Carbondale Arts, in collaboration with three sculptors and five muralists, will soon debut the makings of the Gateway Public Art Project. This concept has been in motion since December 2020, when a new storage facility was approved along Highway 133 with the caveat it include a public art park. The murals and sculptures will screen a new Central Self Storage building near Carbondale’s northern gateway.
“We thought the value of having five different pieces spoke to this being a gallery of works that can speak to all the different elements and communities and perspectives in Carbondale,” Carbondale Arts engagement director Michael Stout stated. “While people might not love every mural, hopefully, there’s something about each one that speaks to someone. We’re hoping it works together collectively.”
All eight artists selected for the project are Colorado-based, with several Roaring Fork locals in the mix: Brad Reed Nelson, Chris Erickson, Leah Aegerter, Sandra Fettingis, Juls Mendoza, Alexandra Pangburn, Bimmer Torres and Nicholas Ward.
“I think the murals are a great opportunity to connect with the community,” Ward told The Sopris Sun. “It’s like sharing a story of the community with the community.”
Ward is based in Carbondale and his primary medium is oil paint. Stories and scenes from the “Wild West” typically influence his work. His mural for this project in particular was inspired by rock and tree formations that imitate human faces. He said that his piece will personify Red Hill.
“I try to paint a mural each year, and that is certainly what I look forward to most during that period — getting out and interacting with people who are enjoying it,” he stated.
Reed Nelson, a sculptor also based in Carbondale, said he is honored to be a part of the project. He’s participated in Carbondale’s Art Around Town rotating sculptures show and loves to see the direction this project is unfolding.
“My work is an interpretation of pallets and how things get shipped,” he explained. “I think about how pallets come from other parts of the world, South America, Mexico and Asia, and how we’re happy to receive those pallets, but we’re not always happy to receive the people who brought them. What a weird juxtaposition. I want to see an inclusive world.”
Asked how he hopes those who see the work will respond, he said, “I hope they love it or hate it, and they’re not just passive about it. I just hope that it evokes emotion. I think the Town of Carbondale has done a great job over the years creating an experience of public art, and I am happy to be a part of it.”
There will be an artists meet-and-greet at Mountain Heart Brewing on May 29th from 5:30 to 7pm. The first 50 people in attendance will be offered free beer and everyone will have the chance to mingle with these artists and gain a deeper understanding of their processes.
A completion celebration is also being discussed with Carbondale Arts for the first week of June, with more details to come shortly. For more information in the meantime, visit www.carbondalearts.com/gateway-project