Golden's 2008 Featured Artist Puts the Spotlight on Colorado Railroad Museum
Colorado Photographer Jeff Graves Enjoys Focus on the Familiar

Coloradan Jeff Graves was chosen by judges of the 2007 Golden Fine Arts Festival as the first place artist in photography, commissioned to produce the featured artwork for the 2008 Festival. Along with being included in the Festival's 2008 publicity, his black and white photograph, "Resting Traveler," also has been reproduced as the 2008 Festival's fine art poster. The poster is available for sale for just $20 at the Festival, through the Golden Chamber of Commerce and many local area merchants.

Graves' work focuses on 'natural events,' places, situations and objects that already exist, such as his photo used for the 2008 poster, "Resting Traveler." Captured at the Golden-based Colorado Railroad Museum, this black and white art photograph presents a unique perspective on rail travel.

A self-taught artist, Graves began studying photography in 1997 and presented his first solo gallery exhibition in 2004. He has been accepted into numerous juried shows where he has received awards for photography excellence, including the 2007 Golden Fine Arts Festival.

"I enjoy finding the simple beauty in familiar places and common objects that most people take for granted," Graves said. "Through experience, study and research, I am finding ways to perfect my art and further develop my technique."

Graves works in a large mix of formats including 35 mm, 6x4.5 cm and 4x5 inch allowing him to tailor the method to the subject. All of his images are hand developed using traditional darkroom processing techniques, providing him with complete control of creativity.

This year's 18th annual Golden Fine Arts Festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 17 on 11th Street just west of Washington Avenue in historic downtown Golden. There is no admission fee.

Graves will be available at the Festival to meet with visitors and answer questions about his work. For more information about the Golden Fine Arts Festival and other activities in Golden, visit the Festival's web site at www.GoldenFineArtsFestival.org or Golden's visitor web site at www.2HourVacation.com.