An afternoon with Jason Middlebrook presented by TOV Art in Public Places

Description

Jason Middlebrook at the Vail Art Studio, Ford Park June 13 through June 20

Art in Public Places welcomes Jason Middlebrook to the Vail Art Studio. His sculpture We are all building nests (pictured below) is centrally located at the base of the main stairs of the Vail Village parking structure on East Meadow Drive. It has become one of the iconic works in the Town of Vail's public art collection since it was gifted from Vicki and Kent Logan in 2022. His art explores relationships between the natural and human-made environments, merging geometric abstraction and organic materials and motifs, as well as conceptualism and craftsmanship. 

"Over my career, I have been creating artworks and site-specific installations, developing a deep connection with the idea of making art that both engages and reflects the communities around it. My practice centers on nature and the human experience, focusing on the small, intricate details of the natural world and elements that are often overlooked in daily life. As an artist who is passionate about the handmade process, my work is rooted in drawing and painting, from which all my public art pieces emerge. My practice explores bioregional flora and fauna, using vibrant color palettes to highlight the richness of biodiversity and provoke a sense of wonder. I strive to create an immersive experience for viewers, inviting them to slow down and observe the world through a new lens,  to develop pieces that reflect the natural beauty of the region, while also encouraging deeper engagement with the surrounding environment," explains Jason Middlebrook.

We are all building nests created in the silhouette of an aspen tree, is a cluster of birdhouses modeled after examples of iconic architecture. While the inspiration was to design dwellings for birds that make their way across the Vail Valley, the metaphorical reference to human experience and life passages is inescapable. His work is in many museum collections including the Museum of Modern Art, The Whitney, and the Denver Art Museum.He resides in upstate New York.

We invite the public to learn more about We are all building nests and Jason’s current work!

THURSDAY, JUNE 18
An afternoon with Jason Middlebrook

3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Discussion at his sculpture We are all building nests
East Meadow Drive at the central stairs of the Vail Village Parking Structure
3:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Artist reception and talk at the Vail Art Studio, Ford Park

Open studio hours - June 13 through June 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During this time, he will have a body of work on display in the studio as well as create a birdhouse sculpture inspired by Colorado dwellings. Please note the studio will be closed on Friday, June 19.

For more information about Art in Public Places and the Vail Art Studio visit Art in Vail