The 40 West ArtLine hashtag is #exploreartoutside.

In 2020 this concept takes on a new meaning as folks seek out creative spaces where they can connect with others while staying six (or more) feet apart. Enter the ArtLine. This amenity has always been about the intersection of art, community and getting outdoors. A $100,000 National Endowment of the Arts grant alongside contributions from the City of Lakewood and the Lakewood-West Colfax Business Improvement District started the journey to connect art to outdoor spaces while transforming the corridor.

In 2020 the movement continues with new creative projects and a freshly-painted green line. In fact, there are multiple reasons to visit the ArtLine if you’ve never seen it or haven’t been by in a while. And while one major motivation this year is finding a space that’s social distance friendly, below are five more reasons in 2020 to walk or bike the line.

The green line is easy to find

The freshly-painted green line now extends to the Edgewater Civic Center and library! We’re working on adding beautiful art to the line and are excited to extend our 4 miles out farther. For now, enjoy the line by grabbing a book and exploring Walker Branch Park.

We’re also proud that there is no start or finish line! You can hop on and hop off at any time. Stay tuned on our Facebook page or follow us on twitter to see our recommendations for spots to start or our favorite things to do along the line — wherever you find yourself.

new murals all summer long

Three new ground murals are coming to the ArtLine later this summer! We just closed calls for mural entries and are looking forward to seeing new installations at:

• 910 14th Avenue,

• Harlan & Colfax, and

• along the W Line Light Rail bike path in front of Mountair Community Farm

One artist or artist team will be selected to paint all three locations, giving the murals a continuity in design. We’re hoping to complete the project shortly, so stay tuned for updates. In the meantime… if you haven’t heard or seen Wild Urban Medicine at Lamar Station Apartments, learn more about that here.

Also find new murals close to the heart of the district at O’Tooles Garden Center by artist Tom Ward and at the Vance St. Hub at Solstice Ink!

Art Along Pierce Street Is Getting A Refresh

Pierce Street is getting a new fence art installation. We’ve loved the Ladies Fancywork Society fence art at Pierce and Colfax (proximal to the West-facing wall of the ARC) but it’s time for a refresh. New artwork is coming soon including a little free library. Stay tuned for more details. (Mural by Birdcap in the area where the new fence art installation will be).

wheat pasting project coming soon

A new wheat paste installation is going up at Columbine Paper Company on 1300 Lamar. In the coming weeks you’ll see this amazing work by 40 West Studios Artist Charlotte Bassin super-sized. Special thank you to Reed Art & Imaging for all of their help and assistance in moving this project forward.

find time for wild urban medicine

And if you haven’t seen an entire block of new murals on Lamar Street between Colfax and 14th Avenue then you must be driving with your eyes closed! Artist Katy Casper and her team have been working tirelessly to transform Lamar Station Apartments at 1450 Lamar Street. Thanks to Riverpoint Partners for making this project a reality. Image by Uno Media & Entertainment @uno.media.ent