Exhibit - Echoes of Lakewood’s Past January 29, 2010

Signs: Echoes of Lakewood’s Past to open at

Lakewood’s Heritage Center in the Radius Gallery

Lakewood artist Al Orahood, known for his ability to capture the essence of person or place with wit and whimsy, takes a look at Lakewood’s Colfax Avenue in a new exhibit at the Radius Gallery in the Visitor Center at Lakewood’s Heritage Center, 801 S. Yarrow Street, January 29 through March 27.

Orahood has focused on the old neon signs, many still in use, such as at the Bunny Motel and the White Swan Motel. Orahood was inspired to paint the old neon signs of Colfax Avenue by his love of history and forgotten times. Their placement on canvas stops time and allows the viewer to pause and see the artistry of times gone by. Signs from the Lakewood’s Heritage Center collection will also be featured.

"I had no intention of taking up art again, let alone painting, but I felt a sense of urgency to record and document the signs and this period in Colfax's history. I am a lousy photographer so these paintings were my only recourse," he said.

The artist will talk about his inspiration and his technique for his large canvas paintings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 16 at the Radius Gallery in Lakewood’s Heritage Center, 801 S. Yarrow Street. He will be joined by Rachel Griffin, an Economic Development specialist for the City of Lakewood, in exploring the “then and now” of Colfax, our nation’s longest street.



Lakewood Heritage, Culture & the Arts programs are made possible in part through funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) – metro Denver's unique commitment to its nonprofit art, science and cultural institutions. For further information, visit www.Lakewood.org/HCA or call Lorene Joos, arts curator, at 303-987-7844.