Yampa Valley Community Foundation Gets a Custom Installation

When the Yampa Valley Community Foundation moved into their new home on Third and Oak Streets downtown, they debated what art to hang in their new 20-foot hallway. It would be a good spot for a donor wall, it was decided – and then local glass artist, Jennifer Baker, got a phone call. Jennifer was commissioned to create a piece reflective of the valley, including water and incorporating color. “Also clear was their passion to keep our community and valley healthy and thriving,” Jennifer says.

Over the course of a year and after many meetings with the builder, architects and designers, Jennifer created a piece titled “Our Valley, Our Home,” which was installed on 17 feet of the 20-foot wall, featuring five glass panels that alternate between vertical and horizontal. “I wanted to create some depth and vary that visual line on the long hall,” she says. “The two vertical panels have larger trees and I wanted to create the sense that you are walking outside and bringing the outside in.”

The panels are enhanced by backlighting which allows for continual brightness, especially during seasons when daylight is scarce. Donors' names are featured on the center panel and set off the surrounding space.

“It was such an amazing project,” Jennifer says. “Everyone jumped on board with the thoughtful planning and creative visualization. It means the world and is an honor to have created such an integral piece for such a special building in our community that will be enjoyed for years to come.”

Read Steamboat Magazine’s story about the new Yampa Valley Community Foundation building in our latest Mountain edition, out now.