“Early Frost in Colfax, California”A Print by N.R. VogtProduction Year: 2010Suggested Donation: $65 (100% of your investment will be used for ministry).
Recipients will be given a specifically numbered print of a limited edition of only 200 Prints that are personally signed and numbered by the artist. In addition, recipients will receive a signed “Certificate of Authenticity” that includes the following information from the artist: Colfax, California has a long and rich history. The area was first home to the native Indian tribes, including the Miwok and Maidu tribes. The town was not always named Colfax, but was previously known by other names. Alder Grove was the first official name, which was used in the middle of the eighteenth century. As the town grew and developed into a city the name was changed to Illinoistown. This name was later amended to Colfax after a visit in 1865 by the Speaker of the House Schuyler Colfax. His great oratory and personal charm made him so popular with the citizens that they named the new settlement after him. In 1868, he was elected Vice President of the United States on the Republican ticket headed by General Ulysses Grant. Inaugurated in 1869, Colfax served one term, and then resumed a career of travel and lectures. The Central Pacific Railroad played an important role in the history of Colfax, California, and was the reason that Schuyler Colfax visited the city in the first place. Gold was also a big reason for the draw to Colfax in the eighteenth century, and the very first stagecoach robbery in California occurred near the town in April of 1852. A Nevada City stagecoach was robbed by the Reelfoot Williams Gang, and the bandits took seven thousand dollars worth of gold bars, along with all the money and items from the two passengers. The city offers many historic sites, including Route 40 which still runs through Colfax today. The train depot in Colfax is a historical building, and it has been restored to previous glory. Many downtown buildings still retain the historic look and feel from the eighteen hundreds. I painted this scene at the request of Joshua Pine, the town’s mayor, who suggested this panoramic view, located on the outskirts of the city limits. Apparently this is the first painting to be done from this mountain peak. I’m not a “cold-weather” person, and while working there in the cold mountain air of the frosted forest, my thoughts drifted to a promise from Isaiah 55:6-12. “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; …For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” God extends His compassion, love, and mercy to us – even when things around us seem difficult, cold, and depressing. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him. His Word is gentle and life-giving as in Isaiah’s analogy: The rising sun will melt the icy frost and snow, warming our world; and later the gentle, spring rain will water the earth, causing life to leap up in vibrant song and praise. It is my prayer that all who view this print will come to know and trust our Lord Jesus more fully as they experience His wonderful warmth, peace and joy. What a promise!
Gratefully yours in His love and grace,
Nick Vogt |
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© COPYRIGHT PROTECTED 11/20/10 |