As part of its remodel, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce has acquired a collection of photos from Western artists that commemorate the sights, people and nature of the West and of Colorado.
With almost 100 pieces, these works serve not only to brighten up the refreshed space but also help tell the story of the Chamber and the Denver metro area’s business community.
And, there have been some things we’ve learned from the 13 artists who have shared their work for this collection:
Never give up on your dreams. Walking into the lobby of 1445 Market St., the first piece guests see is Dream 1 by Iraqi born artist Sami Al Karim. As a teen, he created a work that read “Peace for All.” But in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, this kind of statement was considered a crime. He was imprisoned in the now infamous Abu Ghraib prison, and it was there, when he would scrape the salt build-up to create temporary works of art, that the idea for this series was born. Al Karim went through an unimaginable hardship, and his work is a reminder of resilience and perseverance. And, despite the bad, there are bright spots—in this work Colorado’s blue sky at the center is a reminder of the optimism and opportunity here.
You can get a lot done with a great team. Gus Foster has captured breathtaking panoramic views in his “The American Rockies” series. Over 15 years he scaled 20 different Rocky Mountain peaks spanning seven states—no easy task, and with a rare scanning camera that revolves to capture a 360-degree view, he needed some help to get all that gear to the top. Luckily, he had some help. A team of mountain climbers served as his assistants.
A little perspective goes a long way. From Chuck Forsman’s “Markers” series to Evan Anderman’s aerial landscapes, things are not always what they seem. Whether picking out Forsman’s fox among the gulley or seeing the crop rows from thousands of feet above the ground from Anderman’s plane, things aren’t always what they seem, and sometimes looking closer or taking a step back helps to focus in on what the artist is sharing.
We’re lucky to live in Colorado. From scenic mountains to rolling plains and tranquil rivers, it’s easy to understand what attracts artists and business people alike to Colorado.
See the entire collection at the Chamber’s open house on Thursday, May 14. Members can register online here
Sara Crocker is the communications manager for the Chamber.