Design and Build 2026- Striking Sparks

The 2026 Design and Build Summer Internship is nearing completion, bringing together 8 student artists from across the nation under the direction of MOA’s Tiffany Matheson Leitner, and Artist Fellow Josh Palmeri. Over the course of 8-weeks, the Design and Build emerging artist interns work collaboratively to create site specific, temporary outdoor artworks for exhibition within Marjorie Park. Participants operated under the theme of “year of the Fire Horse,” and artworks will reflect this motif in the exhibition, “Striking Sparks.”

MOA will host an artist reception in Marjorie Park where this new body of work will be on public view for up to one year. From concept development, proposal review, materials procurement, timeline and budget management, to fabrication and installation, this intensive 8-week program will provide interns the opportunity to participate completely in the art making process.

2026 Design and Build Emerging Artists:
Amy Chen
Alejandra Contreras
Evelyn Eck
Madeline Kim
Emilee Korach
Audrey Martignetti
Amelia Pearson
Casey Thomas

The public reception will take place on July 29th 5 PM – 8 PM at MOA’s Marjorie Park at 6331 South Fiddler’s Green Circle, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. The reception will include a full bar, full truck, and live music featuring MOA’s resident DJ, Duke. The event is FREE and open to the public.

The creation of our 2026 projects were generously supported through a facilities partnership with the University of Colorado Denver, College of Arts and Media and Metropolitan State University of Denver. Artworks were created within the sculpture fabrication studios on Auraria campus.