Colorado Springs, Colorado – July 10, 2014
Today was the time selected for our obligatory trip to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC). It is only essential because it brings back such fond memories of my childhood. I frequently walked through the museum on weekends or in the summer when I was growing up. Back in the day, admission was free. We love every visit.
As per usual, we arrived early. That allowed me time to take photographs of some of the art outside the museum.
There are multiple sculptures installed on the lawn area in front of the building. I enjoy the giant statue of the Latino dancers. I also appreciate the art deco styling of the building itself. The lines are striking. Construction on the building began in 1936. Because of the timing, the building has an Art Deco feel. In 1986, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Once the museum opened, the main draw was the exhibit, “Chihuly Rediscovered.” It is a display of many of the blown glassworks of Dale Chihuly. The FAC held an earlier Chihuly exhibit in the mid-2000s. During that exhibit, the museum acquired several Chihuly pieces for the permanent collection. Most notable are the entry lobby chandelier and the Orange Hornet chandelier hanging from the ceiling on the second floor.
We were first exposed to the work of Dale Chihuly in the mid-2000s when the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center first exhibited some of his work. Born in 1941 in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly has become a world-famous glassblower. His pieces are on display in numerous locations around the world. If money were no object, we would love to own one of his amazing pieces!
The following are several other pieces that caught my eye on this visit. The Georgia O’Keeffe Dark Iris No. 1 is always one of my favorites. I have seen a few of her works, but this one in Colorado Springs elicits fond memories.
This folding partition by Louis Recchia was attractive because of the color and texture.
The museum has owned the Study for a David and Goliath for many, many years. There is something about the painting that always captures my attention. For me, I guess it is kind of like a train wreck; one does not want to see it, but one cannot help but look. It is a unique painting; one I would not personally wish to own, but it continues to capture my attention on every visit.
The light sculptures by Chul Hyun Ahn were new works. They were visually appealing.
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center has an extensive Native American collection. The detail of the handwork on the various items is impressive.
The museum also has an extensive collection of southwest items. I had not seen Cristo Entierrno before. I thought the 19th Century piece was fascinating.
I found the colors and subject matter of the Sunset of Life to be very soothing.
I had to capture Catrina for Hillary!
Not necessarily one of my personal favorites; but Roy Lichtenstein is an iconic artist. I recall seeing a colossal sculpture of his in Barcelona, Spain. Many of the U. S. Embassies at which we have served have Lichtenstein prints on display.
Because of our time living in Spain, I could not pass up the opportunity to capture Don Quixote and Sancho.
One of my all-time favorite paintings at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts center is Ute Agency. I love the intricate detail and the brilliant colors as depicted in the following details.
Following our museum visit, we had to have lunch at Jose Muldoon’s on Tejon Street. I always enjoy sitting at one of the sidewalk tables and watching Colorado Springs go by.
