“Listening to Color”
Location: Roots Music Project
4747 Pearl, Ste V3A Boulder, CO 80304
2023 Fall Mural Series
Photos by Peter Kowalchuk and Tyler Dittlo
For his mural in the Fall Series, Rob Hill wrapped the corner of the Roots Music Project with his signature geometric abstract designs.
His mural considers notions of color, community, and unity through abstraction. To honor the context of the space as a music venue, Rob sought to understand the community and RMP. He sought colors that connected with the space and elevated its vibrant energy. The ability of color to draw people together and the art of music sparked Rob’s creative process. While painting, he often listens to music to get into the artistic flow. Music and painting/art go hand and hand.
Amongst the industrial park, Rob’s abstraction rightly sets apart RMP and draws the community into the space. The mural appears as a triangular puzzle with pieces distinguished by vibrant colors. The artist draws color inspiration from sports teams and 90s television programs. Rob’s use of minimalist abstraction recalls the work of modern artists such as Frank Stella and Carmen Herrera, while he credits his interest in geometric shapes to the visual culture of Ancient Egypt.
Rob offers a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, each unique and powerful in their own right. His abstractions illuminate how this non-profit unites and empowers diverse and talented creatives. Rob feels honored to have the ability to build new connections with and create artwork in the community of Boulder.
“Puffy”
Location: Museum of Boulder
2205 Broadway Boulder, CO 80302
2023 Street Wise x Black Love Mural Battle at [placeholder] festival
Photos by Max Brager, Leah Brenner Clack, and Dona Laurita
Take a closer look at Marcus Murray’s “Puffy,” a mural he created during the Street Wise x Black Love Mural Battle at [placeholder] festival in October.
A futuristic character appears in a teal void. The Black man wears lavender headgear and spikey sonic headphones over his ears. His lavender eyes pop against his dark skin as they peer out from triangular sci-fi glasses. A puffy jacket overtakes the majority of the space, zipping over him like armor and protecting the character from the cold outside world. Yellow puffs of air surround him, adding to the fantastical imagery of the mural.
In his art practice, Marcus creates compelling Afrofuturistic characters that serve as beacons of hope and reminders of a Black future. Afrofuturism explores the Black experience through a combination of science, technology, history, and fantasy. It centers Black history and culture to examine the past, question the present, and conceptualize an optimistic, liberated future.
Marcus takes inspiration from many different Afrofuturistic works. His favorites include the music of Sun Ra and his Arkestra, “Kindred” and “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler, and the Black Panther movies.
You will find Marcus’s mural on view in the parking lot of the Museum of Boulder!
“Beautiful Creatures”
Location: Museum of Boulder
2205 Broadway Boulder, CO 80302
2023 Fall Mural Series
Photos by Peter Kowalchuk and Dona Laurita
Yazz Atmore’s mural “Beautiful Creatures” stands as a portal between our world and the spiritual world.
The artist calls herself a unicorn in the mural world; she works as a wheat-paste muralist, using paper and glue rather than any type of paint. Her piece for the Fall Mural Series stands at 8 feet tall and 28 feet wide - quite a large canvas for paper. The artist also often works in a collage style, taking bits and pieces from a variety of sources and putting them together to create something unique.
For “Beautiful Creatures,” Yazz pulled a Black woman’s portrait from a magazine. The woman peers out at the viewer with a bright smile, wearing a simple white collared shirt and large gold earrings. However, Yazz obscures her eyes with layers of flora and fauna, including a dragonfly, roses, white lilies, and green foliage. The artist also layers circular Saturn-esque shapes near her head and chin.
Two large dragonflies flank the ends with subtle rays glowing from underneath each. In the center of the mural, another dragonfly faces a beaming light, dividing the mural in half with a mirror image on either side.
Yazz’s art practice is grounded in her spiritual practice. The artist wants her mural to serve as a reminder that we are all beautiful flawed people, always transforming, changing, and learning. It is important to stay gentle with ourselves and others as we are doing as best we know how.
She thinks of her work as a portal between the viewer and the Divine. However you choose to interact with the mural, trust the feelings and messages that arise; these are the messages you need.
“Florita Rosa”
Location: Museum of Boulder
2205 Broadway Boulder, CO 80302
2023 Street Wise x Black Love Mural Battle at [placeholder] festival
Photos by Max Brager, Leah Brenner Clack, and Dona Laurita
Selah Laurel created a three-dimensional mural during our Street Wise x Black Love Mural Battle at [placeholder] festival this fall. Her incredibly unique “Florita Rosa” combines painting and sculpture.
The artist creates a base for the three-dimensional elements of the work by painting the figure's face, neck, and shoulders on the canvas. The figure’s regal elongated neck stems from her slim shoulders. Her otherworldly blue skin dotted with clusters of freckles radiates from her body. Only the figure’s button nose and red pursed lips remain visible.
A bouquet of blues, yellows, purples, oranges, and pinks splashes across the canvas, replacing the figure’s hair and eyes. Selah fabricated each flower using foam sheets and tennis balls, spray painting each on-site to create a one-of-a-kind arrangement.
Rather than create a portrait of a specific person, Selah seeks to construct a mirror for viewers to envision themselves within her artwork. This mural is part of the artist’s “Florita” series inspired by a drawing she created for her young cousin. It serves as an expression of her multiracial family, speaking specifically to her Latina roots.
Head to the Museum of Boulder to view Selah's mural! You'll find it on the west side of the parking lot.
Portrait of Erykah Badu
Location: Museum of Boulder
2205 Broadway Boulder, CO 80302
2023 Street Wise x Black Love Mural Battle at [placeholder] festival
Photos by Leah Brenner Clack, Dona Laurita, and Max Brager
Jasmine Holmes-Piesco painted this Portrait of Erykah Badu during the Street Wise x Black Love Mural Battle at [placeholder] festival in October.
The musician and songwriter serves as one of Jasmine’s biggest inspirations, someone who is always on rotation while creating in her studio. Erykah stares out at the viewer with her glowing hazel eyes. A red shawl wraps around her shoulders and a blue turban covers her head. Jasmine utilizes a distinctive color palette in her portraiture, using strokes of white, yellow, blue, orange, and red to bring dimension to the figure’s face.
Created over the course of a weekend, Jasmine used Polytab mural cloth to get a headstart on painting. Polytab is a fabric material similar to a mix of canvas and wallpaper. The artist painted Erykah’s face on the Polytab in the studio and then adhered it to the wood panel using matte polymer gel at the start of the event. She used acrylic and spray paint to finish the rest of the mural during the festival.
Head to the parking lot of the Museum of Boulder to take a closer look at Jasmine’s mural along with several others from our Fall Series!
“Perspective”
Location: The Root of the Hill
1121 Broadway Boulder, CO 80302
2023 Fall Mural Series
Photos by Peter Kowalchuk and Dona Laurita
In his mural, Speaks paints an abstract collage of vignettes that embodies parts of himself and perceptions of Black culture. “Perspective” affirms Black is human.
A police officer holding a baton scurries across the left side of the mural above a bulging bag full of money. These forces represent the racist capitalist system that polices Black communities and profits off Black culture and knowledge. On the right, Louis Armstrong plays his trumpet. The title characters from “Queen & Slim” lovingly lounge in front of their car. A lone rose grows in between the cracks of the sidewalk in the middle of the mural. The rose symbolizes the artist himself, rising from the concrete to create something beautiful.
Speaks takes a visual approach to his design process, looking at photos that inspire him, placing them in a collage, and sketching from there. The painting process flows smoothly as spray painting comes naturally to the artist.
“Dream State”
Location: KGNU HQ 1720 14th Street Boulder, CO 80302
2023 Fall Mural Series
Photos by Peter Kowalchuk, Tyler Dittlo, and Dona Laurita
Jahna Rae uses a kaleidoscope of colors in her mural “Dream State.” A regal Black person takes center stage. The artist’s use of shadows and abstracted features prevents the viewer from determining the figure's identity, allowing Black Coloradoans to imagine themselves on the wall.
Flora wraps wrap around the figure, representing the natural world and our connection to it. A large yellow circle flanks the composition like the rising sun or a halo around the figure’s head. Colorful abstract designs also surround the figure, forming a necklace and swirling around the figure’s shoulders like a shawl. A single eye stares out from their forehead.
Jahna sought to portray the impact of Black culture in Colorado in her signature abstract style. She sought to break stereotypes about the type of people who live in our state. The artist invites the viewer to connect with and decipher the elements and symbols in her work based on their personal experiences.
The artist seeks to bring people together by revealing our interconnected nature and helping people understand themselves in relation to others. Jahna takes inspiration from poetry, music, spirituality, and the stories of her community.
“Astro”
Location: The Root of the Hill
1121 Broadway Boulder, CO 80302
2023 Fall Mural Series
Photos by Peter Kowalchuk and Dona Laurita
Denver-based artist Marcus Murray takes great inspiration from Afrofuturism. This social, political, and artistic movement imagines a future in which people of African descent play a central role in creating that world. Afrofuturism centers Black history and culture to examine the past, question the present, and imagine an optimistic future.
In “Astro,” Marcus illustrates a young Black astronaut. Set against a cosmic purple background, the woman gazes about with wonder at the stars that surround her. The artist draws inspiration from “Lovecraft Country,” a science fiction book turned TV show. The character Diana Freeman constantly draws her own comic book that features a Black space-faring adventurer.
A large component of Afrofuturism is representation. As a young Black girl, Diana witnessed the racism of the scientific world that denied the contributions of Black people. Her comics reveal an inclusive world that allows someone who looks like her to venture into outer space. Marcus’s mural brings that representation to a larger scale.
“Repollinators”
Location: Resource Central
6400 Arapahoe Rd Suite B Boulder, CO 80303
2023 Community Project in partnership with Resource Central
Photos by Peter Kowalchuk
Read the full interview with David about this project on our blog.
Resource Central’s efforts to divert building materials from landfills through an innovative recycling program inspired Garcia to imagine the effects that this waste would have on the environment if it wasn’t properly recycled. His mural depicts a slew of materials, everything and the kitchen sink - ovens, refrigerators, tires, electrical cables, garden hoses, windows, and doors. Intertwined with these materials are a selection of pollinators like bats and bees, carrying the waste like they carry pollen from flower to flower, plant to plant. Pollination is an essential part of plant reproduction, just as recycling is an essential part of maintaining a healthy natural environment.
Over the course of the project, Garcia ruminated over the prefix “re,” meaning again or repeat. Resource Central recycles and repurposes materials. Pollinators return to plants again and again during pollination, helping to preserve and restore habitats. Even Garcia’s mural participates in a recycling process, both giving and receiving energy from viewers as they engage with the work and reflecting his belief that art is a manifestation of energy. Repollinators illustrates these important processes.
The sculptor and painter was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He is a self-taught artist heavily influenced by his family and Mexican and Native American heritage. He aims to create representation for the Latinx community within the art world. In 2007, he completed his first public art project Huitzilopotchli, which was recently restored. Garcia developed his personal style of abstract imaginism, which combines the spontaneity of abstraction with the creativity and perceptions of his own imagination. His style is reflected in his use of vibrant colors and fantastical imagery.
Wild West Saloon Scene
Location: Morrison Alley behind R Gallery
1141 Pearl St Boulder, CO 80302
2023 Summer Mural Series
Photos by Will Barker, Tyler Dittlo, and Peter Kowalchuk
Check out Will Barker's mural from our 2023 Summer Mural Series! He powered through the blazing weather and maneuvered the lift through this narrow, uneven alleyway to produce his first mural in Boulder.
Will is inspired by his own romanticized vision of the Wild West. He sought to connect his Western inspirations with our theme of community and collective healing in this project.
His mural features three characters coming together to play cards in the classically Western setting of the saloon. Each character dons Western garb including cowboy hats, tasseled jackets and pants, chaps, handkerchiefs, and boots. These folks come from diverse backgrounds, races, genders, etc., gathering together in community.
Will took inspiration from Victorian wallpaper to create the background. He uses bright blues and pinks to contrast the floral wallpaper with the brick wall. Will paints an optical illusion for viewers by peeling a layer of the wallpaper back. The characters also break out from the black frame surrounding the image, pushing out into our three-dimensional world.
“Tune in—- + RECEIVE...”
Location: 1701 Pearl St Boulder, CO 80302 (near the alley on 17th)
2023 Summer Mural Series
Work-in-progress photos by Tyler Dittlo
Final photos by Danielle DeRoberts
Artist Statement:
"In my art practice - there is a constant, yet subtle, informing through creation- whether I’m aware of this or not— a vessel - opening "a way through" which then informs the viewer--as an impulse - a reminder of the deepest truths, of not only my personal existence, but as a collective.
These wild visions can act through oneself – as a conduit, signal of sorts. Channeling the creation while illuminating a hidden message.
The intention within this mural is to shine light on brain coherence/ brain health- with awareness of the pineal gland + its energy. As the brain is deeply connected to our hearts- the frequency of energy transmitted within our hearts to our brains radiates that energy outward to the physical world—mind body connection... for all to feel + receive. A healing activation antenna— What if we all knew we held the power to heal ourselves + each other*** Create harmony in balance into an intimate collective vision.
The gift of meditation– to create personal heart + brain coherence in one's own life, to forge social coherence—harmonies reflected within those around us. To invite all to share in this daily practice on a larger scale, become global coherence that can enrich communities. A divine symmetry... connection with the earth + each other. We can synchronize the heart + brain + breath– to bring about this transformation.
Move into a state of Being– within the environment– in presence– communicate with your heart, body, mind + Soul + others– Knowing we are all able to install this neurological hardware—- Our intuition is in tune to the highest degree. *Tune in + RECEIVE*
We are here in compassion for one another- to elevate- care for- share- collaborate— feel into our expressive selves—as restorative order begins to happen. Our Souls can speak to us in infinite ways– “in love, in coherence”- As one- we are the cure to wholeness + our Souls expansion. Believing is seeing - xoxonerary~"
“Love Notes”
Location: Creature Comforts Cafe
1647 Pearl St Boulder, CO 80302
2023 Summer Mural Series
Photos by Tyler Dittlo
We are in love with Moe Gram's updated mural for Creature Comforts! Moe refreshed this mural during our 2023 Summer Mural Series celebrating community and collective healing.
The artist initially painted this mural for our 2021 Street Wise Boulder Mural Festival. Moe's original mural was part of a series of empathy walls. This particular wall used the phrase "Make Space" to encourage viewers to consider all the many ways we make space. It's important to make space for how we or others in our community feel.
The original message of the mural resonated with Jess Liu, the owner of Creature Comforts.
"The fact Moe painted an entire mural dedicated to the phrase “make space,” beckoning people to reflect on how they can make (emotional) space for themselves and others on the building in which I was making a (physical) space, felt like the most beautiful universal coincidence," she says.
Moe's mural inspired Jess to refrain from painting the exterior of the building white and instead update the mural after installing larger windows, garage doors, and patio entrance. She wanted the refreshed mural to complement the interior vibes of the cafe. Jess and Moe bonded over their love of color, the importance of play, and curating discoverable moments and experiences for people.
Viewers will find "love notes" throughout the new mural, a key theme that Jess requested. She loves discovering or stumbling across notes on sidewalks, walls, etc. and values how they invite pause and reflection.
Moe peppers these love notes throughout the colorful mural, creating an eye-catching wall that invokes the community with the positive energy and impact that Creature Comforts hopes to bring.
“Healing Garland”
Location: 1966 13th Street Boulder, CO 80302
2023 Summer Mural Series
Photos by Tyler Dittlo and Peter Kowalchuk
Grow Love is a master spray paint artist and often paints flowers. Inspired by the iconography of Dutch and Flemish Renaissance paintings, she dives deep into the symbolism and iconography of floral bouquets with this mural.
We often offer care and love to friends and family experiencing hardship through the gift of flowers. In her mural, Grow Love paints flowers connected with the theme of community healing. She features the flora native to the state of Colorado.
Irises symbolize wisdom and truth; white and pink peonies represent innocence and purity (samurai grew peonies as a sign of bravery and honor); tulips are associated with deep love; wheat represents the staff of life, bounty, resurrection, fertility, and nourishment; and grapes symbolize prosperity and abundance.
Grow Love also adds pink roses and peaches, which are lovingly grown by local community members. Blue ribbons representing the faith and hope of the community loosely wrap around the mural. The festoon of blooms, plants, and fruits weaves together a prayer of hope, love, strength, and connection.
Thank you Grow Love for this beautiful gift to the community of Boulder!
“Take Up Space”
Location: 2028 14th St. Boulder, CO 80302 (alleyway behind the Boulder Theatre and Pedestrian Shops)
2023 Summer Mural Series
Photos by Peter Kowalchuck
We're proud to share the finished murals from our 2023 Summer Mural Series starting with this mural by Latasha Dunston! Our latest series of murals focused on the theme of Community and Collective Healing.
Latasha's mural "Take Up Space" reminds those who feel othered to always show up as their authentic selves. The artist often works with affinity groups like Brown Girls Climb @browngirlsclimb that encourage minority groups to get outside and feel comfortable in outdoor recreation spaces. She wanted to offer a positive affirmation and reminder to hold your head high wherever you find yourself.
Her mural forms a triptych across three utility boxes, transforming an everyday object on our streets into something spectacular. Latasha works primarily as an illustrator. (She even received her BFA in scientific and medical illustration!) She loves the outdoors and takes inspiration from nature, often drawing plants. Latasha fills the background of the mural with illustrations of various foliage. The reds and purples of her lettering pop against the greens of the verdant background.
This mural took 13 hours for Latasha to complete!
Austin Zucchini-Fowler
“Green Harmony”
Fall 2022
A mural commissioned by Unico Properties, Pedestrian Shops and the Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives. The intention of this mural is to celebrate renewable energy and create an immersive art installation to revitalize this important pedestrian alley.
Zucchini-Fowler describes the two walls that make up the alleyway mural: “As you're walking on Pearl Street you will be invited into the alley by a Gaia figure [on the first wall] that represents ‘Going Green.’ She is painted in blue and green tones and is holding a turbine windmill. Instead of your typical turbines, they have been replaced with flower petals. I wanted to show the beauty of wind energy and its natural connection to the earth.
The second wall represents sustainable connections. Sustainable energy is all about harmony with the earth. On this wall, I wanted to convey that harmony with two hands coming together. On one side solar and earth energy is represented and on the other side, hydro water energy is represented. Behind the two hands coming together, I wanted to paint the essence of energy through color.”
The annual mural festival was organized by Street Wise Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to create mural projects and promote art education. Unico Properties was a proud sponsor of the 2022 festival.
Danielle SeeWalker “What Once Was”
JayCee Beyale “Portrait of Chief Niwot”
Brent Learned “Sand Creek Massacre”
George Curtis Levi “Arapahoe Family”
A series of four murals commissioned by Niwot property owners, Alex Chlebek and Biff Warren with support from the local Niwot Improvement District. The hope was that the murals would celebrate the history of Niwot as well as the natural landscapes, flora and fauna of the local area. Street Wise Arts presented four indigenous artists to create unique murals that spoke to the history of indigenous peoples of the area, including the Sand Creek Massacre, depictions of traditional life on the plains, an interpretive portrait of Chief Niwot.
2022
“The Worst Crew”
Fall 2022
Jaime Molina & Pedro Barrios created this mural commissioned by the Boulder Friends School to represent the values and mission of the school community including elements that reflect the soul of the school and students.
Boulder Housing Partners: Woodlands Community Room Interior Mural with Danielle DeRoberts (Onerary)
“Empowering Women Transforms Communities”.
About the Community
Woodlands is located at 2685 Mapleton in Central Boulder one block from the 28th Street corridor. This complex offers a unique opportunity for people who want to better themselves while living in a positive and supportive community. The 35-unit complex operates in partnership with Boulder County's Family Self-Sufficiency program. This community offers many advantages to residents, and residents' active participation is encouraged. There is a Head Start facility on the property that offers Toddler and Preschool classes. The residents are encouraged to actively participate in the community. Family Self-Sufficiency maintains offices on site. FSS has helped residents complete advanced job training, graduate from college and move on to become homeowners. Woodlands has so many single moms trying to better their lives and their families’
This mural was commissioned by Boulder Housing Partners for the Woodlands Community. Artist, Danielle DeRoberts (Onerary), created this interior mural with the intention to inform, as a messenger of emotion, to move into feeling of internal, transformative-- empowerment--- that already exists within-- the feminine nature-- as all you are is NOW - one transformation that continues within to without, without to within, as you shift, so do your surroundings, your communities, + everyone around you.
Design approach- to feel like a magic storybook -my sister and I were raised by a single mother, who’s strength and love outshined from within her Being, she truly embodied this feeling of empowerment. I used a backdrop inspired by a vintage shower curtain from the 1970’s-- that hung in our home my whole youth, up until my mother passed away in 2000.
This curtain became a symbol - an heirloom - I used to see it as the way through, almost like a portal-- with inspiration, magic and mystical energy and I still do. It has been with me this whole journey, as my mothers empowerment became empowerment within me. It is endless and transferred from her to me. Then from me to.
The girl is a symbol of essence - of Source- woven into the environment- who gives back + connects to a natural state of Being - the earth - community - herself- -YOU.
Offering a hand to share this transformation, as it has no limits + continues to expand as long as we tap into it. While letting go of who you were and rising into who you are now. When we empower and support each other as women— this becomes the ultimate way through to transforming communities- we transform together.
Kat Lam, Untitled
Hyland Mather, “Look Beyond”
Elizabeth Maher, “Exploring, Returning”
Lauren Napolitano, Untitled
Tony Zellaha, Untitled
Jennifer Chaparro, “Boulder Strong”
Koko Bayer, “Hope Hearts”
Danielle SeeWalker, “Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotaka (Sitting Bull)”
2019-2021
Partner: Boulder Housing Partners
30Pearl is located in Boulder Junction. It is a 160-acre redevelopment area that is being transformed into a mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented neighborhood with regional transit connections and public spaces that will benefit the entire community.
Boulder Housing Partners committed to integrating public art throughout the entire design of the 30 Pearl development - from the beginning. The results are inspiring and leading the way in modeling public art integrations for mixed-use community development. We are proud to partner with Boulder Housing Partners on this and many other projects.
Fall 2021
Youth Arts at Boulder Prep High School facilitated with Artists Kailey Geary and Kree Thawley
This mural speaks to the global climate crisis and was designed and painted by the students.
Community Street Mural Project 2021
Partners: CDOT CanDo Challenge + City of Boulder Transportation and Mobility + Boulder Arts & Culture
Location: Boulder Meadows, North Boulder
A big component of this work was community engagement with the folks who live in Boulder Meadows. The hope was that the artwork would build community, provide recreation and safe social gathering for the community.
Thank you Anthony Garcia Sr. and thank you to all the community volunteers who helped install this mural with us to complete this mural in one and a half days!
Location: Formally the old Liquor Mart on Canyon Blvd. now at NoBo Art District.
Artist: Danielle DeRoberts (Onerary)
In July 2020 a few Artists were commissioned by Downtown Bouder Partnership through Street Wise Arts to create murals at the old Liquor Mart on Canyon and 15th St. in Boulder.
The concept was to provide the community with uplifting, positive, united... in appreciation... inspiring, murals during the start of the pandemic of 2019.
Onerary's concept:
"Breaking it up... a purification-- A New Earth"
As we move into feeling —- collectively—- turning our awareness inward - through reflection┈┈+ contemplation┈breaking it up... to come together to form a new earth. We are all instruments for action in the world.
“Harmony”
2020
Partners: Boulder Housing Partners Glen Willow Community
The design was inspired by the community of Glen Willow and created to bring strength and vibrancy to a newly renovated housing development that serves multi-generational and multi-racial residents located at 3rd and Pearl in Boulder, CO.
Mural for the NoBo Art District located at 4949 Broadway in the Emerald Warehouses. This mural was commissioned as a “Welcome Mural” for the north entrance into the NoBo Art District.
The mural is supported by the City of Boulder’s Office of Arts & Culture. The artist was selected through an open call and jury process, managed by Street Wise Arts in 2019.
Jarrow Montessori School & Tony Ortega
Youth Programs “The Graduate Legacy Mural”
2021
Dedicated to all teachers around the world who showed courage throughout the global pandemic and left a legacy of compassion.
Painted by the 2020 and 2021 Graduates and Upper Elementary Students at Jarrow Montessori, in collaboration with artist Tony Ortega and the Street Wise Youth Program. With additional inspiration from the Lower Elementary and Kinders Students.
Spring 2019
Created in collaboration with the National Arts Honor students at Boulder High School for And Art Space workshop series: “Art on the Streets”
Financial Sponsor: Open Studios Boulder
2018
Project Partner: the City of Boulder Parks & Rec + Office of Arts & Culture
Boulder Creek Path under Arapahoe.
Photography by Ladd Forde. Video available on youtube.com/streetwisearts
Patrick Kane McGregor
“the Bubble” 2019
Partners: the Downtown Boulder Partnership
Temporary mural designed for pedestrian interaction and engagement.
“Wave Cloud”
2017
Partners: Arts Martin Acres
This mural was created in partnership with Arts Martin Acres, a grassroots neighborhood arts movement directed and driven by volunteers in the Martin Acres neighborhood in Boulder, CO.
Through a community engagement process and grant funding, we organized two muralists to paint on pathway tunnels that run through Martin Acres. The themes identified by the neighborhood were largely in appreciation of the natural beauty that Boulder has and the access that the pathways provide us.
Katherine Rutter was selected for her unique artistic style that incorporates the interplay of nature and animal imagery. Her mural stretched along 70 feet of the Bear Creek Pathway.
Katherine seeks to create ambiguous narratives that “explore notions of transformation, sexuality, beauty, femininity, and tender vulnerability." She uses subtle colors and gentle lines to encourage feelings of warmth and familiarity but juxtaposed against underlying tensions. Her influences include old children’s books, Japanese art (specifically Ukiyo-e and principles of wabi-sabi), Kiki Smith, Henry Darger, early scientific illustrations, and the writings of Annie Dillard and bell hooks.
This project was funded by the City of Boulder Neighborhood Project Grant.
David Polka
2017
Location: Bear Creek Path at Moorhead
Partners: Arts Martin Acres
This mural created by David Polka was commissioned by neighborhood initiative, Arts Martin Acres, and informed by a community engagement process. Appreciation of the land and environment were key elements to inform the design. Funded by a grant from the City of Boulder Neighborhood Enhancement Project.
The Worst Crew
2017
Location: 4th Street Boulder, CO
Partners: Private Residence commission
Goal: To transform the functional yet cold retaining wall along the driveway of a private residence
Partners: Conscience Bay Company
2016
Artists: Rather Severe, Portland, OR
Location: 929 Pearl Street
This mural was commissioned to bring life and movement to a closed off corridor created by neighboring property development.
Sam Parker
2016
Partners: Alfalfa’s Market
Sam drew inspiration from the fauna of Colorado in this brightly colored mural.
Sam Parker was born in 1975, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he spent his formative years learning to draw and paint. He moved to Atlanta Georgia in 1995 to pursue his career as a professional tattooist, a career that he has maintained to this current day. Sam finished his undergraduate degree in 2004 at Kennesaw State University with a BFA in drawing and painting
2016
This project was initiated by our organization in an effort to provide a canvas for an outstanding emerging artist and bring more vibrant art to the pathways of Boulder. This was Anna’s second mural of her art career. Anna is now a highly sought after and successful mural artist based in Denver, CO.
This project was funded and supported by the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation and the Office of Arts and Culture, in an effort to curb graffiti and vandalism which was prevalent at this site near 6th street on the Boulder Creek Path.
Charney is a painter and muralist of abstract pattern works. She received her BFA in painting/drawing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has been living and working back in her hometown of Denver, Colorado since 2016. Her practice includes works on canvas, installation pieces, and indoor/outdoor murals on any scale (both in the private and public sector).
Charney’s optical paintings and murals are characterized by their expansive compositions, graphic dot patterning and dense detail. Through illusionistic deception, dynamic arrangements of detail and corresponding visual rhythms, Charney creates a sensational and immersive experience for the viewers of her paintings and installations. Using acrylic on canvas and aerosol on murals, she describes her illusionistic spaces and bending forms as “digital taffy”.
2016 “I Have a Dream”
The Kalmia neighborhood is part of the section 8 housing community run by Boulder Housing Partners. The community was renovated in 2016. It contains 49 apartments that is home to many families. We we're asked to help create a mural in the new community room that would be a central place for gathering, events, education and other activities.
We commissioned Artist, Anthony Garcia Sr. for the project. Garcia met with some of the neighborhood kids to find out more about what was inspiring for them and what they envisioned for the mural. Anthony took inspiration from the kids who were very excited about space and science and were optimistic about the future. This project was also partially funded by the I Have A Dream Foundation as well as our clients Boulder Housing Partners.
Anthony Garcia Sr. is the founder of Birdseed Collective, a Globeville native, acclaimed studio and street artist, father and community leader.
Jaime Molina & Pedro Barrios
2015
Partners: IMM
Location: Boulder, CO
mural commissioned by Mondo Robot
2016
Commission for the Mondo Robot offices.
5445 Conestoga Ct Suite 200 Boulder, CO 80301
Mando Marie
2015
Location: 13th & Pennsilvania on “the Hill” - north west corner
Partners: City of Boulder Office of Arts & Culture
Mando also painted a door in the new library maker space, BLDG61.
Hollis + Lana
2015
Partners: madelife
Commissioned in support of a solo exhibition by the Artists at madelife
