As marijuana legalization gains momentum across the US, museums and galleries are rolling out their own celebrations for ‘National Weed Day’ on April 20. This is not the first time weed has been the subject of blunt dialogue within the arts, and as institutions send out more love for the spliff, it probably won’t be the last. Amidst the many 4/20 events held around the country, here are a few noteworthy ways art institutions are celebrating the venerable “stoner art” genre:
“Lit!” at Chesterfield Gallery in New York
The gallery has recently relocated to Manhattan from Connecticut and is launching a group show that explores the place of marijuana in American culture.
“#Grassland” at Penticton Public Art Museum in Penticton, Canada
Another show questioning the way we view the plant in the public sphere on the other side of the border, “#Grassland” analyzes the impact of weed in politics, culture, history and the economy.
The International “Church of Cannabis” opening in Denver, Colorado
If you are in the Centennial State for this weekend’s celebrations, this shrine to cannabis seems to be an actual psychedelic gem designed to heighten your senses. The 113-year-old chapel has undergone a massive renovation over the past year and the final touches include bright multicolored murals by artists including Okuda San Miguel and Kenny Scharf. The Elevation Ministries, the religious nonprofit behind the church, welcomes visitors of all religious backgrounds.