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September 5, 2014 VOLU M E 1 3 | I SS UE 41
CentennialCitizen.net A R A P A H O E C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
A publication of
Parks district seeking tax hike
GOING WITH THE FLOW
10-year increase would go to general operating expenses By Jennifer Smith
jsmith @coloradocommunitymedia.com
Heavy rains swelled the flow in the High Line Canal, transforming the traditional water jump into a thigh-deep wade through rushing water at the Aug. 29 Warrior Invitational at deKoevend Park. Runners from more than 50 schools overcame the water and muddy slopes to run in the meet. For more on the event, go to page 19. Photo by Tom Munds
Longtime artist’s work on display at Koelbel Blosten incorporates objects into her creations By Sonya Ellingboe
sellingboe@colorado communitymedia.com “I incorporate as many different objects as possible in my artworks, from jewelry to wood, metal, fabric, paper and natural elements …,” Susan Beardsley Blosten writes in her artist statement. Some of her works are set for exhibit in September at Koelbel Library in Centennial. “Arte Povera” means art of the poor, and it describes an art movement in Italy in the 1970s that influenced Susan Blosten to create Blosten eclectic mixed media artworks with found objects. Before she discovered this approach, she speaks of growing up the oldest of seven in a historic house, built in 1792 on Philadelphia’s Main Line. Her grandmother, mother, brothers and sister attended various art schools from Slade School in London to Rhode Island School of Design to Art Institute of San Francisco. “They are talented artists. I never had confidence to purchase expensive art supplies so I began to buy paintings on canvas. Some I painted over ... On some I added various found objects.” “On Sundays, we would pile into the car and find abandoned houses. Some were really old.”
IF YOU GO “Urban and Folk Tales,” art by Susan Blosten, is being exhibited at Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St., Centennial, through Sept. 30. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. MondaysThursdays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays.
She loved art history. Her college major was in English/ liberal arts at Penn State and she created one painting in the 1960s, then took some classes at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, where they drew pictures of sculptures. That failed to engage her imagination. After moving to Denver, she took classes at the Denver Art Students League with Gary Paul, who led students through alleys seeking materials and taught them to assemble them. “I sometimes have obscure reasons for putting things where I do,” she continues, showing a new painting. “That figure of Napoleon was just the right size.” (It was cut from a magazine and added in collage technique.) He looks like he’s about to walk into a French shop. The thin little picture of tiles at the shop’s entry was also just right as to size and perspective …” She works on several pieces at a time and some have taken years. “I just keep adding…” She especially mentions “Bruja de Cordove,” which will be in her show: It is the story of an imprisoned crone who drew a picture of a crow in her jail cell. The crow came alive, broke out of the cell’s window and flew the bruja to freedom. “Art is liberating.”
“Bruja de Cordova,” mixed media by Susan Blosten, is in her exhibit at Koelbel Library in Centennial in September. Courtesy photos
“Go for Baroque,” mixed media by Sue Blosten is in her “Urban and Folk Tales” exhibit at Koelbel Library through the end of the month.
The South Suburban Parks and Recreation District Board of Directors voted unanimously on Aug. 27 to ask voters to approve a tax hike of two mills. “We’ve cut, we’ve tightened up, we’ve delayed maintenance, we’ve delayed some projects and really worked on what our priorities are,” said John Ostermiller, board chair. “We’re coming to the end of our rope. We’re a very well-managed district. … We offer a lot of benefits to the public, and I think the public expects us to keep doing that.” This November’s Ballot Issue 4A will ask for a property-tax hike of two mills for 10 years — about $16 per $100,000 of a home’s value per year — resulting in about $4.5 million annually in additional revenues for the district to be used for general operating expenses. Priorities include protecting the trails, maintaining parks, installing energysaving systems and replacing aging and inefficient irrigation systems. In May, a citizens’ committee strongly recommended the step, and actually suggested the district also pursue a bond issue. “The mill levy should be for maintenance concerns, with no restrictions, and the bond issue should be for capital improvements that are proposed by the other … subcommittees,” reads the group’s final report. “Project selection criteria should emphasize profitability.” The committee found that aging assets and higher staffing expenses have resulted in budget shortfalls. The 2014 budget summary notes the district doesn’t have enough money to maintain what it already has, let alone to upgrade current facilities. However, in the 46 pages prior to that one in the 49-page report, there are a lot of needs identified, including for a new regional park and field house. The committee recommends that in addition to holding an election, the district should work to find other ways to increase revenue, including such things as legacy donations, public/private partnerships and specific project-driven donation campaigns. Board member Scott LaBrash said he felt like a 21-year-old asking his dad for money. “It’s been a big battle for me,” he said. “To me it’s very personal, and it’s conflicting for me to ask for more money. But I think it’s selfish not to let the voters decide. But I feel like we’re kicking the can down the road. If we get more money, we’re going to get used to more money.” Board member Sue Rosser noted that for the price of about four movie tickets per household, they can ensure the district’s health for the next generation. “When you look at your child who’s asking for money, if they’re working and doing a good job and not sitting on the sofa watching TV, you’re more likely to want to help them,” Election continues on Page 10