Walk through the A-Gate security bridge at the Denver International Airport (DEN), and experience Colorado through the ages, thanks in part to Colorado State University.
CSU is one of several partners featured in the DEN Art and Culture program’s “True Colorado: Western Heritage, Then & Now” exhibit. The exposition allows travelers to experience the history of the state’s western lifestyle through educational and artistic displays.
Temple Grandin, CSU professor of animal science and world-renowned autism spokesperson, is featured within several displays in the exhibit. Grandin feels the display is a nod to future generations by showcasing the relevance of the West today.
“Educating people about our Western Heritage is important because it will show youth that we are pioneers who get things done,” Grandin said.
The exhibit, which will be in place through March 2017, explores the history, vision, and creativity of the future, while embracing Colorado’s legacy. It is located at the Ansbacher Hall in the Jeppesen Terminal, Level 6 north before the A Bridge Security.
In addition to exhibits dedicated to Grandin and CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences, the collection also includes CSU Extension and 4-H, the National Western Stock Show, Rockmount Western Wear Mfg. Co., The Colorado Saddlery Co., and the Mayor’s Office of the National Western Center, an initiative of Mayor Michael B. Hancock; CSU is a major partner in that initiative.
Stacey Stegman, DEN’s senior vice president of global communications and marketing, felt inclusion of Grandin and CSU was key to representing Western Heritage in the state.
“We are very excited to have CSU’s 4-H extension program participating as an exhibitor in our ‘True Colorado: Western Heritage, Then & Now’ exhibit,” Stegman said. “This exhibit is a great example of how our partnership enhances the unique experiences we provide for our passengers and visitors while allowing us to showcase our joint commitment to Colorado’s culture, history and future vision.”
See photos of the ‘True Colorado: Western Heritage, Then & Now’ exhibition at DEN here.
About DEN’s Art and Culture Program
DEN’s Art and Culture program administers the City and County of Denver’s “one percent for art” ordinance, which enhances public places and features nearly 34 site-specific works including sculptures, murals and other installations. The pieces are displayed in outdoor landscapes, inside Jeppesen Terminal and on airport concourses, as well as in the train tunnels and on the train itself. In addition to its permanent art collection, DEN curates temporary exhibitions, collaborating with museums, cultural institutions and arts organizations to present the highest quality two- and three-dimensional work. For more information, visit www.flydenver.com/art.
Colorado State University and the National Western Center
Colorado State University has made a long-term commitment to the reimagining of the National Western Center in North Denver, and the communities surrounding the project. Efforts are underway to create partnerships with community schools, nonprofits and businesses, and to actively engage in the community.
A key and founding partner in the National Western Center, CSU will have three buildings within the 250-acre campus upon completion. The project, which will break ground in the coming years, expands and regenerates the current National Western Stock Show site, turning it into a vibrant, year-round experiential, community-centric, lifelong learning destination in the heart of Denver. As Colorado’s land-grant university, CSU’s mission of research, service, and access, fits with the outreach mission of the National Western Center. CSU’s plans at the new campus focus on research and education programming in the areas of food systems, water, environment, energy and health. The university has initiated programming and service outreach efforts before buildings are constructed, as part of its commitment to the area. For additional information, visit nwc.colostate.edu.
