From 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 14, the Salida SteamPlant will host a creative Mixer and Artist Opening Reception. The event takes place in the Sculpture Garden for the opening works of artist Daniel Strawn. The reception will be held outdoors and a limited number of guests will be allowed in the gallery at one time for viewing.
Having grown up in an artists’ family — father Mel Strawn and mother Bea Strawn of Salida — Strawn says he was always influenced and educated in modern art and history. He attended the University of Denver art school and got placed into as many studio classes as possible in drawing, painting, sculpture, and lithography.
Strawn also pursued a career in antique restoration, which led to founding a furniture design company and working with notable architect Cab Childress. Those experiences led to 20 years of designing and making original furniture for the University of Denver as well as many private homes and public projects, including several unique, art furniture pieces.
Local sculptors exhibit in the Strawn-Grether Sculpture Garden at the Salida SteamPlant complex. Photo by Merrell Bergin
The last few years of Strawn’s work have seen a cascade of drawings which he describes as a meditation practice and a way of flow: drawing from the inside out, images appearing on paper without thinking, a spontaneous pencil dance, and other media combined. These drawings number in the hundreds and have led to some paintings.
Overall, Strawn is a dynamic force that embodies what he calls CPA, or creative process activation, which is the basis for a book that is currently in the works. The healing power of making art is lived by Strawn in dealing with serious health challenges. The art and meditation practices have been the core of his recovery program.
This month’s Creative Mixer will also take place during the opening reception. Salida Council for the Arts hosts the Creative Mixer, artists working in all genres are encouraged to attend and meet like-minded people, to share influences and news, to soak up fresh ideas, and to be inspired by the energy that makes Salida a center of support and expression.
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