Art, Environment, and Space
Dec 17th, 2007 by rlsorbe
Art plays a pivotal role in creating a sense of place to an environment. It is used as a design element that embodies and contributes emotion, ideas, color, expression and conversation to a place. In the upcoming weeks, Boulderspace will be exploring different facets of art and how it effects the environment in which it is displayed. We will be visiting restaurants, homes, libraries, hospitals, office space, museums and parks. For our first public space, we will discover art at The Hotel Boulderado.
The artwork and design within The Hotel Boulderado portrays both character and sense of place throughout the building. Upon entering the lobby original photos of Boulder and The Hotel Boulderado from the 1900’s are displayed upon the walls. These photos accentuate the history of the building and create a feel for the period in which establishment was built. These photos are complimentary to the lighting fixtures, furniture, and Victorian décor found within the hotel, and correlates with the original architectural style and Victorian elegance at this property.
As you venture through the lobby and into Q’s Restaurant, the food oriented acrylic artwork of Robert Spellman stands both bold and simple on their walls. This contemporary art brings an element of present day feel contrasting historic features throughout the hotel. These paintings sit juxtapose the stain glass windows, original pillars, and ceiling molds which create a sense of time and place to this environment. These paintings both compliment and represent the eclectic menu and feel of the restaurant.
Similar to Q’s, The Corner Bar displays contemporary art that extends a funky, fun, and functional feel to the space. Photographs hung upon the walls allow the public eye to flow through the room gaining a visual experience of outside environment and personal a connection within the space. These works both enhance and personalize this environment.
Boulder’s
Blink Gallery worked with restaurant owner John Platt to extend their art collection throughout Q’s Restaurant and The Corner Bar. With assistance from Blink Gallery owners Pam Gonacha and Susan Knickle, these public art displays will be changed every four – six months, creating fresh environmental changes to these spaces. 
