Letter from Nancy Markman
Art – September 2005 – Colorado Central Magazine
Editors:
Residents of Chaffee and Frémont Counties are deeply divided about Christo’s proposed draping of the Arkansas River. I have no interest in debating the merits of his art ; some will like it and some won’t. For those who love Christo’s work and for those interested in anything that would cause an economic boon, please, Christo, come down and drape something other than the canyon which is gorgeous, just as it is. Many of us dread the untold harm this proposed project could cause:
It will cause a bumper to bumper traffic jam from hell, and the cars in the inside lane won’t even be able to see the project. Imagine the rear enders that would be caused by gawkers.
Residents commuting along the winding two lane canyon road wouldn’t be able to reach their destinations without terrible delays and frustrations, and emergency vehicles would be rendered ineffective or greatly jeopardized.
I hate to even think about how the project would imperil the canyon’s Bighorn Sheep and other wildlife.
If the draping material is blown away as it was in the Rifle Gap debacle, there could be real harm to motorists but, also, to rafters, fishermen, hikers, birds, animals and nature lovers to whom the canyon really belongs. What bedlam this could cause.
Litter, port-a-potties, exhaust fumes and other accouterments of Christo’s project would also be unwelcome to this pristine environment.
I recall some years ago how Dick Lamm and others were successful in keeping the Olympics out of Colorado. Governor Lamm, we need you!! I’m afraid those with the authority to deny this project won’t have the courage you did.
Nancy Markman
Nathrop
