Susan K. Dailey
Multi-Media Artist
Susan K. Dailey

YMCA of the Rockies

YMCA of the Rockies -Lula Dorsey Museum display backdrops
Estes Park, Colorado

Detail from the Mountainside Lodge display, inspired by a 1925 photo, taken soon after the building was completed. Artist portrait

Lula Dorsey Museum Display Backdrops
Over the course of 10 years, starting in 1997, Susan painted a series of five display backdrops for the Lula Dorsey Museum (located on the grounds of the YMCA of the Rockies near Estes Park, Colorado). Most of the display backdrops are located upstairs in the museum and span the walls and ceilings in two rooms.  There is also a large display mural in front of the general store in the Administration Building (not pictured).  For more information contact the museum:

(http://ymcarockies.org/about-us/lula-w-dorsey)

From 2005 through the summer of 2019, Susan designed, managed and taught the “Outdoor Arts Program”. Classes included; Plein Air Painting, Sketching and Journaling Hikes as well as Kids Animal and Landscape Drawing classes.

Detail of Paper Mache’ Rock overhang.  The archaeology exhibit at the Lula Dorsey Museum is a diorama encompassing an entire room. It is a re-creation of an excavation and recovered prehistoric artifacts found at “Smuggler’s Cove” on the YMCA property.
Detail from the archaeology exhibit: elk under Mt. Ypsilon
Detail from “Hiking Longs Peak” display (removed in a  2019 museum remodel)
In 2007 the YMCA celebrated their Centennial and Susan was commissioned to paint a commemorative painting (that was made into posters) for the celebration.  The painting hangs over the fireplace in the Administrative Offices.