Brian Olsen Raises $10,000 for CSU Scholarships

CAM the RAM

DENVER – Colorado State University alumni and friends celebrated the 10^th annual Green and Gold Gala on Saturday, April 28 at the Denver Marriot City Center.

The Green & Gold Gala was started in 2002 by a group of alumni volunteers and is managed by the Alumni Association. The Gala raises money for the Metro Denver Scholarship, given to a CSU junior or senior whose major lies in any of CSU’s eight Colleges, who also hails from the six county Denver metro areas. This year’s two recipients, Kevin Fleming, senior, sociology, and Kimberly Worth, junior, business administration, spoke about their CSU story and impact of the scholarship.

The reception that started the evening boasted a silent auction that funded the scholarship.  CSU alumnus and artist Brian Olsen both performed and donated his paintings of CSU’s mascot CAM the Ram and classic Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe to help raise money to support the Metro Denver Scholarship. The total amount raised through CSU’s Green and Gold Gala painting auction was $10,000 dollars.

The event was truly golden. Susie Wargin, sports anchor for 9News, and CSU alumna from the class of 1992, emceed the event which was later accompanied by the music of Cheza Quartet, a professional group of CSU alumni and student musicians, and renowned Denver musical performance group The Nacho Men.

The Alumnai Association, currently led by executive director Colleen Meyer, reflected through the 10^th annual Green and Gold Gala what CSU is known for: a friendly, knowledgeable, ambitious and focused regional, national and international community that CSU President Tony Frank and Brett Anderson, Vice President for University Advancement must be proud of.

To find out more about Brian Olsen Art In Action’s performances, give the office a call 720.570.2303, or e-mail info@brianolsenart.com Brian Olsen Art In Action might just be the right fit for your business’s or non-profit organization’s next event.

Q&A with Brian Olsen on Mentor Denny Dent

How did Denny bring out your talent?

I have always been passionate about art and the creative process. It was the time spent with Denny that I learned how powerful creating paintings in a live setting can be for an audience. Denny taught me how to find internal creativity, to really let go and to create from my heart. He taught me how to take energy from music and the audiences, internalize it, and then release it back through the performance. Of course there were many sessions in the studio and on the road where he taught me the technical elements of a live show and painting with two hands and six brushes on a huge canvas.  We used to do little drills in the studio to develop my technique. Above all, I have to say that Denny taught me to believe in myself, my talents and to never give up.

What were some struggles and challenges you had studying & working with Denny Dent ?

Over the six years I spent with Denny, there were many challenges. As his tour manager and studio manager, I was responsible for everything from arranging travel, show advancement, sales, and show set up to keeping his studio organized. The biggest challenge was juggling everything at once. I was the guy balancing the needs of Denny and the needs of the client. Every show for an event was different, and I had to really adapt to different production crews and venues while always figuring out how to make it all work seamlessly. Through this I developed a positive attitude on how people can work together to make shows and events great. Denny had this saying, “Why do today what you can put off till tomorrow”. That was a challenge, but it taught me how to really work under pressure, not only in the studio developing paintings, but also on the road where you never know what might go wrong.

What do you think about other artists following in Denny’s footsteps?

I think that is very cool that Denny was able to inspire so many people- even some that have chosen to create art just as he did. The concept of live painting, even speed painting, has become quite a trend from concerts to churches. For me, painting live is about inspiring my audience to let go and feel the creative energy that comes from the performance; it’s not about me, it is about the best experience for the audience.

Can you discuss your tribute performance to Denny Dent at Cherry Creek Arts Festival in 2004?

Paying tribute to Denny during the Cherry Creek art Festival was a true honor. It was the place he was best known for in Colorado. It was awesome to talk to so many supporters who showed up for the big night when I painted a portrait of Denny.

Would you like to perform again at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in 2012?

Yes! When performing at the festival, we had huge crowds and lots of support; even some scouts form other festivals have hired us because of the festival. It would be fun to perform again at Cherry Creek 2012 and connect with the Colorado community that we call home.

Brian Olsen Paints Denver Nuggets Star Nene At NBA Halftime Show

Artist Brian Olsen performed live for spectators during half-time of the Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers NBA game played on January 1, 2012. Olsen created a one-of-a-kind custom painting of Denver Nuggets player #31 Nene. Fans will have the opportunity to bid on Olsen’s painting at the Mile High Dreams Gala, hosted by Kroenke Sports Charities on, February 28, 2012 at the Pepsi Center in downtown Denver. This unique event gives fans the opportunity to interact with players, coaches, alumni, dancers and mascots from the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rapids and Colorado Mammoth. The evening includes live music, dancing, gaming tables, wine tasting, as well as tastings from some of the best restaurants in Denver! Proceeds from the Mile High Dreams Gala benefit the education, health and fitness programs of Kroenke Sports Charities.

Brian Olsen Paints NBA Nuggets Player Nene

Brian Olsen Creates Custom Paintings For Commuter Rail Association, Salt Lake City Utah

Had a great time creating  these three custom paintings for the Commuter Rail Association in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Brian Olsen Paints Live Muses in New Delhi and Mumbai, India

It was remarkable being part of a collaboration of art, music cinema, fashion and food organized by Chevis Studio’s events in both New Delhi and Mumbai India.  Accompanied by the contemporary fusion music of Mrigya, I had the thrilling opportunity to paint portraits of both live muses: Bollywood Actress Nargis Fakrih, who has recently appeared in Imtiaz Ali’s movie Rockstar, and Kingfisher Calendar Supermodel Angela Jonsson. Moreover, featured in the “Art Foyer” of these Chevis Studios parties were installations by prestigious artist Paresh Maity and works by celebrated fashion photographer Jatin Kampani whose captivating photos have been featured in Bazaar, Elle, Maxim, Marie Claire and Vogue. What a great experience to share and create with such talent in India.