Denver has become a popular place to live. And while recent transplants may be tired of hearing it, Denver is not what it used to be, especially regarding the urban landscape. 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, 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. Artists on Santa Fe at 747 Santa Fe Drive is proud to showcase her acrylic paintings at the gallery from September 6-29, 2024. The public is invited to view the show on Opening Night, September 6, 5-9 p.m. during the First Friday Art Walk, and to an Artist Reception on Friday, September 20, 5–8 p.m. and during regular gallery hours as listed below.
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. “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. It will take more than what’s left of my lifetime to capture them all.”
Smith has loved art since childhood and has always tried to include some creativity in her life even when life demanded that a steady job pay the bills. 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. In addition to the Artists on Santa Fe website, she can be found on Instagram @chriSmithArtist.
Artists on Santa Fe Gallery at 747 Santa Fe Drive showcases the work of member artists ranging from sculptors and painters to printmakers.