New Denver Public Art at the National Western Center
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In June, the Denver Public Art team celebrated three new pieces in the Elyria-Swansea Neighborhood: “Rising Together” by Matthew Mazzotta, “Sacred Threads” by Bimmer Torres and “The People’s Bridge of the Sun” by David Ocelotl Garcia. The day started with a blessing of the artworks by Grupo Tlaloc Danza Azteca and a traditional Aztec dance performance, and finished with a live performance in the barn by Los Mocochetes.
Together, these pieces represent the neighborhood and the nearby National Western Center and will inspire future artists. Watch the video below to see a recap of the day, hear from the artists about their work and learn more about the Denver Public Art program.
Rising Together
“Rising Together” is a programmable social space for the National Western Center (NWC) and the surrounding neighborhoods. The project takes the iconic architecture of The West and elevates its community aspect—the barn raising, where people contribute their strength for the common good. “Rising Together” is a dedicated space for local people to come together for new and creative activities like poetry readings, classes, music, dancing, and anything else that the community desires.
Learn more about the piece from the artist, Matthew Mazzotta, here!
Sacred Threads
The roof mural, titled "Sacred Threads," is a collaboration between artist Matthew Mazzotta and Denver muralist Bimmer Torres. Bimmer’s design celebrates the color, energy and cultural heritage of the surrounding community, weaving together imagery that reflects local pride, resilience and creativity. His mural honors the interconnectedness of people and place, symbolizing the community’s shared history and its ongoing evolution.
Learn more about the piece from the artist, Bimmer Torres, here!
The People’s Bridge of the Sun
The 51st Avenue Bridge is “The People’s Bridge of the Sun,” designed to represent a connection with the Mexican heritage of many long-time and more recent area residents, as well as a connection to the larger environment and the cosmos. The artist’s approach focuses on engaging with the public, in recognition that bridging the river is an act of building community, both among people and with the river itself.
Learn more about the piece from the artist, David Ocelotl Garcia, here!
At Denver Arts & Venues, we know that good times at Red Rocks or the Denver Performing Arts Complex are not just moments of joy and connection; they’re driving arts and culture in the city of Denver. Funds generated by the DAV are reinvested back into the community, such as supporting the Denver Public Art team.
In short, every good time at one of our venues enriches Denver through arts and culture and helps Denver’s cultural community thrive — for good!