New Art, Fresh Murals and Community Outreach are Summer Highlights for Denver Public Art

 

DENVER – Denver Public Art installed new artwork at parks, libraries and recreation centers across the City this past quarter, showcasing the reach and impact of the 1% for Public Art ordinance. Established murals are getting refreshed with new coats and protective care, while artists are out in neighborhoods gathering stories and inspiration that will shape work still to come.

 

“This summer's projects show public art at its best — new work rooted in community input, established murals cared for and preserved, and artists out talking directly with residents about what comes next,” said Denver Public Art Director Jeannene Bragg. “It's a season that reflects both the scale and the spirit of the 1% for Public Art program."

 

Highlights of recently completed projects include “Flora and Fauna” by artist Nicole Banowitz for the Central 70 Cover Park. Handmade mosaic tiles depict the community’s flora and fauna, with border tiles created by the Swansea Elementary 3-5 graders.

 

The Archuleta Library welcomed a permanent artwork collection in late June. The selection panel for the project partnered with the Public Art team to develop a new plan to install artwork ahead of the traditional two-year timeline. The innovative approach allowed the panel to select from a curated set of existing original artworks. The chosen collection features a diverse group of artists: Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand, Alonzo Ulibarri, Javier Flores, Issac Lucero, Monica Gilles-BringsYellow, Miguel Ortega, Jessica Lee Perry "Jeki" and Julio Mendoza, who reflect both the library and the surrounding community.

 

Meanwhile, “The Awakening,” a mural by artist Bimmer Tores located on the north side of the newly remodeled Swansea Recreation Center, was repainted with the addition of a graffiti-guard coating, making it easier to clean in the future. “The Awakening” is among the earliest in the Urban Arts Fund program, now fully brought back to life with the refresh, thanks to financial support from Denver Parks & Recreation.

 

Denver Public Art, which manages over 500 pieces of City-owned art across Denver, also kicked off a series of community outreach focused on two projects: the 5280 Public Art Project will help shape the vision behind art along the 5280 Trail, a future 5.28-mile loop around downtown Denver that will connect neighborhoods and landmarks. And at the fourth annual High Line Canal Summer Scamper, artist Rachel Slick connected directly with residents to gather valuable input that will actively shape a component of the final High Line Canal Project.

 

Those looking for continued updates on these projects and more can subscribe to the new Public Art newsletter here and by reading our blog.

 

For more information on Denver Public Art, visit denverpublicart.org

 

 

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About Denver Arts & Venues

Denver Arts & Venues’ mission is to enrich Denver’s quality of life and economic vitality through the advancement of arts, culture and entertainment opportunities for all. Denver Arts & Venues oversees Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Colorado Convention Center, Denver Coliseum, Theatre at Loretto Heights and McNichols Civic Center Building, using proceeds from events at these venues to run and maintain these facilities and to provide access to art for all through free and low-cost community events, grants for artists and arts organizations, public art and art education. Using Good Times, For Good. For more information, visit www.ArtsandVenues.com

 

 

About Denver Public Art

Denver’s Public Art Program was established in 1988 as an Executive Order under Mayor Federico Peña. The order, enacted into Ordinance by Denver City Council in 1991, directs that 1% of any capital improvement project over $1 million undertaken by the City be set aside for the inclusion of art. Over the past 30 years these artworks, along with the historic and donated works of art, make up the City’s Public Art Collection. The Public Art Collection has expanded the opportunity for Denver residents to experience art in public places. For more information, visit www.DenverPublicArt.org.