On a recent trip to the Denver County Court Annex to sign some papers, I snapped this photo of "Object" art. This building has been open about a year and I had not been inside. Some unusual and amazing art decorates its walls and halls--many too blocked by shadows for me to get good photographs.
Seeing such an interesting display of art saddens me as this type of public art is, for the immediate future, no longer possible. Colorado, once in the upper quarter on the list of states' support of the Arts, now has dropped to an abysmal 50th out of 50 states. I know some of it has to do with the sagging economy but other states are managing to support their artists while our state is not. Part of the blame belongs to our current state government officials who have chosen to fund more expansive--and expensive--highways to support gas-guzzling SUV's, instead of supporting less expensive and more environmentally friendly expansion of the light rail system begun in a previous administration. These highway projects require budget "adjustments" in other areas, especially public art projects and exhibitions.
Oh well, We still have, as a legacy of past priorities, wonderful examples of art in the airport, in parks and even on the sides of underpasses. It is an inspiration as I navigate my various paths through daily life.
Comments