ABOUT THE EMPTY STOREFRONT PROJECT
In November 2019, the Durango Creative District partnered up with the Durango Business Improvement District and the Creative Economy Commission to start the EMPTY STOREFRONT PROJECT. The ESP brought vibrant artwork from 6 selected artists to vacant storefronts in Durango for the winter season. The project was funded by the Creative Economy Commission.
2019 SELECTED INSTALLATIONS
Photos by Scott DW Smith, Imagesmith Photo.
1137 MAIN AVENUE
INSTALLATION BY AARON HYATT
We are creatures of emotion… and have connections with each other. It is possible that in some ways we are more connected now, while in other ways, we may be less connected. I derive my inspiration from the world around us. I do not limit my mediums— rather, I choose the best-suited method. This allows me to focus on the concept behind taking an object or scene and simplifying it down to an emotion. It is as much about the process behind it, as the piece itself. By both exposing my working process and through leaving room for the viewer’s unique response I am allowing for emotions to help connect the viewer with their surroundings.
www.aaronpatrickhyatt.studio
858 MAIN AVENUE
INSTALLATION BY ALLISON LEIGH SMITH & BRYCE PETTIT
Bryce Pettit has been a bronze wildlife sculptor for 20 years. He is an award winning artist who exhibits in eight fine-art galleries around the nation. His work is collected in international airports, libraries, public parks, and art museums. He is a fisherman, family man, and resident of Durango.
“I find the inspiration for my work in the natural world, but my sculptures are not just models of animal subjects. Each piece has an underlying story and is imbued with feeling and emotion. My work is meant to teach and inspire, both about the animals and about ourselves.”
www.brycepettit.com
Allison Leigh Smith is a fine-art oil painter with an extensive background in fashion textile design. She combines modern technical skills with traditional academic training in art to create pieces for fine art galleries, museum and private collections. She works closely with wildlife sanctuaries around the nation to create original works of art and resides in Durango.
“My work centers around wildlife. I want to say something about the beauty and value of our natural world and make people feel connected to art and nature, as I have felt connected."
Bryce and Allison collaborated as lead artists to create Durango Common Threads: 20 laser-cut steel panels funded by The National Endowment for the Arts, The City of Durango, and Mark & Machelle McWhirter of Pacific Metal Cutting. Durango Common Threads includes the voices of 400 Durango residents who expressed what makes this city their home. Scheduled for installation in the median of 160/550 Hwy in the Spring of 2020.
Visit www.durangocommonthreads.com to see the entire process.
1015 MAIN AVENUE
INSTALLATION BY LAUREL SCHAFFER FOR WILDWOOD DANCE PROJECT
Wildwood Dance Project is a performance and media-based dance company rooted in the local Durango and greater arts communities, focusing on education, technical skill, collaboration and creativity.
640 MAIN AVENUE
INSTALLATION BY SAM BRIDGHAM AKA "DURANGO LEGOBOMBER"
Photos by Scott DW Smith, Imagesmith Photo.
24 TOWN PLAZA
INSTALLATION BY PAT MILLER
TITLE OF EXHBIT: FLOW
This display brings together work created during a multi-year period centering on two related themes: “Flow” and “Water and Stones.” The ideas were derived from a preoccupation with flowing water, chaos, vast expanses of time, and change. I was particularly drawn to certain qualities of water - its transparency, fluidity, and persistent motion; its bubbles, ripples, waves, and power, as well as its capacity to invigorate, transport, soothe, and nurture. These panels also portray the chaos and seemingly random motion of elements that may be caught in the flow of water. Smooth stones - often seen at water’s edge and a delight to find and touch - are the gems which evolve from rocks, with complicated angles and jagged points, after they have been tossed repeatedly against one another, over very long periods of time, until their shapes approach the perfect symmetry of ellipses and spheres. These beautiful objects provide the illusion, perhaps, of simplicity and tranquility yet can only arise from the changes imposed by chaotic and constant, aggressive motion.
Pat Miller received her formal training and a BFA from the Carnegie Mellon University School of Art, with a focus on Ceramics and Glassblowing.
713 MAIN AVENUE
INSTALLATION BY KATIE TERREL RAMOS
KETR is a gratitude enthusiast and block printing artist. Growing up in a family of teachers and musicians inspired KETR to express herself through music and the arts. When this creative hippy went to school for music education she realized the crucial role presence and gratitude play in a person's life. Everyday KETR works to remind those around her to be intentional with their mind and heart. Welcome to the mind of KETR, where presence is more important than presents. May peace be with you and yours.
With gratitude,
Katie Elizabeth Terrell Ramos
KETR