A new artistic initiative is bringing Colorado artists aboard the California Zephyr train, transforming the journey into a mobile art studio. This experimental program, named Westbound Art By Train, allows artists to create works inspired by the landscapes they pass through, culminating in public exhibitions in Grand Junction and Denver.
Key Takeaways
- Six Colorado artists are participating in the inaugural Westbound Art By Train residency.
- Artists create works while riding the California Zephyr to Grand Junction.
- Works will be displayed at Grand Junction’s Union Depot and later at the Denver Public Library.
- The program aims to connect Colorado's creative communities along the train corridor.
- The residency is funded by a Colorado Creates Grant.
Artists Ride the Rails for Creative Inspiration
The California Zephyr, typically known for its scenic routes and railway enthusiasts, is now hosting a unique group of passengers: artists. These individuals are part of the first Westbound Art By Train residency. They board the Amtrak train at various points across Colorado, using their journey to create new art.
Nan Wright, a watercolorist from Fraser, is among the participants. She described her preparation, stating,
“I'll be boarding with a backpack chock full of professional watercolor paints.”Wright plans to capture the natural beauty visible from the train windows.
Program Participants
- Erin Butler: Multimedia artist from Fort Morgan
- Kaitlyn Tucek: Painter from Denver
- Nan Wright: Watercolorist from Fraser
- Gabriela Mejia: Multimedia artist from Glenwood Springs
- Cordero Marez: Tattoo artist from Grand Junction (boarding in Denver)
- Collin Sanders: Video artist from Denver (documenting the journey)
Diverse Artistic Approaches on Board
Each artist has a specific timeframe to complete their work, ranging from less than two hours to over ten hours, depending on their starting location. This variation in travel time presents a unique challenge and opportunity for each participant.
Cordero Marez, a tattoo artist, plans to design flash tattoos during his trip. Meanwhile, Collin Sanders, a video artist, will document the entire voyage, capturing the experience of the residency itself. The diverse backgrounds and artistic mediums of the participants are expected to lead to a wide range of interpretations of the train journey.
Connecting Regions Through Art
The Westbound Art By Train program aims to foster connections between different creative communities across Colorado. Emily Grace King, a co-creator of the residency and the art and exhibits curator for Denver Public Libraries, explained the program's vision.
“The idea of Westbound was really to represent the spirit of each of these regions and connect these creative passageways through this train corridor,” King stated.
King conceived the idea during her own trip on the Zephyr last year. She then contacted David Goe, the community engagement manager for Grand Junction, to collaborate on the project. Goe quickly embraced the idea, noting its potential to benefit local preservation efforts.
Historical Significance of Grand Junction Depot
The Grand Junction Union Depot is a historic building listed on the National Registry of Historic Spaces. It is also recognized as one of Colorado's most endangered buildings. The Westbound Art By Train initiative helps draw attention and support for its restoration efforts, linking cultural preservation with contemporary art.
Collaboration and Funding
King and Goe first met in 2022 through Colorado Creative Industry's Change Leader Program. This connection proved crucial for developing the residency. The program received a Colorado Creates Grant, provided by Colorado Creative Industries, which provided the necessary funding to launch the experimental initiative.
The collaboration highlights how state-level grants can support innovative cultural projects that span multiple communities. It also demonstrates the impact of networking within the arts and cultural sectors to bring ambitious ideas to fruition.
Exhibitions and Community Engagement
Upon arrival in Grand Junction, the artists will disembark and immediately present their completed works. A pop-up exhibition will take place during a First Friday event at the Grand Junction Union Depot on October 3. This event is open to the public, allowing local residents and visitors to view the newly created pieces.
Following the Grand Junction exhibition, the artworks will travel to Denver. They will be displayed at the Denver Public Library’s Central Branch. This exhibition will also include archival materials related to the California Zephyr, providing historical context for the artistic interpretations.
Inspiration from History
To aid their creative process, artists received a packet of archival materials before their journey. This packet included historic photos, illustrations, essays, and even old Zephyr menus. These resources served as inspiration, connecting the past of rail travel with the present artistic endeavor.
The inclusion of historical documents emphasizes the rich heritage of the California Zephyr and its role in connecting communities. It encourages artists to consider the train's legacy as they create new works.
Local Engagement Beyond the Train
The artistic celebration extends beyond the train journey itself. The First Friday event at the Grand Junction Union Depot will feature additional local artists and musicians. These local talents will not have ridden the train or created art on board, but they will contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
David Goe mentioned these additional contributions, stating,
“They won't be riding the train, they're not making artwork that's on the train. But they are doing some little activations.”
Unexpected Artistic Directions
Experimental filmmaker and animator Evan Curtis is one of the local artists participating in the depot event. When Goe contacted him, Curtis was enthusiastic. He discovered old train footage from two decades ago, which he decided to incorporate into his installation.
Initially, Goe clarified that the installation did not need to be train-themed. However, Curtis responded with a laugh,
“It's train-themed now.”He anticipates an "ethereal experience" for viewers.
Anticipating the Journey and Creations
Nan Wright, the watercolorist, expressed her excitement for the journey. She looks forward to finding inspiration in the passing scenery.
“I'm planning on painting the mountains and the canyons — and especially the Aspen,” she said.Wright believes inspiration will strike spontaneously:
“I think I’ll know it when I see it. It's not necessarily the canyons, but maybe the quiet spots in between that will attract my attention.”
She also highlighted the collaborative aspect of the residency, noting the diversity of perspectives.
“We're all gonna see something different, even while looking at the same view. And that's what's exciting about art.”
The pop-up event at the Grand Junction Union Depot is scheduled for October 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. This event is part of Grand Junction’s larger, weekend-long Downtown Art Festival, further integrating the residency into the local arts scene.
- Event Date: October 3
- Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Location: Grand Junction Union Depot
- Part of: Grand Junction’s Downtown Art Festival
