Anythink Libraries and Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art Bring Beyond Museum Walls to Adams County

Colorado Artist Diego Florez-Arroyo’s Recontextualized Roots Exhibition Explores Identity, Migration and Cultural Connection Across Three Anythink Library Branches

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.

About Anythink Libraries

Anythink Libraries, an award-winning public library system, serves the residents of Adams County, Colorado via its nine branches, including the newly opened Nature Library, bookmobile and its virtual branch, Anythink World. With a mission to “Open Doors for Curious Minds,” Anythink is a catalyst for innovation and provides comfortable spaces, accessible resources and hands-on programming for all ages. Guided by values of creativity, optimism, compassion and lifelong learning, the library system is committed to representing the diversity of Adams County and creating a sense of belonging for everyone. Anythink’s digital resources are available 24/7—including Anythink World, the library’s custom virtual experience platform in the metaverse and the new Reunion Express Library, which opened on Oct. 28, and a second planned for Northglenn in 2027. The library’s customer experience also extends to specialty spaces and hands-on programs like The Studio, the Nature Library and mySummer. Whether you’re exploring a new topic or mastering a skill, discover something new at Anythink. Learn more: anythinklibraries.org

About BMoCA Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA)

BMoCA Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) inspires creativity and fosters community through contemporary art. Since 1972, BMoCA has grown from an artist-founded arts center into a regional leader in amplifying artists and serving diverse communities. As a non-collecting museum, BMoCA annually serves 240,000+ people through 20+ exhibitions and 500+ programs at its flagship facility in Boulder, CO and 20+ partner locations across the Denver metro area. BMoCA supports artists through exhibitions, programs, commissions, and publications and features 280+ artists each year. BMoCA is located at 1750 13th St. in downtown Boulder, Colorado. The museum is open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday (open at 9 a.m. Saturdays & until 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays during Farmer’s Market Season). Admission is “Pay from Your Heart.”