The undulating Corten steel mountain-scape is nearing the end of its fabrication phase. Approximately one year ago, the town of Vail’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) board selected Gordon for a permanent, site-specific public art installation at the I-70 Vail Underpass.

The installation will become part of the headlight glare screen at the south edge of the planned South Frontage Road roundabout. Huether’s innovative and timeless approach responds to Vail’s world-class culture and underscores its identity.

“We are enthusiastic for this opportunity to work with Gordon Huether and his studio on this major public art project in Vail. He has demonstrated great success in previous projects and we are anticipating his extraordinary caliber of artistic talent to be integrated in this highly visible installation for our residents and guests of Vail to enjoy for many generations,” explains Molly Eppard, Art in Public Places Coordinator, Town of Vail.

Huether’s conceptual approach to this project is based on the quality of motion and the various modes of movement one experiences throughout the Vail Valley. Huether also wanted to convey the visual experience of passing a stand of Aspen trees on horseback – the illusion of tree rows ‘opening’ and ‘closing’ when the rider moves past. Ultimately, the goal for this installation is to convey the beauty of Vail’s astonishing landscape.

The installation will be fabricated with two layers of Corten steel, each featuring four mountain range silhouettes, plasma cut into the surface. Each layer of steel measures 130 feet, for a total of 260 linear feet. The installation will vary in height, between 2 feet and 6 feet from the stonewall that will serve as the base of the headlight glare screen. Construction is expected to conclude at the latest in December 2017. The sculpture is expected to be installed in July 2017.