THORNTON, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Anythink Libraries, Adams County’s award-winning public library system, and Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) are bringing contemporary art beyond traditional museum walls and directly into local communities through Recontextualized Roots, a free, multimedia exhibition by Colorado artist Diego Florez-Arroyo. Presented across Anythink’s Commerce City, Bennett and Thornton Community Center branches now through January 2027, the exhibition invites residents to experience large-scale, site-specific artwork that explores cultural heritage, migration, identity and belonging.
Through painting, mobile sculpture and suspended installations, Recontextualized Roots transforms familiar public library spaces into spaces for artistic discovery, bringing Adams County residents the experience of museum-curated contemporary art to their neighborhoods.
Drawing inspiration from his own cultural heritage, the multidisciplinary poet, visual artist and musician Diego created distinct works in response to the singular character and community of each participating library, exploring universal themes of belonging, movement and connection.
“So much of my work is rooted in exploring identity, culture and the experiences that connect us, even when our journeys look very different,” Florez-Arroyo said. “With Recontextualized Roots, I wanted to create something that feels personal to each community while inviting people to reflect on their own stories and sense of belonging. There’s something really special about sharing art in a library, where people from all walks of life can encounter it, connect with it and hopefully see a piece of themselves in it.”
“At Anythink, we believe libraries should be places where people can discover something unexpected, experience new perspectives and connect with their community,” said Mark Fink, Executive Director of Anythink Libraries. “Art has an incredible ability to spark curiosity and bring people together, and this collaboration with Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art allows us to make those experiences accessible to everyone, right in their own neighborhoods. You shouldn’t have to visit a museum to experience extraordinary art.”
The exhibition is part of an ongoing collaboration between Anythink Libraries and BMoCA to expand access to contemporary art throughout Adams County. Through the partnership, BMoCA presents free, museum-quality exhibitions by regional artists at Anythink Libraries branches, accompanied by educational and cultural programming for library visitors and neighboring schools. The initiative aims to give residents of all ages and backgrounds opportunities to engage with regional artists, explore new creative practices, and experience the arts in familiar, community-centered spaces, regardless of their ability to visit a traditional museum.
Exhibition Locations and Featured Installations
- Anythink Commerce City | Now through Dec. 16, 2026
A segmented painting, Refuge in Commerce, explores themes of separation, identity and reconnection, inviting viewers to reflect on how individual experiences shape our sense of belonging. - Anythink Bennett | Now through Jan. 8, 2027
In the piece Patchwork Migration, sculptural mariposas, or butterflies, incorporate fabrics from various Latin American countries and techniques inspired by traditional piñata-making. The installation uses the symbolism of butterflies to explore migration, movement and cultural heritage. - Anythink Thornton Community Center | Now through Jan. 8, 2027
A suspended mobile, Blue Transformation, draws inspiration from Bauhaus compositional principles and design influences as well as dragonflies, bringing an exploration of form, artistic expression and nature into the library’s shared community space.
“Art shouldn’t be limited by geography, admission fees or the walls of a museum,” said David Dadone, Executive Director at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. “Our ongoing partnership with Anythink Libraries allows us to bring the work of talented regional artists into spaces where people already gather, learn and connect. Diego’s exhibition is a wonderful example of how contemporary art can inspire meaningful conversations about culture, identity and the communities we share.”
Beyond the exhibition itself, the partnership between BMoCA and Anythink Libraries supports arts education and strengthens community connections through complementary cultural programming. By creating opportunities for residents and neighboring schools to engage with contemporary art and regional artists, the initiative aims to make artistic discovery and creative learning an accessible part of everyday life throughout Adams County.
For more information about the exhibit and Anythink Libraries, visit anythinklibraries.org and bmoca.org.