Telluride Art + Architecture Weekend Prize Winners

31 Jul Telluride Art + Architecture Weekend Prize Winners

The Telluride Art + Architecture Weekend, that happened July 19 and 20, provided an insider’s look into the depth of the creative talent within the Telluride Arts District. The event, in its third year, was intimate and inspiring; connecting creative people across all disciplines—and expressing the very best of Telluride’s talented community of architects, designers, artists and chefs.

Those who attended the two-day tour were asked to vote for their favorite experience and determine which team of artists would receive the Audience Choice Prize of $5,000. In addition, a panel of select judges from various fields, were asked to consider each individual artist’s contribution to the event and select recipients of the $2,500 and $500 individual prizes.

Aaron Smith of the winning TEAM TRANSFER

Selecting winners among such a strong artists’ pool was no small task. The three top teams, running neck-and-neck for the Audience Choice Prize, included a studio, a home, and an alternative venue, representing the breadth of experiences offered over the course of the weekend. The winning team (Team TRANSFER), won by exactly one vote and was led by Aaron Smith, who realized his vision of revealing the soul of the Telluride Transfer Warehouse, a historic relic that had been locked for over 20 years. The opportunity to open the Transfer Warehouse was generously offered by the owners, Pamela and John Zoline, at an early meeting held to acquaint artists with the Art + Architecture event. Aaron, a metal artist and industrial designer, immediately followed up on the Zolines’ offer and began machinations for the unveiling and use of the building.

The individual prizes were awarded after intense deliberation by the panel of five jurors who were asked to consider individuals based on artistic excellence, vision, the execution of the vision in its environment, and the wow factor. Five artists were in strong contention for the prizes including two dancers, a chef, a visual artist, and a poet. Ultimately, the prize went to Rosemerry Wahtola-Trommer, the poet at the center of the Ah Haa School’s (Team De-Poets) “Poetic Journey”—a brilliantly choreographed voyage through the historic Train Depot. At the center of the gallery, dressed in poetry-adorned white go-go boots and dress made by co-hort Kathleen Morgan, Rosemerry gracefully reached into the heart of each participant and plucked out a poem—written specifically, and very intuitively—just for them. Her intuition provoked gratitude and even some tears for those who received her heartfelt gift.

The honorable mention individual prize went to Lyndia Peralta, a dancer who choreographed and performed mini-dances using the space and structure of the Sante Architects home.

The Telluride Art + Architecture Weekend kindles artist collaboration across disciplines, pushing the boundaries of creative expression in the Telluride Arts District. Working in teams, artists collaborate with architects, designers and local venues to create unique experiences that provide a counterpoint to the space they occupy.  It’s not too early to start planning for 2015. Contact Telluride Arts to join the mailing list and stay connected.

Visit www.telluridearts.org for more information.