Rising Stars: Meet Tim Vacca of Greenwood Village

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Vacca.

Hi Tim, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Colorado, surrounded by its breathtaking landscapes, undoubtedly inspired my deep appreciation for the arts. My artistic journey began in high school when I enrolled in my first photography class. It was an experience that captivated me instantly, sparking a passion that soon defined my high school years. With a camera always in hand, I embraced every opportunity to hone my craft, eventually becoming a yearbook photographer and later, photo editor.

My undergraduate years at the University of Colorado Boulder began with an uncertain path, as I initially declared no major. However, after much introspection, I recognized that my passion for the arts was a calling I could not ignore. This realization led me to declare a fine arts major, with a focus on photography and digital art—a decision that laid the foundation for my future.

At just 19, I was offered the chance to work at the Museum of Outdoor Arts (MOA) as a summer assistant in the artists’ studios. What began as a temporary opportunity evolved into a dynamic and fulfilling career. Today, with nearly two decades of experience and a master’s degree in hand (and a brief stint at the Denver International Airport curating exhibtions, before returing to MOA), I am the director of programs at MOA. In this role, I oversee education initiatives, exhibitions, communications, and more.

Beyond my professional work, I am committed to serving my community. I currently sit on the board of directors for both the Lowry Foundation and the Denver Theatre District, leveraging my expertise to contribute meaningfully and give back to the community that has nurtured me.

I reside in Denver’s Lowry neighborhood with my husband, Kelley, and our beloved dog, Millie. In my leisure time, I am an avid traveler, a devoted foodie, and a passionate art, design and architecture enthusiast. The arts continue to be an intrinsic part of my life, weaving through both my professional endeavors and personal joys.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Throughout my life, I have dedicated myself to navigating challenges with determination and resilience, striving to maintain as smooth a path as possible. However, life—and particularly work in a small institution—often demands flexibility and the ability to adapt. This has required me to harness my existing skills while developing new ones to tackle a variety of complex projects. Along this journey, I have been fortunate to meet extraordinary individuals whose support has been invaluable.

I’ve come to accept that we won’t always have immediate solutions to every problem, but I have approached life with the unwavering belief that “there is nothing I can’t do if I set my mind to it.” This mindset has fueled my willingness to take risks, embrace new challenges, and learn as I go. There have been moments when it felt like I was building the plane mid-flight, yet those experiences have been the most instructive, enriching my growth and reinforcing my confidence. I am grateful for the mentorship and wisdom imparted by friends, family, and colleagues who have supported me throughout my professional journey, shaping me into the person I am today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’d like to highlight the Museum of Outdoor Arts (MOA), an organization with a rich 43-year history. I have been privileged to be a part of this institution for nearly half of its existence, witnessing firsthand its evolution and growth. Recently, MOA has undergone a significant transformation. For over 20 years, the museum operated an indoor gallery space that featured robust exhibitions and an artist-in-residence program—initiatives in which I was deeply involved. However, the museum has now embraced its original vision as an “outdoor museum” and relocated its headquarters to Marjorie Park, our sculpture park in Greenwood Village. This shift has marked a major transition, and now, as we enter our third full year at the park, the programming has been refined and solidified, allowing us to find our stride. We are working on some major upcoming artful experiences!

Among MOA’s various initiatives, I am most proud of our Design and Build education program. This program has provided a platform for emerging artists, students, and creative thinkers to express their talents through collaborative art, architecture, and design projects. Since its inception, thousands of students across the country have participated, contributing to countless innovative projects. Having been involved with this program throughout my career, it is deeply fulfilling to witness the remarkable creativity these students bring to life. Moreover, maintaining connections with alumni from the program has been an ongoing source of inspiration and reward, underscoring the lasting impact of this educational initiative.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The arts industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with traditional museums increasingly shifting towards creating immersive and experiential engagements. At the Museum of Outdoor Arts (MOA), this concept of experiential design has been at the heart of our work for as long as I’ve been part of the team. While the idea is currently more prominent and trending across the art world, it’s rewarding to have been ahead of the curve, actively exploring and implementing these innovative approaches. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to both participate in and curate various experiential art projects. One of the standout examples of our commitment to this evolution was Natura Obscura, an immersive exhibition that captivated audiences at our former indoor gallery throughout 2019. Most recently, we launched Cabinet of Curiosities and Impossibilities by local artist Lonnie Hanzon, an imaginative installation that presents an eclectic collection of objects weaving together themes from fairy tales, nursery rhymes, Alice in Wonderland, and elements of nature.

Looking ahead, I anticipate that the art world will continue to embrace experiential and interactive exhibits as a means to captivate and engage audiences in new, dynamic ways. This trend underscores a shift towards art as a multi-sensory journey—an evolution that aligns perfectly with the direction MOA has been pioneering.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://moaonline.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoorarts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outdoorarts/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/museum-of-outdoor-arts/
• Twitter: https://x.com/outdoorarts
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@outdoor_arts