Antonito, Colorado - Cano's Castle - Beer Can Folk Art

Cano's Castle isn't exactly made entirely of beer cans. It's more like a few smashed beer cans nailed to the walls, along with hubcaps and strips of aluminum. It's still very amazing, but I was under the impression that it would be entirely constructed of cans. I got to see the creator outside working on his home, which is right next to the castle. I also met the turkeys he keeps behind it. The neighbors are pretty accustomed to people stopping by to see it. We parked in front of a house down the dirt street, and the guy on the porch with his dog nicely asked if "Y'all seen the castle." His creation is pretty spectacular, but I can't say the same for his spelling skills. In front of the castle a sign warns, "Alcohol + Tobacco is Kills." Also something that wasn't mentioned here is the saloon in front of the castle. There is a big "Saloon" sign and tons of empty liquor bottles strewn around a bench. It makes for a pretty funny picture. [Lisa Cattano, 06/14/2005]

[RA: Near as we can tell, misspelled signs are part of a proud Outsider Art tradition. While some of us were competing in the county spelling bee, these guys were out collecting scrap metal for a lasting, lifetime achievement!]

Native American vet Cano lived with his mother in Antonito, located in south central Colorado. Built after repeated demands that he do something about his growing pile of empty beer cans. More than 20 years, and a depleted junk yard, he has nearly completed the Knight in his series of structures. The first and largest is called the King, next to that is the Queen and flanking the King is the Rook. Surrounding the property is the Crown. Cano credits his artwork to his religion and his devotion to God. He says about his materials: "one man's junk is my treasure." The site is visible from State Route 285. [Henry Chavez, 05/24/2004]