"Skynets Over Downtown," a Major Aerial Art Installation, Begins to Take Shape Downtown Denver

 

DENVER – Look up, Denver: “Skynets Over Downtown,” a temporary series of kinetic aerial sculptures, is now rising over Downtown, bringing joy and vibrancy to three sites in the city’s core this summer. Created by Poetic Kinetics, a globally recognized artist team led by Colorado-based artist Patrick Shearn, each “Skynets” installation responds to natural wind patterns, creating a dynamic experience that is constantly changing.

 

“This is the kind of art that stops you in your tracks and inspires delight and curiosity,” said Gretchen Hollrah, executive director of Denver Arts & Venues. “The Skynets transform familiar public spaces into something unexpected, and they demonstrate what’s possible when partners across the city come together around a shared vision. We can’t wait for Denver to look up and experience these breathtaking installations for themselves.”

 

Led by the Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) and Denver Arts & Venues (DAV), in partnership with the Downtown Denver Partnership (DDP), Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA) and other City agencies, Denver's “Skynets” seamlessly weave art and engineering into the city’s active urban spaces, stretching across Skyline Park, crossing over 16th Street at Glenarm Plaza, and floating above the fountain at Union Station. Funding for “Skynets” is provided in part by the DDDA.

 

“As a Colorado native artist, it is an honor and a thrill to create magic and whimsy in Denver,” said artist Patrick Shearn. “My creative practice is to reveal, in a beautiful way, what nature is doing that we all take for granted. I invite everyone to slow down from their daily routines and take a moment to breathe, listen and look at something so colorful as it dances in the wind around you.”

 

Each individually named installation is anticipated to be completed and open for free viewing following the schedule below:

 

Sun Splash – Denver Union Station (1701 Wynkoop St) – June 19.

 

Quaking Gold – Glenarm Plaza at 16th Street (500 16th St) – June 25.

 

Skyline Drift – Skyline Park at 17th Street (1127 17th St) – mid July.

 

“Skynets” will continue soaring above Denver into the fall. No two viewings of the aerial art will be the same, promising an ever-changing and immersive sensory experience ripe for repeat viewings. Select activations and programming are planned throughout the summer to complement the installations.  

 

“Denver has always been a city that embraces bold, imaginative art,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “These incredible installations will transform our downtown skyline into a living work of art, inviting Denverites and visitors to look up, explore and experience the energy and vibrancy that make Denver such a special place. I encourage everyone to spend time downtown this summer and see these one-of-a-kind creations in motion.”

 

For more information on “Skynets,” visit artsandvenues.com/denverskynets.

 

###

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