11 Jan Telluride Fire Fest: Anton Viditz Ward
When the first ever Telluride Fire Festival ignites Wednesday, January 14, the guest list of founders Erin Ries and Christ Myers includes a number of very hot kinetic artists: Duane Flatmo, who brings his now legendary fiery beast “El Pulpo” to town ( see related story here); metal sculptor and Burning Man art car builder Jamie Vaida; fire performers Fractal Tribe; and Telluride architect, metal artist and Burning Man fire artist Anton Viditz Ward.
Anton, Wheel of Thwarted Ambition at The Mine, by Erin Ries
Master welder, architect, artist, Anton Viditz-Ward works his magic in an abandoned mine several miles outside of Telluride, which he uses as both a studio and starkly minimalist backdrop for creating and showcasing his spectacular, fiery creations. Working with heavy steel on a large scale, Anton constructs living, breathing shapes that he loads with wood, torches and spins via huge axles. These larger-than-life creations are remarkable to witness in person. Anton has been creating art installations for clients and art events for over 20 years.
Anton plans to showcase his fiery Palindrome in the Town of Mountain Village, Heritage Plaza, 5-8p.m. Friday – Sunday, January 16, 17 and 18.
Another perspective on Anton’s Wheel of Thwarted Ambition, by Merrick Chase
The abandoned Mine, off Deep Creek Road is also the site of Fire Fest’s over-the-top Gala event scheduled for 9 p.m. on Saturday, January 17. Attendees will have the opportunity to see more of Anton’s exciting fire sculptures, hear live music, see fire performers and much more. The event is a benefit for both the Telluride Fire Festival and Deep Creek Experimental, a nonprofit industrial & performance art collaborative.
Burning to know more about the Telluride Fire Festival, go here for an overview of all the exciting events.
About the founders and the Fire Fest board:
Erin Ries is a 23-year resident of Telluride with a proven track record in running complex and large-scale events such as the Telluride Wine Festival and the Telluride Ski Resort’s Prospect Bowl Grand Opening. When it comes to transforming a vision into reality, she knows how to make it happen. Erin is its Event Director of the Telluride Fire Festival.
Erin’s partner, Chris Myers is a former Town Councilman for Telluride, wholly committed and connected to the community. And as an entrepreneur/founder of his own lighting business—enLIGHTen—11 years ago, he understands the power of light and will be utilizing his skills as a lighting designer to transform an other-worldly mine into a luxurious and lavish space for the fundraising gala.
“The Telluride Festival relies on input from the six-person Board of Directors, each of whom is steeped in the world of art and business, a rare combination,” said Ries. “They range from a chef/owner of a five-star restaurant to an award-winning filmmaker, Executive Director of another local nonprofit, Director of Telluride Theatre. These talented individuals participate in frequent meeting, and temper the Festival’s vision with reality.
Telluride Fire Festival Advisory Board:
Chris Myers, Board President, Owner/enLIGHTen
Melissa Sumpter, Costume Designer & Partner/Mélange
Suzan Beraza, Founder/Reel Thing Films
Sasha Sullivan, Artistic Director/Telluride Theater
Stash Wislocki, Executive Director/TAB & Producer/MountainFilm
Chad Scothorn, Restaurateur
Audrey Marnoy, Marketing Strategist and Philanthropist
About the Telluride Arts District:
The Telluride Arts District is a Colorado Certified Creative District, and works in partnership with the Town of Telluride, Colorado Creative Industries, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Telluride Arts District offices are located in the historic Stronghouse at 283 South Fir Streetand at Gallery 81435 at 230 South Fir Street.
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