Three Colorado artists with diverse styles and approaches characterize “Ancient Future,” the new exhibit opening tonight at the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts in Palmer Lake.
Though their work varies — from sculptor Don Green’s sleek metal pieces, to Thomas Blackshear’s realistic figurines and paintings, to debi Story Maddox’s serial paintings and cerebral fairy tales — the three are united by mutual respect and dedication to their local arts community.
“We’re trying to raise the caliber of art and music on display at the center,” says event promoter and Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts board member Michael Maddox. He and his wife, debi, who also served as this show’s curator, named the event “Ancient Future” as a nod to artists who honor the past while employing a futuristic vision.
The same might be said of their venue. Maddox describes the Tri-Lakes Center as “a very cool, hidden jewel that has a ’60s feel even though the art and the music is all (contemporary).”
Green’s sculptures are well-known around Colorado Springs. Among them is “Eros,” an elegant outdoor installation at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Green will show new, smaller-scale indoor sculptures during this exhibit.
Blackshear is also well- known. His work includes a series of oil paintings commissioned by the U.S. Postal Service for the Black Heritage and Jazz Stamp Series. As an illustrator, he also has worked for the likes of Walt Disney Pictures, Coca-Cola, The Jim Henson Company and National Geographic.
“They are all at the top of their respective games,” Maddox says of the show’s artists.
Folk singer Jerry Burgan, best known as a former member of the San Francisco folk-rock group We Five, will bring his “Songs & Stories” to Palmer Lake to mark the “Ancient Future” exhibit opening.
Burgan and We Five helped launch the folk-rock revolution of the 1960s and ’70s, Maddox says. He adds that Burgan still puts on “a fascinating show,” complete with music and narratives.
“Art grew from ancient times and principles,” Maddox says, “yet it launches us into the future.”
Tickets for tonight’s 7:30 concert, featuring Jerry Burgan, are $10 at the door. The Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts is located at 304 Colorado 105 in Palmer Lake. “Ancient Future” runs through May 29. Details: 719-481-0475 or .
