Over the River Project for the Arkansas River, State of Colorado

Over The River is a two-week temporary work of art to be created by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The artists will suspend horizontally a total of 5.9 miles of silvery, luminous fabric panels high above the Arkansas River along a 40-mile stretch of the river between Salida and Cañon City in south-central Colorado. Fabric panels will be suspended at eight distinct areas of the river that have been selected by the artists for their aesthetic merits and technical viability.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude are currently working to obtain the necessary permits so they can begin the installation process. Assuming the approval process runs as planned, Over The River will be exhibited for two weeks in summer 2013, at the earliest.

Through the sale of Christo's original works of art, the artists fund 100 percent of costs associated with the permitting process, manufacturing, installation and removal of Over The River. The temporary work of art will be created without public subsidy or taxpayer support, and the artists do not accept viewing fees, sponsorships or outside investments of any kind.

Over The River will enhance Colorado's growing prominence in the art world and provide a gift that all Coloradans can enjoy.

For more information, please visit www.overtheriverinfo.com.

Fremont Center for the Arts is supporting the upcoming "Over The River" project, planned by the Artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The project, which will bring worldwide attention to Fremont County and the Arkansas River Valley, will be completely funded by the artists themselves. Click here to read the FCA's official letter of support for the "Over The River" project.

Nearly 200 interested local residents and out-of-town visitors greeted the artists themselves at a special reception on August 5, 2006, at the FCA. The artists gave an informal presentation about the "Over The River" project, and chatted with supporters in the gallery and at the reception on the FCA grounds. We enjoyed great hors d'oeuvres, along with wines from The Abbey Winery in Cañon City, and beer from Colorado Springs' Bristol Brewing!

Earlier in the day, Christo and Jeanne-Claude presented a slide show at Cañon City High School. The show covered highlights of their career, along with a question-and-answer period.

The artists derived no income from either event on August 5; all proceeds will benefit the Fremont Center for the Arts!

When the project is approved by various governmental agencies, the draping project will take place during the Summer of 2012.

The history of public art projects by the artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude is nothing short of amazing. Often controversial but always stimulating, Christo and Jeanne-Claude have gone to great lengths to answer questions about their projects, and to educate anyone who wants to learn more about their work.

The FCA has several DVDs on the artists that may be borrowed by the public. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the project, or let us know if you would like additional information on the "Over The River" project planned for the Arkansas River.

Click here to go to Christo and Jeanne-Claude's direct web site.

The following link will also provide additional information on the project: www.overtheriver.org