Rotating Art at the Vail Public Library
Michael Crabtree’s Bravin’ the Blizzard on view through April 13, 2015
(Vail) — The rotating art program with the Town of Vail Public Library and Art in Public Places (AIPP) continues with the placement of Michael Crabtree’s Bravin’ the Blizzard above the Vail Public Library’s fireplace. This monumental photograph on canvas by the Eagle, CO artist will be on view through April 13, 2015.
Crabtree describes the day that he took this iconic western image: I took this photo on October 25, 2010 one valley west of Carbondale, CO. I had never been up that valley, so what drew me up there was a raging blizzard making its way down the valley. I just caught the tail end of the cattle drive on the Crystal River Ranch. There were some 20 cowboys and their dogs rounding up the cattle from the high country that had been grazing there for the summer. I was capturing a great moment of what these cowboys had to endure in that day’s work. The blizzard was blowing right at them and they were unaware of me taking the photos, until the lead cowboy got to me and looked down at me like I was from some other planet and growled, “Ya got any whiskey?” One year later I brought him a quart of Jack Daniels and some prints of my adventure. I had an absolute ball that day and thanked myself for bringing my camera and capturing a magic day in the life of the cowboy.
This public art program between AIPP and the Library serves as an opportunity for artists to have a work of art on view in this location for a period of approximately three months. Each artist is allowed to submit one work for each selection review. If selected, the work will remain on view for a three month period above the striking stone fireplace. The next deadline to submit your application for this rotating art program is April 2nd. This opportunity is open to Eagle County residents and property owners.
Further information and the application may be found on www.artinvail.com. For any questions please contact Molly Eppard, Art in Public Places Coordinator, at 970-479-2344 or meppard@vailgov.com