To Persevere or Surrender 

To Persevere or Surrender is inspired by The Work of Art: How Something Comes from Nothing by journalist and editor Adam Moss. The book is a collection of conversations with notable artists who create culturally significant works across a spectrum of genres. The book’s subjects include Stephen Sondheim, Kara Walker, Sofia Coppola, Brarbra Kruger, Taylor Mac, Marc Jacobs, Samin Nosrat, Shela Heti, and more. For each intimate interview, Adam and the artist focus on a single project, tracing its nonlinear path from conception to completion through stories, sketches, and drafts – through struggles, dormant periods, and eventual breakthroughs.

This exhibition will take a similar approach to the one Adam explores in his book, presenting local artists’ practice through materials that contribute to the culmination of their artworks.

Featuring work by Frankie Toan, Chelsea Kaiah, Catie Michel, and Juan Fuentes

The exhibition reception takes place in conjunction with the event How Something Comes from Nothing: Adam Moss in Conversation with Mardee Goff on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

EXHIBITION RUN

  • February 2 - March 22, 2026

OPENING RECEPTION

  • Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 at 5:30 pm  in conjunction with How Something Comes from Nothing: Adam Moss in Conversation with Mardee Goff

GALLERY HOURS

  • Monday through Friday, 11 am - 4 pm.

The Philip J. Steele Gallery is located on RMCAD’s campus at 1600 Pierce Street, Denver, CO 80214.

FEBRUARY 2 - MARCH 27, 2026

ABOUT THE PHILIP J. STEELE GALLERY

Named in honor of RMCAD’s founder, the Philip J. Steele Gallery features dynamic and innovative work from contemporary artists and designers, RMCAD alumni, current students, and faculty. Open to the public, these galleries serve as a place to foster critical discourse around art and design for the RMCAD and broader communities by presenting challenging, educational, and significant exhibitions and projects.