love for the thompson divide
pop-up exhibit at REI glenwood springs
Titled "Love Thompson Divide," the art is inspired by a snippet in time where the sun is just right for the wildlife to come out and feel the rays. A ritual that may be disrupted if the land is left unprotected from resource extraction.
The Thompson Divide area, which sprawls the Roaring Fork Valley region is under threat by oil and gas development. Right not this land is not only home to an astonishing amount of wildlife but acts as a $30 million plus annual economic output for the region. It supports local jobs and world-class recreation. Hunters, anglers, ranchers, hikers and bikers all depend on this place for wellbeing and livelihood. Currently the Biden administration began the process for an Administrative Mineral Withdrawal. Which would protect 225,000 acres of public lands from future oil and gas leasing, as well as mining.
The medium is a combination of latex and gouache paint, with touches of silver foil to mimic the sheen of our sun. The total size is 18x24 on a wooden panel.
This is where the art comes in. We are using this painting and the prints from it to help drive financial contributions during Giving Tuesday as well as raise the awareness around the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy (CORE) Act–a comprehensive public lands bill that both protects the landscape and safeguards existing outdoor recreation opportunities to boost the economy for future generations.
