Longhorn Bees and Cosmos Flowers
2024 Street Wise Mural Festival
Location: Rally Flats, 2727 29th St Boulder, CO 80301
Photos by Dona and Niko Laurita
Catching your eye in the corridor of Rally Flats, K. Vuletich’s vibrant mural buzzes the space to life. Longhorn Bees and Cosmos Flowers features the namesake pollinator pair and brings joy and a call to observation to future residents of this affordable housing complex.
K. fills the wall with larger-than-life size Cosmos flowers. Juicy pink and purple hues fill the petals of each flower and lively yellows and greens create psychedelic buds, attracting the Longhorn bee. Closely related to the daisy, the vibrant colors of the Cosmos imbibe the wall with cheer and wonder. K. sets the blooms against a blue background to help them pop off of the wall. Their green stems weave throughout the blossoms, adding depth and visual interest.
Longhorn bees appear magnetized to the vibrant buds of the Cosmos, hugging them tight as they pollinate. K. adorns many of the yellow and orange bees with long antennae, the signature “longhorns” found on males. Scientists consider this species to be solitary. However, several male bees cluster together in the center of the mural, an allusion to the practice of male longhorns nesting to snooze together on specific plants.
K. chose the pollinator pair of Longhorn bees and Cosmos flowers because both species can be found in the neighborhoods surrounding this mural. These native pollinators have adapted well to Colorado’s xeric climate, especially with the Cosmos which require little water. The artist hopes that this mural will inspire the residents of Rally Flats to look for these species out in the wider world.
Although they were not able to complete this mural during #SWMF2024, K. was especially excited to work with Boulder Housing Partners for this project. After working with Denver shelters and nonprofits, they have a passion for creating art for any individual or organization trying to further affordable housing in Colorado.
Derived from the Greek word kosmos meaning harmony or order, Cosmos flowers are named for the perceived harmony of their symmetrical petals. Longhorn Bees and Cosmos Flowers aims to bring harmony and longevity to Boulder’s new community.