Aged Into Nostalgia
Paintings by Chris Smith
Artists on Santa Fe Gallery
Denver is not what it used to be. September’s featured artist and long-time resident Chris Smith has added her creative voice to the nostalgia conversation by capturing Denver landmarks as they reside in her head, in her heart, and in history. Some of the buildings remain intact, some have recently shuttered and are about to meet their demise, while some currently stand as a shadow of their former self but live on in her paintings as they existed in their heyday.
“I am aging into a nostalgic memory of Denver as it used to be.” Says Smith, “In my paintings for this show, I have tried to capture a few of these iconic historic landmarks as they were, or still are, before they’re gone forever.”
When Smith moved from the East Coast to Colorado in 1977, everything here seemed shiny and new to her, with wide streets and spectacular Western views of the mountains from almost anywhere in Denver. As she discovered the history of Denver, she found it fascinating and began researching old houses, ultimately helping with the designation of one as a Denver Landmark. As we fast-forward to current day, developers are gobbling up property, including unprotected landmarks, demolishing them to make way for the “progress” of huge multi-dwelling complexes. She sees these as monstrosities and that they not only block precious views but along with other developments, are destroying the “soul” of Denver.
Smith has loved art since childhood and has always tried to include some creativity in her life. She explored various mediums including photography, oil pastels, and others but fell in love with pottery. This eventually led her to the Artists on Santa Fe space where much of the gallery was focused on the exquisite work of many talented potters. After a time throwing pots and “painting” on clay panels, she was gifted a pallet of acrylic paints. She proceeded to purchase canvases and try her hand at painting, finding a style and subject matter that both entertained and excited her.
The work will be on display September 6th through the 29th.
Artists on Santa Fe Gallery,
747 Santa Fe Dr., Denver, Colorado.
First Friday, Sept. 6th 6-9 pm
Artist reception is Friday, September 20th, 5-8 pm
Hours: Mon, Wed, Thur, 11-3:00, Fri and Sat, 11-5:00, Sun 12-4:00
