08/06/2026
Seven years ago, artist Joel Carpenter wasn't sure he'd ever take on another large-scale painting.
After spending four months in the hospital—including time in a coma—and losing more than 80 pounds, he questioned whether he could complete a project as ambitious as recreating Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper for the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America.
When Joel first walked into what was then an empty gymnasium, he looked at the massive front wall and said, "If I was 20 years younger, I'd reproduce Da Vinci's Last Supper full size on this wall."
A year later, encouraged by friends and driven by the belief that he'd regret not trying, Joel accepted the challenge.
But this isn't simply a reproduction.
Drawing inspiration from masters like El Greco, Matisse, Picasso, and Modigliani, Joel made intentional artistic choices that honor Leonardo while reflecting his own creative voice. Every brushstroke tells a story—not only of Renaissance art, but of perseverance, creativity, and second chances.
As part of the Pueblo Arts Alliance's First Friday Art Walk, we're inviting you to meet Joel in person and hear the story behind one of the museum's most recognizable works.
Join Artists in Residence Joel Carpenter and Sheri Hunt as they share how they transformed the Leonardo da Vinci Museum from a former gymnasium into an immersive work of art. Learn about their creative decisions, ask questions, and gain a behind-the-scenes look at the murals, painted finishes, and artistic details that make the museum unlike any other.
đź“… Friday, August 7
🕔 5:00–8:00 p.m.
đź“Ť Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America
🎟️ Free admission as part of the Pueblo Arts Alliance First Friday Art Walk
Come celebrate Pueblo's vibrant arts community, meet the artists behind the museum, and experience First Friday in a truly unique setting. We look forward to seeing you!
