“Portraits of Ridgway” is a series of thirty 6×6-inch paintings capturing scenes from around Ridgway, Colorado – each painted on location as a way of preserving the town as it exists today. These intimate studies act as a visual time capsule, inviting viewers to consider the beauty and impermanence of their surroundings.
More from the Artist, Emma Kalff:
The show features two special events – a historical talk titled From the Rearview Mirror, led by local historian Joan Chismire, and an artist talk titled Sketches from the Side of the Road, in which I’ll share my motivations behind the series and walk through my plein air painting process. Together, these elements create a conversation between past and present. It’s both a love letter to our town and a reflection on how quickly things change. Come and see how art can help us hold onto a moment in time.
All 30 paintings will be available for viewing through August 29th at the Decker Room in Ridgway, CO. See additional programming below. All events are free and open to the public. 10% of all sales will be donated to the Ouray County Ranch History Museum.
Friday, July 4th, 5-8 PM
Opening Night!
Come and see the paintings hung up for the first time. And of course, food & drinks!
Saturday, July 19th, 4-5 PM
From the Rearview Mirror
A visual storytelling journey through Ridgway’s past, led by local historian Joan Chismire. Juxtaposing archival photographs with contemporary paintings of the same locations, Joan brings to life the people, places, and stories that shaped our town.
Saturday, July 26th, 6-7 PM
Sketches from the Side of the Road
An inside look at my painting practice. I’ll share about my process, the joy of intense observation, what I’ve learned in 10 years of painting, and what I got out of the challenge of painting 30 scenes of Ridgway.
Friday, August 1st, 5-8 PM
First Friday
Come see the paintings and chat for a while! And of course, food & drinks!
Friday, August 29th, 5-7 PM
Closing Night
I’ll be at the gallery one last time to answer any questions and chat about the work.
For more details, please visit www.emmakalff.com.
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