Show Preview | Denver Public Library: Rims to Ruins

Denver, CO
October 21-November 4

Ralph Oberg, Ancient Abstract, 18 x 36.

This story was featured in the October 2013 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art October 2013 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

In May this year, 26 renowned artists from around the West spent three days capturing the unique landscape and archeological ruins of Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park. That event included a morning paint-out followed by an auction of those plein-air works. Artists also spent two full days painting studies for reference, with special access to some of the most remote regions of the park. From those studies, the artists have created approximately 60 studio works that are on view in a show called Rims to Ruins, which opens on October 21 in the Vida Ellison Gallery at the Denver Public Library. An artists’ reception is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on October 22 (reservations required).

David Drummond, Shady Shelter, watercolor, 29 x 22.

“This is the first time we’ve hosted this type of event,” says Marilyn Alkire, board member of the Mesa Verde Foundation, “and we’re hoping to continue this as an annual event in support of the park and the foundation.” Alkire says the foundation was privileged to have such an exceptional group of artists attend the May event. “This will be the only place in Colorado some of these artists will be represented,” she says, and the list is certain to impress: G. Russell Case, Doug Dawson, Veryl Goodnight, Mian Situ, and Curt Walters are among the participants.

Ralph Oberg says he was honored to be invited to the event. “We had a great paint-out gathering in May that was beautifully organized and run by the volunteers of the Mesa Verde Foundation and supported generously by many of their members as well,” Oberg says. “We are all excited about the Denver show opening.”

Artist John Burton of Carmel, CA, says that he had never been to a place like Mesa Verde. “I did 21 paintings in three days,” he says. “That tells you how impressed I was.” Burton says he’s painted around 40 studio pieces from the studies he did on site, three of which are part of this show.

Alkire says a substantial portion of the sale’s proceeds go to the foundation and the park. “Our show provides opportunities to buy exceptional art and to help support Mesa Verde National Park and the foundation,” she says. “The artists are very excited about that. It gives them the ability to support a world heritage site and one of our national treasures.” 
—Laura Rintala

contact information
303.321.3120
www.mesaverdefoundation.org

Featured in the October 2013 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art October 2013 print issue or digital download
Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!