Charles Parson: Drawing
August 13-Sept 1, 2023
About Charles Parson: Drawing
Charles Parson: Drawing is a pop-up exhibition in conjunction with the newly published book titled “Charles Parson Drawing,” which features a selection of drawings from artist Charles Parson and emphasizes the importance of this process in his creative practice.
This exhibit is curated by Charles Parson's son, Collin Parson, artist and Director of Galleries and Curator at The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities.
Charles Parson: Drawing is part of our RedLine at 15 exhibition program.
“My father has always drawn. Growing up around him, he either had a sketchbook or welder in his hands. His drawings range from sketches of potential sculptures to formal studio pieces. In 1999 my family purchased land in Southern Colorado overlooking the Spanish Peaks, Wet Mountains, and Sangre de Cristo Range, and from that moment he became enamored with the area.
His drawings became more representative of the landscape (his work has always been about the landscape and connections to it) but this sudden departure from pure abstraction and spending days at a time just sketching in the high desert became one reason for the book Charles Parson Drawing. My father might be known for his large industrial sculptures but at the root of those and his creative practice is his love of drawing.”
About the Artist
Charles Parson is a multi-faceted artist and educator, working in drawings, wall constructions, sculptures, installations, monumental site-specific works, and performance.
He has exhibited extensively throughout the U.S. with more than 80 solo exhibitions in museums, art centers, and galleries as well as alternative venues.
He worked as a contract muralist and Illustrator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for 25 years.
A former art professor at many regional colleges and universities, Parson is a Resource Artist alumni at RedLine Contemporary Art Center.
About Leaping Man
Leaping Man is an independent publisher and creative collective that promotes the interactions of artists. Sometimes this leads us to artifacts and sometimes to performances, all meant to increase and encourage exchanges among the arts. They hope to produce experiences that are portable, if sometimes only in the memories of the audience.
About the Curator
Collin Parson is the eldest son of Charles Parson and Evalyn Kermiet having assisted his father with his projects since he was a child. He currently serves as the Director of Galleries and Curator for the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. Over his 18-year career, Parson’s curatorial projects have included Robert Mangold Retrospective, inSITu, One Sheet: Wood, Paper, and Music, Floyd Tunson: Ascent, and upcoming Emilio Lobato: Mi Manera survey.
RedLine is celebrating its 15th Anniversary with exhibitions that honor our Resident Artist alumni and community artists who have shaped Denver’s rich artistic ecosystem throughout the years.
Acknowledgments
The book would not have been possible without the energy, support, and expertise of Fred Ramey. Ramey has long been supportive of Parson and his creative works, and this book now sustains that effort. Evalyn Parson whose patience and support is immeasurable. Many people have contributed to the development and printing of this book, but Leaping Man and the Artist would specifically like to thank Lisa McGuire, Colin A & Anna Ramey Borden, Ted Kittleson & Glenne Stoll, Maeve McGrath and Wendy Stokes as well as Redline Art Center. Lastly, thanks to Redline Contemporary Art Center for the venue to showcase the artist’s drawings.
Copies of Charles Parson Drawing available for sale for $145 at RedLine or at www.leapingman.org
