"Wet Bar” was commissioned by the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art as part of Noelle Phares’s 2024 exhibition that focuses on the Colorado River. The piece depicts Lake Granby, one of the primary reservoirs where Colorado headwaters are stored before being transported across the Continental Divide to serve much of the western slope. The iconic outline of the Denver Art Museum stands abruptly in the distance, symbolizing the draw of water that would otherwise remain in the river to eventually reach the Sea of Cortez some 1400 miles downstream.

The poetry composed to accompany this and the other two pieces in the exhibition depicting the Colorado River headwaters area:

“It’s smaller than it looks 
in my mind
the Matriarch is
slick green-black
a depression in the autumnal expanse of roasted marigold
I traveled far to behold her and as I approached I realized 
that she is a tight-lipped matron
beautiful and grave
her watery brood will waltz wildly through the canyons 
as it travels seaward
but here
where she modestly feeds the unruly child
the nursery is placid.
Not long ago
the high mountains were mantled with glaciers
stowing that feed carefully through the summers 
for a measured meal
today the brittle snouts of ice left behind
tuck themselves quietly below Lone Eagle
and various protective peaks,
patron saints to the fading, frozen shadows
droplets plinking like the ticking of a clock
into the lakes below
wet bars to the growing metropolises that 
sneak from the cookie jar
In defiance of the river’s most commanding officer - gravity
trundling her waters, groaning
across the divide.”

Print is unframed 

Measures 8" x 10" or 11" x 14"

- This is an archival print of original painting.
- All prints have deckled edges, a handwritten title, and signature of artist
- Frame and mat are NOT included.
- All prints are produced with professional art materials including pigment-based inks and archival Somerset Velvet fine art paper. 
- In order to keep your print in great condition it is important to frame with archival materials (mats, backing board, etc.), keep out of direct sunlight, and UV glass if you really want to go all-out!