brought me to Denver. During that trip, I visited Michael Warren Contemporary during a Friday art walk, and thanks to a chance introduction by my brother, I met Mike and Warren. At the time, I left them with my card, not expecting much but hopeful that something might come of it. To my surprise, a few weeks later, I got a call from Mike expressing interest in my work.

He asked if I’d be open to showing with them—an offer that left me both thrilled and humbled. Shortly after, they came out and visited my studio in Little Rock. I remember feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as I showed them around, sharing the different ideas I was working on, from traditional two-dimensional paintings to more experimental pieces that extended into three-dimensional space. After a good visit and lunch at Raduno’s, Mike and Warren discussed their approach to representing artists. A week later, they offered me full representation. That day was a milestone for me—one of those moments you don’t forget.

My first solo show with them was in January 2020. It was a significant leap for me as it was my first major exhibition outside of Arkansas. I packed up my work, rented a van, and drove to Denver with my father—a trip that holds even more significance now, as he passed away a few years later. Since then, I’ve had two more shows at Michael Warren Contemporary, each one marking a new phase in my journey.

This most recent display felt particularly meaningful to me. I had a limited amount of wall space in the group show, so I carefully selected pieces that still feel very current to my practice—works that challenge the viewer to look closer, to find the subtle structures and layers that might not be immediately obvious.

I included two large pieces that I’m especially drawn to: one is a dark painting with an almost black background, which has a mysterious, three-dimensional quality that I find intriguing. The other is predominantly pink, with subtle hints of green and yellow coming through the surface. This piece also has a three-dimensional quality, but it’s more understated, requiring the viewer to study it closely. You can see an image of them below.

The paintings I’m working on now continue to explore this quiet complexity, where the structure of the piece takes time to reveal itself.

As I look back on my experience with Michael Warren Contemporary, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to work with a gallery that has supported me and helped my work reach new heights. But I also know that this is just one step in a much longer journey. I’m eager to continue exploring new ideas, finding new spaces to display my work, and connecting with people who resonate with what I’m creating.

Thank you for being part of this experience with me. The journey of an artist is never a solitary one—it’s shaped by the spaces we inhabit and the people we meet along the way. I’m looking forward to the next steps, and I’m deeply grateful for the support and interest in my work.

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Reflecting on My Journey with Michael Warren Contemporary