Public Art for Ridgway, Colorado

Ridgway’s “Crescendo” is complete, but you can still be a part of its legacy! There is still some room on the base of the sculpture for a few more supporter names to be carved in…and EVERY DONATION, no matter what the amount, can take part in this. As an added bonus, for every donation over $300, I will create a small-scale version of the sculpture for you to enjoy at your home (roughly 12 inches tall).

My immense thanks to everyone who has supported this passion project, and to the Town of Ridgway for allowing me to turn this vision into reality!

Cheers,

Cie

ABOUT CIE (for those who don’t know me personally): You might know me as a neighbor, friend, artist, or part of the musical duo You Knew Me When with my wife, Karisa. My wife and I moved to the area five years ago after touring full-time for nearly six and a half years throughout the country. Upon moving here, Karisa became the music teacher for Ouray, and I delved more thoroughly into the visual arts. The Ridgway and Ouray communities have been exceedingly supportive of our music and have been an amazing source of encouragement and inspiration for my art. To date, I have done numerous exhibits in the area, created an array of commissioned works for area individuals and businesses, and have continued to branch out with my art throughout the region.

WHY PUBLIC ART?? Art can be expensive and it is not always accessible to many individuals…this is why public art is so important. It allows art to be accessible to EVERYONE. It allows people to come together to contemplate and be inspired (at least that is the goal with much of my art). Public art plays an integral in developing a communities’ identity and can be a source of civic pride. I hope this addition to the Town of Ridgway will provide a new focal point celebrating and strengthening our community’s unique identity.

WHY WOOD-BASED ART?? The sculpture will be abstract in nature and is intended to provide a sense of movement, uplift, and contemplation. Through the employment of wood as my primary medium, my art aims to pay homage to nature and to the natural world. In my opinion, wood has the amazing ability to give art greater depth and cohesion to the natural environment. People in our community have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for their natural surroundings…so, what better way to honor them than by using a natural material such as wood for public art.

ABOUT ACCOYA WOOD: This sculpture will be constructed primarily from a type of wood called Accoya. Created from sustainably sourced softwood; it matches or exceeds the durability, stability and beauty of the very best tropical hardwoods. The Accoya wood production process takes sustainably-sourced, fast-growing softwood and, in a non-toxic process, creates a durable and stable wood. Accoya has been treated with a chemical called acetic anhydride, which BuildingGreen describes as “really strong vinegar.” After treatment, the wood gains remarkable performance characteristics. Unlike most pressure-treated wood, acetylated lumber doesn’t contain any copper or biocides that can leach into the environment over time. The treatment renders the wood harder, more dimensionally stable and immune to insects. Accoya lasts for 50 years above grade, 25 years in contact with the ground or submerged in fresh water, and has a service life of 70 years, according to its manufacturer.