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Waiting for Van Gogh; Goodland leaders hope art attracts I-70 travelers
Written by: Tim Unruh, The Salina Journal - Kansas, USA
2/13/2000
Goodland - A Canadian painter plans a giant splash of color for these High Plains, reproducing a work of world-famous artist Vincent van Gogh.
Promoters of the Van Gogh Sunflower Project see a 24-by-32-foot Van Gogh sunflower placed in town on an 80-foot-easel, as a way to spark interest among travelers on Interstate Highway 70-something other than grain elevators on Goodland's horizon.
With an international marketing plan, they intend to tickle the interests of art lovers around the globe. It's also viewed as a fitting tribute to the sunflower industry that helps fuel Sherman County's economy.
"We think this is a tremendous drawing card to the community," said Marcia Golden, Goodland, vice president of the Sunflowers USA Association, a nonprofit organization formed to raise money for the project.
Artist Cameron Cross is bringing Van Gogh's work to seven places around the world, reporducing large versions of paintings done by the Dutch legend. Cross finished paintings in Australia and Canada, and also plans the mega-billboard sized paintings in South Africa, Japan, Argentina and France.
"We would like the U.S to be the third," said Ron Harding, president of the Goodland Chamber of Commerce.
"Goodland has always been very interested in tourism. We're active in marketing our area."
On the large "canvas"-fiberglass-covered plywood- Cross will paint a copy of a Van Gogh sunflower that will overlook Goodland on the massive easel made of 12-inch steel tubing.
"We are the sunflower city of the sunflower state," said Pete Whalen, retired attorney and president of the Sunflower USA Association. "To have a symbol like that gets a lot of recognition. People talk about it and want to see it."
Cross expects to begin painting April 1, weather and temperature permitting, in a 10,000-square-foot warehouse in Goodland. It should take six weeks. The sunflower will be unveiled later in the year.
Planners intend to place the painting in a way that tempts I-70 travelers, but doesn't give it away. It will be located near where a new entrance to the city will be constructed, complete with ponds, landscaping and bike trails.
*To visit The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, please follow the link below.
The Van Gogh Museum
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