Colorado as a Creative Hub

 

Bureau of Land Management Selects Christo and Jeanne-Claude's 5.9-Mile Proposal for Over The River 

 

After two and a half years of analysis the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Christo and Jeanne-Claude's proposed temporary work of art, Over The River. In the Final EIS, the BLM selected the artists' original vision to suspend 5.9 miles of fabric panels in eight separate areas along a 42-mile stretch of the Arkansas River. This exciting news is the most significant milestone to date in the Over The River permitting process.  

The BLM will issue a Record of Decision containing the agency's final decision, conditions and mitigation measures in fall of 2011. The Final EIS will be available for public review through August 29, 2011. Although this is not considered to be a formal comment period, the BLM is still accepting public comments related to their Final EIS analysis. Comments can be submitted to co_otr_comments@blm.gov.

There have been a number of positive developments since the release of the Draft EIS last summer, and analysis in the Final EIS shows improvements in impacts to traffic flow, bighorn sheep and other issues.

"I am very pleased that the BLM selected our proposal as the preferred option for this temporary work of art," said Christo in a statement released to the media. "This is the first time in history that a work of art has undergone an Environmental Impact Statement, so this is a significant milestone for us and for artists everywhere who want to create art on public lands. Although our team is still reviewing the 1,686-page Final EIS in detail, I am confident that the impacts and concerns have been adequately addressed. I am eager to move forward with Over The River as Jeanne-Claude and I envisioned it."   

 

 

John Alderman installs Statue of Freedom

 

Artist John Alderman recently installed a life-size bronze of an American bald eagle at McCandless State Veterans Home in Florence, Colorado.     

 

The bronze of the American bald eagle has a wingspan of 6'3" and weighs 96 lbs. and was placed on a natural stone base quarried in Fremont County.     

 

This enduring symbol of greatness represents all branches of the military will serve as a memorial of gratitude to all veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country with their lives. The staff and residents of the facility are pleased with the new addition to their home.

 

 

Harvest of Heritage Exhibit Going to the State Fair   

 

Harvest of Heritage: Colorado Masterpieces Celebrating Agriculture and Art will be on display at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo from August 26 through September 5 in the Colorado Agricultural Pavilion.     

 

Original artwork made by master traditional artists from throughout Colorado includes leather and rawhide braiding, Mexican fabric art, wheat art, Japanese paper art, ornamental iron work, wood carving, and a saddle made collaboratively by the members of the Colorado Saddle Makers Association. A large photo/text display showcases the stories and work of over two dozen artists who have been recognized by Colorado Creative Industries for the excellence of their work.  

 

The exhibit is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts American Masterpieces program, sponsored by Colorado Creative Industries, and built and toured by the Museum of Western Colorado.  More information about the exhibit.  Colorado State Fair information.  

 

 

Creative Capitol Exhibit "American West" on Display Through December 8 at the State Capitol

 

History Colorado and "Tribal Pathways" exhibit highlighting Colorado's American Indians is located in the basement of the Capitol rotunda.  

The exhibit is about how Colorado's American Indians have sustained traditions, beliefs and a true record of their past through ceremony, song, dance and oral histories passed down from generation to generation for five hundred years.  

 

Prints from the Denver Public Library Collection by two artists from the mid 19th century are on display in the Lt. Governor's Office. George Catlin, an American painter who specialized in portraits of Native Americans in the Old West and Karl Bodmer, a Swiss painter whose images are recognized as among the most accurate images of Native Americans and the scenery of the Old West are beautifully executed.

Financial Support and Incentives  

 

Arts Budgets Cut in Majority of States

According to a recent New York Times article, arts budgets have been cut in 31 states for the 2012 fiscal year. While many large arts organizations primarily rely on private donors and revenues from admission ticket sales, smaller organizations will be hit harder by these cuts because of their greater reliance on state funds.  

Arts Education and Workforce Development

 

Success Through Art (StART) Schools Grants Deadline Coming Up August 25 

  

StART grants support arts learning for K-12 students, both formal training in the arts and arts infused into other disciplines or subject areas. These awards are for schools that define, plan and implement arts education programs that are specifically aligned with Colorado Academic Standards and with their school or district learning goals.  

 

Applicants must be Colorado public schools, including charters. Although CCI requires collaborations with arts organizations for these grants, only K-12 institutions may apply. Private or sectarian schools are not eligible. The grant deadline is August 25, 2011.

 

Schools interested in applying should contact Arts Education Manager, Sheila Sears at Sheila.Sears@state.co.us or 303-892-3852 prior to application. Click here for guidelines and more information.

 

 

New AEP Publication Focused on School Leaders  

 

As the top building-level leaders, school principals play a key role in ensuring that every student receives a high-quality arts education as part of a complete education. Arts Education Partnership's latest brochure publication, What School Leaders Can Do to Increase Arts Education, offers three concrete actions school principals can take to increase arts education in their schools. Each action is supported with several low-cost or no-cost strategies that other school leaders have used and found to be effective. Many of the strategies presented can be applicable in a variety of grade levels. AEP prepared this guide with support from the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH).  

 

 

Creative Communities 

 

Beet Street and Fort Collins Cultural Services Awarded $100,000 NEA Grant 

 

The City of Fort Collins Cultural Services Department and Beet Street were awarded a $100,000 Our Town Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for the creation of a regional arts incubator.  

 

The (yet to be named) Rocky Mountain Regional Arts Incubator is a revolutionary partnership between Colorado State University School of the Arts, City of Fort Collins Cultural Services Department, and Beet Street, an arts and culture economic development non-profit. 

 

The goal of the arts incubator is to encourage the education, growth, and professional development of our arts and culture students, professionals, and industry. It will build the visual arts, performing arts, music, entertainment, and creative industries in Fort Collins and the Rocky Mountain West by offering: 

• Innovative educational courses on the business of art, music, and entertainment  
• Internship programs focusing on real world career paths for students in the arts  
• Continuing education for professional artists and arts organizations. 

The arts incubator will also offer administrative services, professional resources, and gallery, performance, studio, and office space to students and professionals to assist them in creating, redefining, and sustaining their creative careers in the new economy.  

 

 

Seuss on the Loose Brings Arts Activity to Durango