BLM to release report on Christo's project Friday
Artist Christo’s plan to drape the Arkansas River with about six miles of fabric faces a major step in the approval process on Friday when the Bureau of Land Management releases its draft environmental impact statement.
BLM officials say the study will include seven alternatives, including not allowing Christo’s controversial $50 million “Over the River” art installation. A final environmental report is set to be released in February, 2011, and a final decision will be issued April, 2011.
Christo’s plan, formulated with his late wife, Jeanne-Claude, is to work with volunteers to build a system of anchors, frames and cables that would be used to suspend 5.9 miles of luminous fabric across eight spots along a 42-mile stretch of the Arkansas between the towns of Salida and Cañon City.
But during a series of public meetings, some residents in the area have expressed concerns that the installation will cause major traffic jams in an area that already has limited access. They’ve also talked about the installation causing problems for fishing and the area environment.
The project has drawn major support of Arkansas Valley arts organizations and rafting outfitters, who see “Over the River” as a tourism opportunity.
On his website, overtheriverinfo.com, Christo says he’s hoping to complete the project and exhibit it over two weeks in summer of 2013.
Christo will give a lecture about the project July 28 at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The Business of Arts Center in Manitou Springs will have a presentation from the Christo team on July 24 in conjunction with a related art exhibit.
See gazette.com Friday or Saturday’s paper for details on the BLM statement.
