DENVER, COLORADO.- The Denver Art Museum is hosting START Building, a community celebration to mark the beginning of construction on the expansion designed by Daniel Libeskind.  The weekend event will be held August 16 and 17, 2003, at the museum and will feature activities for people of all ages.  Construction of the Frederic C. Hamilton Building began in July.  Hear the latest building news from contractor M.A. Mortenson and get the scoop on the building design from Davis Partnership Architects.  Catch a glimpse of the in-progress gallery designs and view a documentary film that is being made on the expansion project.  Kids and families can enjoy games and art activities and general admission will be free all weekend.

On sale August 1!  Tickets to El Greco to Picasso from the Phillips Collection, which opens October 4, 2003, are available for purchase at the museum, online via www.denverartmuseum.org or by calling toll-free 1-888-9030-ART (903-0278).  This stunning exhibition offers Denver a rare opportunity to see 53 European masterworks by  artists such as Renoir, van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Matisse and Degas.  Denver is one of only five venues to host this world-class exhibition of masterworks.  Ticket prices are: $14.75 adult, $11.75 seniors and college students with ID, $6 youth 6-18, and free for children 5 and younger.  A surcharge will be added to each ticket purchased online or by phone.  A self-guided audio tour for both kids and adults has been developed for this exhibition.  The 45-minute tour is $5 per person.

In this summer’s exhibition, Sargent and Italy, through September 21, you’ll see another side of John Singer Sargent.  The 69 unforgettable oils and watercolors from this exhibition reflect Sargent’s travels in Italy-the people, the lifestyle, the landscapes, and the architecture.  Spend time visiting out-of-the-way villages, picnicking in the Alps, and touring the heart of Venice in a gondola.  A special exhibition ticket is required and guided tours are available; tickets are now on sale at the museum or online via www.denverartmuseum.org.

Summer is ending and school will soon be starting up again, so don’t miss out on special summer hours for the Just for Fun Family Center and Family Backpacks.  Through August 15, families and kids can relax and learn new things daily, as the Center’s seven play stations encourage further exploration in the galleries.  Play a concentration game to match Japanese patterns, dress up like Egyptian animals, design chairs using different legs and backs, build a five-foot replica of a Maya stone carving, make a Northwest Coast montage with sticker magnets, or create a spinning top to take home.  Also through August 15, families can take a museum journey daily with one of our free gallery-themed Family Backpacks.  There are nine to choose from, each filled with games and hands-on activities.  Free checkout with ID.  After August 15, the Just for Fun Family Center will resume its normal schedule and will be open every weekend during museum hours.  Family Backpacks will be available Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays noon to 4 p.m.