2024 ART IN THE PARK ARTIST PROFILE
Edie Dafoe
"Windows to the Past" Artwork
For this year’s theme of “Windows to the Past”, I chose the Moffat Road (Railroad) for the subject of my mural. It was such an important part of Grand County History, that the Moffat Railroad Museum in Granby is now dedicated to telling its story. Building a route for people and goods across the Continental Divide at this latitude, meant bringing them across at an altitude of over 11,600’. It was a dangerous, but important feat of engineering for the economy of our region. The incredible journey also brought tourism to Grand County, which we all know is still very important today. The director of the museum, Dave Naples was very helpful with stories, history, explanations and photos during my in-depth tour.
I thought the perspective of the train engineer looking through the train window, as it’s approaching the tunnel and trestle of the big turn around at Riflesight Notch would be interesting. It’s brilliantly represented in the museum display of Moffat Road. Dave explained that huge turn arounds are necessary for trains, especially as they gain altitude. The tunnel collapsed long ago, but the trestle is still standing today and I’ve seen and photographed it while snowmobiling in the Corona/Rollins Pass area.
I’m excited to be doing mixed media on this year’s mural. I plan to make much of the train’s interior in 3-dimensional elements. It will be fun to see everyone’s interpretations of the theme and how they choose to use mixed media.
Artist Statement
Edie is a Colorado artist, living in Grand Lake since 2011.
Art and science are her favorite subjects. She holds a BS degree from UCD and as a lifelong learner, self-curated her art education.
Art became her career focus after being injured by a DUI driver in 2018. Her art business is named Upside Images, as the positive result of that experience.
“I like to create art that’s colorful and happy and makes people smile and sometimes laugh.”
She sells her work throughout Colorado, teaches and does commissions and murals. She was recently featured in Shoutout Colorado magazine.
Learn More
Facebook: facebook.com/EdieWilliamsDafoe
Instagram: instagram.com/upside_images_edie_dafoe/