“Spirit of the People: A Native American Exhibition” Reinstalled at Denver International Airport

DENVER – Sept. 12, 2014 – Spirit of the People: A Native American Exhibition has returned for permanent display in Denver International Airport’s (DIA) Jeppesen Terminal, north, Level 5. Spirit of the People was temporarily removed from this location for conservation and cleaning in May 2013.

Spirit of the People: A Native American Exhibition tells the story of Native Americans in the Colorado region through paintings, photographs and narratives. The exhibition begins in international arrivals with 53 pieces of artwork depicting life in Colorado approximately 7,000 to 10,000 years ago and continues with the Anasazi people who lived in Colorado 1,000 years ago. Historical tribal images and stories proceed through the corridors and culminate in Jeppesen Terminal with 31 large-scale photographs and murals of contemporary American Indians. The 84 works of art in this entire exhibition were created by 13 members of historical tribes from the western region.

A part of the City and County of Denver’s Public Art Program, this exhibition is a component of the inaugural artworks commissioned specifically for DIA during its original construction. Over the last year, the works within this exhibition underwent a thorough conservation treatment undertaken by the Western Center for the Conservation of Fine Arts and were fitted with archival frames from Dry Creek Gold Leaf. The exhibition was reinstalled at Denver International Airport by Silo Workshop. Conservation was overseen by the Western American Indian Chamber and the Denver International Airport Art and Culture Public Art Program.

About DIA’s Art and Culture Program

DIA’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 30 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, DIA 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.

DIA was named “Best U.S. Airport for Art” in USA Today’s “10Best Reader’s Choice” travel contest in 2013. The category focuses on how airports have been transforming from utilitarian hubs of transport to spaces with beautiful works of art, great restaurants, comfy lounges and terrific shopping. DIA was selected by readers as the favorite among 20 airports nominated by the publication.

Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $36 billion for the region annually. For more information visit www.FlyDenver.com, check us out on YouTube and Instagram, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for DEN’s monthly newsletter Nonstop News.

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