The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center will present a temporary art exhibition, “Oregon Trail,” by San Francisco artist Ann Belden. The exhibit kicks off the Trails Center’s 10th anniversary celebration, which will take place throughout the summer.

The exhibit opens June 16, and will be displayed through Sept. 3. The outdoor exhibit features a 48-foot square rendering of a traditional quilt pattern.

An opening reception for the exhibit will be held on June 16 at 6:00 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public, and includes hors d’oeuvres provided by the National Historic Trails Center Foundation.

 

 

 

Installation artist Ann Belden said she wanted to create a piece that featured a feminine design that could also represent the rugged country of Wyoming. Wende Ware, of Laramie, a director of the Wyoming Quilt Project, sent Belden several examples of Wyoming quilt patterns. Belden said,

“The pattern that immediately spoke to me was the Oregon Trail pattern.The Oregon Trail pattern speaks eloquently about Wyoming’s history, Many women made the arduous journey on the Oregon Trail. Women were often quilters, and they created new patterns to commemorate events or experiences in which they participated.”

The quilt pattern will be constructed with orange construction fencing and green posts.

“My experience is that the material always captures my attention, and creates wonderful tension when placed in a natural setting. Think of the Golden Gate Bridge spanning the gap between the hills of Marin and San Francisco, the tile roofs of Tuscany, or the brilliant contrast of autumn leaves to their surroundings,”

 

Commemorative prints by Belden are available for sale through the National Historic Trails Center Foundation. The prints, numbered and signed, will help fund the project.

The NHTIC first opened on August 9, 2002. The Trails Center will provide a series of programs and activities in celebration of its 10th anniversary throughout August 2012. For more information, contact Alex Rose at the NHTIC, (307) 261-7780.

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