Artists on Santa Fe features a new exhibition entitled “Through the Valley of Death”, with work by artist Jon Koenigsberg from Feb. 28 through March 31 at 747 Santa Fe Drive. Koenigsberg’s newest series of colorful abstract oil paintings are a manifestation of his gratitude and reemergence after a difficult journey through cancer treatment. The public is invited to the First Friday Art Walk from 6-9 p.m. March 1 and to an Artist Reception on Third Friday from 5-8 p.m. March 15. The show is also on view during regular gallery hours, along with fine art by other gallery members including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and sculpture.
The experience challenged Koenigsberg’s normally light-hearted nature while he struggled through his illness. “Treatment started and everything else in life stopped, especially my art career. Days sped by, too tired to walk, too nauseous to eat, hoping that I would emerge and live again. Weeks turned into months. Treatments continued, pulling every ounce of strength from me, sapping my energy until I was too weak to perform even basic everyday functions. That was the low point of my journey through the valley.” He goes on to explain, “I thought that after my journey through the valley that my artwork would dramatically change, that it would be darker, more chaotic and violent. Instead, it has become more organized, a little less violent, and lighter in color than it was a year ago. I feel more free to explore new shapes, colors, and marks on the canvas.”
Raised in Iowa, Jon Koenigsberg was drawn to art since a young age but ultimately decided on architecture as a career path. He eventually landed in Denver and, in 2003, left the corporate world to open his own architecture firm. After some time studying art at Maine’s Haystack Mountain School of Crafts he was inspired to focus more on his creative pursuits and has done so ever since. He is grateful to have made it through his arduous journey and continues to live and create in the mountains of Colorado.
Artists on Santa Fe Gallery at 747 Santa Fe Drive in Denver showcases the work of member artists ranging from sculptors and painters to printmakers and jewelers. Regular hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The building is also home to the working studios of more than 25 artists. Visitors are invited to explore and discover this exciting and enduring creative hub. For more information visit www.artistsonsantafe.com.
