Steamboat Bucks
Story by Suzi Mitchell
“Steamboat Bucks,” Gregory Block, 12x10, oil on board.
People often do a double-take when they first see the series of paintings depicting U.S. currency by Colorado artist Gregory Block. Rather than the expected faces of dead presidents, the artwork, which is on display at Romick Gallery, depicts icons of the Yampa Valley. “They are the true currency of our community, and I don’t want people to forget that,” says Gregory Block, the artist responsible for the six works in his latest series.
Gregory grew up in South Routt before moving to Denver, where his studio is located. His home may be elsewhere, but his heart remains rooted in Routt County. In recent years, he has noticed fewer familiar faces on his frequent visits to see family and friends. “We all know that Steamboat is changing,” he says. “Things are expensive, and there seem to be fewer and fewer familiar faces in the grocery store and on the slopes."
As an artist who has built a national reputation for his realism, Gregory’s latest subject matter is more a depiction from the heart. His paintings regularly reflect nuances from the mountain West, and this time, he wanted a present-day portrayal of local history. His intent was to trigger a sense of appreciation of Steamboat Springs’ roots.
Gregory’s first consideration was whose faces should be on the currency. After great deliberation, he opted for the city’s founder, James Crawford; Chief Yamonite, a Ute chief and great friend of the settlers; Carl Howelsen, whose Nordic spirit brought skiing and ski jumping to the valley; Hazie and Buddy Werner for their contributions to the area’s ski heritage and hospitable spirit; and Eleanor Bliss, for her influence on the arts.
Each bill is life size, a factor driven by realism and necessity. A sequence of unfortunate events led Gregory to lose the sight of one eye and be temporarily bound to a chair to paint. For an artist used to creating large scale works, this option to work in a smaller format permitted him to paint without the need to move around. His decision to add an abstract background afforded the ability to loosen up and balance the smooth precision used for the currency.
“They are a real talking point for people who want to know more about the faces on the bills,” says Gretchen Annalise, the gallery director. “It’s not just visitors asking about them, but locals who like the challenge of naming them all."
Gregory hoped the “Steamboat Bucks” series would be a topic of discussion. “A lot of people on the whole don’t like change, but it is inevitable everywhere,” he says. “The paintings are a great way to broach conversation about what’s happening in Steamboat while encouraging new residents to remember what our community was built upon, and the iconic faces of the people who made this town what it is today.”