Show Preview | Rims to Ruins

Parker, CO
The Wildlife Experience, November 5-January 4, 2015

Joe Bohler, Spruce Tree House, watercolor, 17 x 14.

This story was featured in the October 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art October 2014 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

Mesa Verde National Park is considered one of America’s national treasures. To this World Heritage site, the Mesa Verde Foundation invited a small group of artists to capture the unique landscape and local wildlife in artwork. In May of this year, 19 artists—including Greg Beecham, Doug Dawson, John Poon, and Jim Wilcox—spent three days in the  park painting, sketching, and photographing the mesas, cliff dwellings, flora, and fauna. From this reference work, they, along with 12 other artists, have each created up to three park-inspired studio artworks. The works are on view at The Wildlife Experience in Parker, CO, in the second annual Rims to Ruins Fine Art Sale and Exhibition, opening on Wednesday, November 5, with an artists’ reception from 5 to 9 p.m.

The show’s offerings range from William Acheff’s still lifes to area wildlife paintings to both wilderness and architectural landscapes, and they include pencil drawings, oils, and watercolors. This year, for first time, three-dimensional works are also included—a suggestion from returning artist Veryl Goodnight—as well as a “smalls wall,” on which smaller works at lower prices are offered.

“One of the reasons we wanted to do the show was that it brings the essence of Mesa Verde to another region,” says show co-chair Marilyn Alkire. “It’s one of the most important treasures in the state of Colorado.” A portion of the sale proceeds will help fund capital and educational projects in the park. For example, the Cliff Palace, one of the most important and fragile architectural ruins in the park, has been suffering from ground shifting in the area. The Mesa Verde Foundation helped fund a study to pinpoint the source of the instability. Other projects include refurbishing historic trails and re-establishing the park’s horse patrols.

“Mesa Verde is such a spectacular setting. The artists were just amazed by the light, texture, diversity, and the lines of these incredible cliff dwelling and mesas,” Alkire says. “We really hope the show is going to be well received, both by those who come just to appreciate the art and those who want to improve and increase their own personal art collections. It’s going to be a spectacular show!” —Laura Rintala

contact information
303.321.3120
www.mesaverdefoundation.org

Featured in the October 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art October 2014 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!