Fort Collins residents and art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to engage with visiting artist Sidian Liu at The Lincoln Center on November 14. Liu, whose exhibit 'The Conch Girl in Fort Collins' runs through December 19, is stepping out from behind her artwork to share insights and experiences that have fueled her creative journey. According to the City of Fort Collins, the evening will kick off with an Artist Reception in the Art Gallery from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by an artist talk from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in The Lincoln Center Columbine Room.
Liu's artistic endeavor began after her 2021 relocation from China to New York City, where she launched The Conch Girl Project as a way to quickly use, though still delicately, to create connections in her new environment. Liu asked strangers to let her use their kitchens with minimal in-person contact, a process which she photographed and paired with the hosts' responses, wheat-pasted on New York's construction boards. The City of Fort Collins describes these displays as serving as both a presentation and an open call, inviting further participation.
This project garnered wider attention when it came to Fort Collins in September 2024, thanks to the support of the Denis Roussel Fellowship and the Center for Fine Art Photography. Through the exhibit, visitors can explore photos and recipes from Liu's residency, and even take home a piece of the experience. The Conch Girl’s Cookbook: Issue Two, October 2025, Fort Collins will be available for free to visitors on a first-come-first-serve basis during gallery open hours on Wednesday and Friday.
Those attending the Artist Reception can expect not just to see Liu's work but to engage directly with the artist while enjoying light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. The Conch Girl Project exhibition itself is a testament to the personal within the public, offering an intimate look at the private space of kitchens juxtaposed with the communal experience of public art. The City of Fort Collins mentions, "The Artist Reception, taking place prior to and during the artist talk, allows for informal conversation and a closer look at the exhibited works."
