Hear/Say, Explores Health Impacts of High-Concentration Cannabis through Art
Building on a successful 2024 debut, the exhibition returns with focus on reaching two, new Colorado communities.
This exhibition features professional artists whose work is grounded within a science-informed art model, translating scientific research and data into thought-provoking, visually striking pieces.
The Hear/Say exhibition features new elements designed to spark dialogue, challenge assumptions, and invite Coloradans to actively participate in conversations at the intersection of art, science, and public health. In 2014, Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational cannabis. Today, Colorado continues to lead in sharing evidence-based information about high-concentration cannabis and its health effects through a coordinated statewide awareness effort.
The professional artists featured in the 2026 Hear/Say Exhibition participated in a six-week curriculum Fall 2025, designed by featured artist Shaunie Berry. The curriculum focused on educating participants about the harms associated with high-concentration cannabis.
Hear/Say features a vibrant mix of returning and new artists whose work invites audiences to explore personal and cultural stories in imaginative, unexpected ways. Returning this year are Denise “The Vamp DeVille” Zubizarreta, bringing a bringing a bold, neurodivergent, interdisciplinary perspective; Christine Nguyen, whole work draws on the textures and imagery of nature; Jenniger Ghormley, exploring personal narratives through striking visual storytelling; Beth Johnston, weaving ecology and cultural imagination through photography, video, and installations; and multimedia portrait artist Shaunie Berry, capturing personality and emotion in unexpected ways.
New to the exhibition are Scott Margolis, known for his vibrant, kinetic abstract paintings; Aisha Renee Brown, whose layered work challenges perception and perspective; Amy Hoagland, blending fine art and conceptual play to explore identity and memory; and Joey Kerlin, infusing sculpture and mixed media with humor, curiosity, and a touch of the surreal. Together, these artists’ explore elements of cannabis, myths and perceptions that surround it, from their distinct perspectives.
Co-curator & Project Director:
Dr. Annie Collier, Associate Professor, Colorado School of Public Health
Co-curator & Project Manager:
Rachel Ralph
Artists: Aisha Renee Brown, Amy Hoagland, Joey Kerlin, Scott Margolis, Denise Zubizarreta, “The Vamp DeVille,” Christine Nguyen, Jennifer Ghormley, Shaunie Berry, Beth Johnston
Fort Collins
May 29, 2026
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. MT
Center for Creativity
200 Mathews St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
The exhibition will run May 27 - May 31 at Center for Creativity
Colorado Springs
June 5, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. MT
Cottonwood Center of the Arts
427 E Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
The exhibition will run June 5 - June 26 at Cottonwood Center of the Arts
Artists
Upcoming Events
Community Events: Panelist Discussion and Collaborative Art Project
Come to Cottonwood Center of the Arts in Colorado Springs to personally engage with the science-informed exhibition by contributing to a collaborative artwork. The shared project will focus on positive, healthy ways of coping with stress, encouraging participants to reflect on and explore constructive approaches to managing anxiety and depression without using cannabis and other drugs.
Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. MDT*
Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. MDT*
Cottonwood Center of the Arts
427 E Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
The exhibition will run June 5 - June 26 at Cottonwood Center of the Art
*Each event includes a community art project session from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. MDT, followed by a panel discussion from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. MDT in the main gallery.
