Members of the Garden Club of Denver and the Broadmoor Garden Club gathered on July 19 in Green Mountain Falls for our third annual Colorado on the Road excursion. Participants explored the connection of art and nature in this small mountain town west of Colorado Springs. Green Mountain Falls has a thriving visual and performing arts community, with many permanent and temporary art installations, culminating in James Turrell’s Skyspace.
Members divided into two groups, hiking up trails in the Red Butte Recreational Area to the picnic area and Skyspace, viewing beautiful wildflowers along the way. Skyspace provides an immersion experience of color and light. As Turrell himself says, “I want to look at light, rather than have light illuminate another thing.” Light sources in Skyspace are hidden so the walls, floors and ceiling seem to disappear, and one experiences an ever-changing saturation of light and color. Although it was closed during our light shows, the building does have a retractable roof.
A brief thunderstorm appeared as we descended the hill back to our cars after lunch and Skyspace. Most returned home after this but some were able to visit two local gardens with a definite emphasis on structure and art coupled with a more natural setting.
GCD Co-Chairs Becky Schaub and Janet Manning joined with Beth Downs and Chelle Mason to plan this full-day adventure enjoyed by all who attended. It’s a great way for members of the two clubs to enjoy each other’s company and learn new things along the way.
Story by Janet Manning
