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Hey, Spike! gives an artistic sneak peek

Miles F. Porter IV
Special to the Daily
Artist Guilloume
Miles F. Porter IV / Special to the Daily |

In the world of public-art sculpture, they call it an “unveiling,” and, for that reason, you’re not seeing Guilloume Perez-Zapata’s work here, but you can on Saturday, July 18 at the Breckenridge Grand Vacations Community Center and Summit County South Branch Library.

The popular Colombian-born sculptor, painter and author, who goes by the singular name of Guilloume, 58, has called Sandia Park, near Albuquerque, New Mexico, home since 1985, where he has established his large studio and indoor gallery, highlighted with an outdoor sculpture garden.

He has been a visitor to numerous art festivals in Breckenridge over the years, while touring other top shows across the United States.



The art-appreciating — and buying — public loves Guilloume’s works, and fellow artists enjoy his joyful, positive outpouring spirit — all backed up with a flashing smile.

Tomorrow’s 12:30 p.m. unveiling of his bronze, “Just the Two of Us,” measuring 5 ½ feet tall, is open to the public. Funding for the artwork came from locals Judy and John Goebel, also of Elkhart, Indiana, who donated it to the town of Breckenridge.



“It has been a pleasure to work with John and Judy Goebel on this sculpture dedication. They have a passion for public art and understand how it can help to create a unique sense of place for a community. Their generous donation of ‘Just the Two of Us’ will add a unique sculpture to the Breckenridge Public Art Collection. The Public Art Commission was initially excited about the donation because the sculpture is accessible to all of us. We can all relate to the sculpture through our special connections to our partners and loved ones,” says Jenn Cram, director of public programs and engagement for the Breckenridge Creative Arts.

At 10:30 a.m., preceding the artwork presentation, there will be a time capsule, outdoor furniture, garden and quilt-dedication ceremony.

The dedications event is another cooperative step by the town of Breckenridge, Summit County, Breckenridge Heritage Alliance, Breckenridge Creative Arts, and Breckenridge Grand Vacations, the parent company of Gold Point Resort, Grand Timber Lodge, the Grand Lodge on Peak 7 and the Grand Colorado on Peak 8, and developers Mike and Rob Millisor, along with partner Mike Dudick, supported by over 450 employees.

A minimalist artist, Guilloume is a self-described master of “Bolismo.” His shaved head reflects that thinking.

His work has been noted by a magazine covering North America’s Southwest. He is known primarily for his sculpting and painting — ranging in size from small to life-size and beyond.

Guilloume’s works focus on people in the community and are often simple in form, bringing that “minimalism” to life. His subjects have no recognizable facial features.

“This accentuates the similarities between people,” says Guilloume. “The simplicity shows a range of human emotions, especially those shared in forms of friendship, intimate and family relationships.”

He was born in Medellín, Colombia, the youngest of nine sons in a family of 20 and developed an interest in art at a young age. He studied at the Institute of Bellas Artes Medellin.

While touring, he is usually accompanied by one or more members of his immediate family: wife Gladys, also a native of Colombia; sons Johann Sebastian, Claudio Tolousse and Lucas Filipo and daughter Salome.

A petite, striking woman of beauty and charm, Gladys is also known for marathon running, often combining her husband’s art shows with nearby events covering distances of 6.1 miles up to 26.2.

Here’s a “33” excerpt from the author side of Guilloume:

“I am part of a large Colombian family — nine brothers to be exact. Despite the fact that we have all gone separate ways and live disparate areas of the world, our bond remains intact, and we are still very much connected. Familial bonds of this intensity are difficult to explain if you have not experienced them. Suffice it to say that, regardless of the amount of time between visits or the number of miles between us, we all feel an unshakable sense of family unity that we will carry with us to the end. ‘Different Directions’ is my attempt to celebrate and honor the common bond that I share with my brothers.”

And, he continues on an even more personal depth:

“When my wife and I took our wedding vows in 1985, we made a promise that we would continue to nurture each other for the rest of our days together. Although we have certainly looked after each others’ health and physical needs, it has been our intellectual and spiritual well-beings that have perhaps grown the most. One way we ‘feed’ each other is by taking turns reading aloud. Mostly, we choose nonfiction works that interest us both — biographies, self-improvement books and spiritually inspirational writings. ‘Nurturing Relationship’ is a bronze edition of 15 that is a representation of my wife and me reading together and together.”

Here’s an excerpt from Guilloume’s editor Parkin Travis in “Emotional Connections:”

“Several years ago at the opening reception for a one-man show, we were hosting for Guilloume; I observed the power of his work first hand. A collector (whom) I had not seen for several years came to the opening and saw Guilloume’s work for the first time. He moved slowly from one piece to another, spending several minutes intensely studying each one.”

And, he adds:

“One work in particular seemed to draw this collector’s attention, and, as he studied the piece and read Guilloume’s narrative description, I noticed tears streaming down his cheeks. Guilloume had touched this man through his art at a profound level.”

You can learn and see more at his colorful website: http://www.guillloume.com

Miles F. Porter IV, nicknamed “Spike,” is a Coloradan since 1949, an Army veteran, former Climax miner, graduate of Adams State College and a local since 1982. An award-winning investigative reporter, he and wife Mary E. Staby owned newspapers here for 20 years. Email your social info to milesfporteriv@aol.com


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