As part of our summer-long mural exhibit, Artisans at The Arboretum, The Dawes Arboretum is proud to showcase the work of nine talented artists who have brought their creativity to our grounds. In this Meet the Artist series, we’re highlighting the people behind the paint, learning more about their inspiration, process and what their murals mean to them.
Today, we are honored to introduce you to Curtis Goldstein, the artist behind the mural Wanderer Above the Sea of Trees, located at the start of Pershing Avenue. Though Curtis sadly passed away before he could complete the piece, fellow exhibit artist Arris' "Sir'Ra" Cohen graciously stepped in to finish the work. In memory of Curtis, we invite you to read Sir'Ra's heartfelt tribute below.
"Today, I finished painting this mural at Dawes Arboretum, a piece I didn’t begin, but was deeply honored to complete.
After unveiling my own mural here weeks ago at the Artisans of The Arboretum event, I learned that Curtis Goldstein, the original creator of this mural, had passed away. Stepping in to finish his vision has been both emotionally taxing and profoundly meaningful.
Curtis titled this piece Wanderer Above the Sea of Trees, a subtle homage to Caspar David Friedrich’s iconic painting. Standing in front of it now, I’m struck by how art transcends time and how our creative journeys can connect us even when we’ve never met. You can see his original vision for the piece on the last slide.
As an artist, I often think about creating until my very last moment on this earth. Being entrusted to help complete one of Curtis’s final works during this transitional season in my own life means more than I can muster up the words to express. This experience has paid dividends far beyond any monetary value.
Lately, I’ve realized that almost every piece I’m working on, whether commissions or my own personal work, carry deeply rooted emotion and have in depth stories tied to them. In some cases, the subjects or loved ones connected to these paintings have passed on. Behind every canvas is a story of love, memory, grief, and hope. It’s all humbling and super heavy, but it’s also why I keep showing up at the easel.
I’m eternally grateful to Karla [Director of Learning & Engagement] and the staff at The Dawes Arboretum for the opportunity, and to Curtis for the long conversation with this piece that he started, that we shared, and that I had the privilege to help finish. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
Rest in color, Curtis."
We’re grateful to Curtis and Sir'Ra for sharing their time and talent with our Arboretum community. Be sure to stop by Curtis' mural at Pershing Avenue during your next visit to see his work up close and experience how art, nature and history come together in this one-of-a-kind exhibit. Artisans at The Arboretum runs through September 20.