Browse Exhibits (4 total)
Artists Inspired by the Rocky Mountains
In the 1800s, people from the eastern part of the United States and European settlers began to travel west. They explored the country and in the process they began to create a new sense of national identity. Artists created impressive landscape paintings that helped progress ideas of westward expansion and nationalism. Many stopped at the Rocky Mountains as they were difficult to cross. Artists were inspired by the beauty of the mountains and their paintings became a new kind of national anthem, showcasing the wonder of nature. During the 1800s and early 1900s, painters and writers established a new national identity based on the land and scenery.
However, many artists did not acknowledge that this westward exploration and expansion was detrimental to the Indigenous populations living all across the country. While a few artists attempted to capture the "disappearing" lifeways of American Indians, most failed to speak of or depict the treatment they received as a result of westard expansion and settler colonialism.
The artists shown in this collection are from more recent years but have all been moved by the wonder of the Rocky Mountains. Whether they were residents of the area or just passing through on a vacation, they were compelled to create work with the potential to inspire generations to come.
Photography Spotlight: Fred Payne Clatworthy
This section is intended to highlight the work of Fred Payne Clatworthy, one of North America’s early landscape photographers. His images capture the beauty of the country in the early 1900s. As he worked primarily out of Estes Park, CO, he is well known among the museums in Colorado with History Colorado in Denver having a substantial collection of his work along with the Lula W. Dorsey Museum.
In addition to capturing western landscapes, Clatworthy also traveled the world, taking photographs of far-off places for the National Geographic Magazine.
Sculptors at the Y
In addition to many paintings, YMCA of the Rockies is also home to a number of sculptures. These are located in various locations around property and they all contribute to the history of YMCA of the Rockies and the legacy of the YMCA as an organization. The sculptures encourage viewers to think about the connection between the sculpture and its surrounding environment, especially those outside.
Nature plays a large role in everything at YMCA of the Rockies, and these sculptures are no exception. Even the smaller sculptures inside find ways to connect the viewer to the natural world.
YMCA of the Rockies Camp Artists
YMCA of the Rockies has hosted artists who have taught guests both art appreciation and art, especially plein air painting, from 1943 to the present. Several of these artists first came to YMCA of the Rockies on vacation and when their talents were discovered, they were invited to teach interested guests and staff members.
Alfred Wands was the first camp artist and was followed by Ruby McIntosh, Robert Wands, Herb Thomson, Steve Huber, and, most recently, Susan Dailey. These artists interacted with many well-known figures in the art world and had positions promoting and teaching the arts throughout their careers.
Works by the camp artists are completed using various media, including oils, watercolors, prints, and acrylics. Many works hang in various buildings around YMCA of the Rockies property for guests and staff to enjoy.
Our camp artists have helped inspire generations of guests and fellow artists to develop a greater appreciation of the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and take that appreciation wherever they go.