Tucked into the northeast corner of Arapahoe Community College’s Littleton Campus is one of the most vibrant public art spaces in the region: the Colorado Gallery of the Arts. Located just inside the Annex building, this thoughtfully curated gallery is more than just a showcase for student creativity—it’s a hub for immersive art experiences, community engagement, and cultural exchange.
We recently sat down with Trish Sangelo, Director of the Gallery and a cornerstone of ACC’s art programming for over three decades, to learn more about what makes the gallery such a special asset to Downtown Littleton.
A Gallery with Deep Roots and a Bold Vision
ACC’s art gallery isn’t just a hidden gem—it’s part of the college’s DNA. Since its founding in 1965, the college has maintained a gallery space on campus. Originally a regional satellite of the Smithsonian Institution, the gallery has evolved into a dynamic venue that supports both educational and community-based programming.
Today, under Trish’s leadership, the Colorado Gallery of the Arts hosts 12 exhibitions per year, featuring a mix of student work, local professional artists, and even pieces from K-12 schools across the region. Mini-galleries, which highlight select works from each exhibition, are installed in gathering areas around campus to bring art into the everyday student experience.
But this isn’t your average campus gallery. With a strong emphasis on immersive and cutting-edge installation work, ACC’s exhibitions push boundaries and offer visitors a rich, hands-on encounter with contemporary art.
Spotlight on Signature Exhibitions
Two of the most highly anticipated shows each year are the Fine Art Capstone Exhibition in April and Shared Visions in November.
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Fine Art Capstone Exhibition
April 10 – May 8
Reception: April 10, 5 – 7 p.m.
This year’s Capstone features nine graduating students from ACC’s Fine Arts Studio Program. The exhibition showcases their final portfolios, filled with thought-provoking, conceptual work across installation, 4D projection, and multimedia formats. -
Shared Visions: Tactile Exhibition
November 6 – December 3 (Closed Thanksgiving week) Reception: November 6, 4 – 7 p.m.
A standout example of inclusive, community-centered art, this collaboration with the Colorado Center for the Blind invites guests to interact with the work through multiple senses. It’s one of the most accessible and immersive shows in the region, and a must-see for visitors of all ages and abilities.
An upcoming event that celebrates the season and all things local art is the Spring Craft Fair.
- Spring Craft Fair April 26, 9am – 3pmLocated in the Summit Room: open and free to the public
The Power of Public Art for the Local Economy
Beyond its artistic value, the gallery has a meaningful economic impact. All events—except for special programming like Paint & Sip nights—are free and open to the public, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond. These events bring foot traffic to Downtown Littleton and provide a platform for local artists to gain exposure and sell their work.
The gallery operates under the ACC Foundation, and funds raised through art sales directly support scholarships for ACC art students. It’s a win-win for the community: support local artists and students while enjoying high-quality exhibitions close to home.
In addition, major events like the Affordable Arts Festival, ranked the #1 festival of its kind in the country, bring over 8,000 people to the campus each year. That’s 8,000 new potential customers for our local shops, restaurants, and services.
Why It Matters
For Trish Sangelo, the goal has always been to provide a professional-level platform for students and artists while cultivating a rich cultural space that the community can call its own. “Every show we do is curated to the same standards as professional galleries,” she says. “It’s about giving our students the experience they need while also inviting the public to engage with something new.”
And engage they do. The gallery’s events are among the most well-attended in Littleton, and with its accessible location, free admission, and compelling programming, it’s easy to see why.
Visit the Gallery
The Colorado Gallery of the Arts
Located in the Annex building on ACC’s Littleton Campus
Enter through the Annex doors and walk up the ramp to the gallery
To learn more about upcoming events or to view the current exhibition schedule, visit arapahoe.edu/campus-community/art-galleries or check out our Events Calendar for featured exhibitions and receptions.
Art has the power to connect us, challenge us, and bring us together. At Arapahoe Community College’s Colorado Gallery of the Arts, you’ll find all three—and so much more.
