Denver Museum Hosts Comedian Sammy Anzer's Art Talk

What's the deal with comedians in art museums, anyway? Are they really just there to mock the masterpieces, or is something more interesting going on? Comedian Sammy Anzer is bringing his web series "Comedians Talk Art" to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver next week, and it's got people talking. He's not just talking, though - he's laughing, and he's bringing his friends along for the ride. Anzer took his friends to MoMA, and they had some... let's call them "thoughts" on the art. "The fake art part of me is like, hey we're in a gallery, don't do that," Anzer said on his YouTube channel, but then he adds, "But the real art part of me is like, let's welcome all interactions about art." That's what this is all about - not just making fun of art, but really engaging with it, even if that means being a little loud, a little irreverent.

Picture this: a group of comedians, standing in front of a contemporary art piece, just talking about it like it's a meme they saw online. That's what Anzer's web series is all about - getting real reactions to the art, without the stuffy, overly serious tone that can be so off-putting. And now, he's taking that show on the road, with a live event at the MCA in Denver. The event includes a comedy show, a tour of the museum with Anzer and guest comedian Kate McLachlan, and even a take-home craft - all for $32. Not exactly your typical night out, but that's kind of the point. Anzer's not trying to be a traditional art critic; he's just trying to have a real conversation about the art, and to get his audience to do the same.

Here's the thing, though: this isn't just about comedy, or even just about art - it's about the way we interact with the world around us. When we're in a museum, we're supposed to be quiet, respectful, and maybe even a little bit bored. But what if we didn't have to be? What if we could just be ourselves, even in a fancy art museum? That's what Anzer's trying to do with "Comedians Talk Art" - to break down those barriers, and to get people really talking about the art. And that matters because, let's be real, the art world can be pretty intimidating. It's not always easy to know what to say, or how to react, when you're standing in front of a piece of contemporary art. But Anzer's saying, hey, it's okay to not know - it's okay to just react, to just be yourself.

The event at the MCA is just one part of a bigger scene in Denver, where comedy and art are intersecting in interesting ways. There's the variety show at Puebla Vida, hosted by the Puerto Rican-led theater company Flamboyán, which promises to deliver a high-energy performance, with comedy, music, dancing, poetry, drag, and a unique blend of entertainment, according to the founder, Jon Marcantoni. And then there's the sensory-friendly ballet performance in Longmont, which creates a welcoming environment for kids who might not thrive in a traditional theater setting, by offering a brunch buffet and a meet and greet with the cast in costume. It's an experiment in pushing the boundaries of what we think of as "art" or "comedy." So, if you're in Denver next week, and you're looking for something a little bit different, you might want to check out Anzer's event at the MCA. It won't be your typical museum visit, but that's kind of the point. As Anzer says, "let's welcome all interactions about art" - even the loud, irreverent ones. The museum's rooftop cafe will be filled with the sound of laughter, and the smell of drinks and conversation. It's a unique experience, one that will leave you thinking about art, comedy, and the way we interact with the world around us. The question is, what will you take away from it? Only one way to find out. The sun sets over the Denver skyline as the event comes to a close, the sound of conversation and laughter still echoing through the air.