July 2021. Art event
Community show at involves artists from Western Colorado
[Montrose, Colo. July 2012.] This month the Montrose Center for the Arts (MCA) hosts a community show for Western Colorado honoring the San Juan Mountains mining districts and the steam-powered, narrow gauge railroads that served them.
MCA celebrates the region’s rich history with events all month long that speak to railfans and history buffs as well as everyone who enjoys exploring and visiting the San Juan Mountains.
Opening Reception July 2nd, 5-8 pm.
Guest artist, Jeff Ellingson, watercolorist and curator, Durango Roundhouse Museum
Jim Pettiengill, photographer and VP Ridgway Railroad Museum.
At the Opening Reception, from 5 to 8 pm, meet guest railroad artist, Jeff Ellingson, curator of the Durango Silverton Roundhouse Museum and renowned watercolorist along with many other local and regional artists, including railroad photographer, Jim Pettengill, Vice President of the Ridgway Railroad Museum.
Daryl and Ted, the Lucky Stars, Ridgway musicians and long-time ‘pickin’ partners.’
The Lucky Stars will entertain with live music all evening, while guests visit with artists and enjoy adult libations, light appetizers, and deserts. At 6:30 pm, Jeff Ellingson, who loves to talk about trains and will give a train talk about the Durango Silverton Railroad and its role in San Juan Mountain history.
Special Displays
The exhibit, show, and sale continues throughout July, displaying work from around the region. A private collection Mineral Exhibit is planned in the gift shop area. Railroad books and greeting cards by local authors and artists will be for sale in the Columbine Room which will also display a private collection of historical photographs.
Silent Auctions
During the evening, two original watercolors offered on a silent auction— The Lightner Creek Trestle by Jeff Ellingson and the D&RG 315 by acclaimed local artist Virginia Blackstock—will be available for the minimum bid (or highest bid price prior to the show). This is a unique opportunity for train art collectors, and/or those who collect Ellingson or Blackstock. If not sold that night, they go back on silent auction.
“Lightner Creek Trestle” watercolor by Jeff Ellingson.
D&RG #315. Watercolor by Virginia Blackstock,.
Three ways to own one of these paintings.
1. Online. Visit the MCA website and bid online. (Click on the painting to make an online bid)
2. In person. Come in the gallery, fill out the bid sheet.
3. Buy now online or in person at the gallery.
4. Buy July 2nd at reception for minimum bid price (or highest bid before 5 pm July 2nd).
July 2nd is also the final sale for MCA’s June fundraiser, The Square Deal. Winning bids will be announced at 7:30 pm and artwork may be purchased and picked up that night.
Programs & Presentations
Learn more about railroad and mining history at two guest presentations. Coffee, cold beverages, and cookies provided for both Wednesday afternoon events, which are Free, with a suggested donation of $5.
Wednesday, July 14 at 1 pm, Karl Schaffer, President of the Ridgway Railroad Museum, presents “Railroad History of the Uncompahgre Valley, Then and Now.”
Wednesday, July 21 at noon, Kathryn Burke, publisher of the Bachelor Syracuse Mine and magazines for Ouray, Silverton, and the Durango train, presents a visual and verbal description of the “Red Mountain Mining District and the Corkscrew Turntable.” Bring a brown bag lunch.
Art Class
Friday, July 30, 6-8 pm. Anne Hockenberry, local art educator, conducts a special evening class, Gems and Mineral Painting. All materials provided. Tuition $30.
July events at Montrose Center for the Arts
• All month long, show, exhibit, sales, programs.
* Fri. July 2. 5-8 pm. Opening Reception, Montrose Center for the Arts celebrates San Juan Mountain mining and narrow gauge railroad history.
• Fri., July 2, 7:30 pm, Final sale, Square Deal Auction. Pay and pick up your art piece. Minimum Bid price special sale Blackstock and Ellingson paintings.
• Fri. July 2, 6:30 pm. Jeff Ellingson, Roundhouse Museum curator, talks about the Durango Silverton Railroad and its role in San Juan Mountain history.
• Wed., July 14, 1-3 pm. Karl Schaffer, President of the Ridgway Railroad Museum, presents “Railroad History of the Uncompahgre Valley, Then and Now.” Coffee, cold beverages, and cookies provided. Free. Suggested donation $5.
• Wed. July 21, noon-1 pm, Kathryn Burke, publisher of regional history books and magazines, presents Red Mountain Mining District and the Corkscrew Turntable. Bring a brown bag lunch. Coffee, cold beverages, and cookies provided. Free. Suggested donation $5.
• Fri. July 30, 6-8 pm. Gems and Mineral Painting With Anne Hockenberry. Materials provided. Tuition $30.
This Event was conceived, designed, developed, and managed by Kathryn (Kate) Burke, MCA VP, webmaster, and digital marketing specialist. This is also a fundraiser. Kathryn planned this program based on her background in event planning as well as working with the region’s historic districts, the railroad, and having published magazines for many towns and districts in the region. The goals were to sell art, introduce the gallery to new people, and share regional history. The event was a success and easily exceeded it goals.
