See murals, ground murals, wheat pastes and more!

Public art is vital to the health and vibrancy of any community. It invigorates outdoor spaces, creates a sense of place, fosters community pride and enhances quality of life. In 2020, 40 West Arts, like many arts organizations nationally, has reduced or postponed much of its in-person programming. But the district is still busy executing a number of new public art installations. There’s still plenty to do and see in 40 West Arts. Check out these new amazing public art pieces below and then head to the district to see them in person.

Wheat Paste Project by artist Charlotte Bassin

During 40 West Arts’ 2019 fundraising gala one of the hot items up for bid was a ‘Wheat Paste Tutorial’ and exhibition. Artist and 40 West Studio member Charlotte Bassin had the winning bid and thus, a new temporary art installation along the 40 West ArtLine was born. Wheat pasting is the art of making a liquid adhesive out of flour, water and a little bit of sugar. Used since antiquity, wheat pasting allows to you paste a poster, print, or other paper on the side of almost any wall. It’s fun, cheap and easy to do but be sure to check out Charlotte’s work soon, wheat pastes last for about six months though some of our artists swear they’ve seen them for two years or more.

Thanks to Reed Art & Imaging for leading this project and Columbine Paper for providing the wall.

Ground Murals along the 40 West ArtLine by artist Jwlc Mendoza

The 40 West ArtLine is a four-mile walkable, bike-able free outdoor art gallery. Alongside semi-permanent sculpture and mural installations there’s also tons of artwork that is intended to last only a few years. Three ground mural locations in particular were in need of an update… and rather than just painting over the area with primer, the ArtLine art selection committee decided to commission three new works by one artist to cover the old designs.

Artist Jwlc Mendoza rose to the top of the list with his proposal. In his own words this concept “takes the idea of a Zarape, which is a shawl or a blanket which is very representative of Latin America culture and adds a shadow underneath, to make them look like they are floating. This will be great for sitting or standing on it and taking a picture to make viewers look like they’re on top of a floating carpet.” One ground mural is already complete with two more to come. Visitors can find these ground murals at (a) W Line Bike Path, just east of Harlan Street (b) 5910 W 14th Avenue and (c) Harlan Street sidewalk, east side, just south of 5900 W Colfax.

Wall Mural at DS Environmental by 40 west studios artist Charlotte Bassin

Over 40 artists submitted to a recent open call for a large-scale mural project at 7555 W 10th Avenue. 40 West Studios Artist Charlotte Bassin was selected by the building owners and recently finalized the mural. 40 West Arts is grateful to its partner DS Environmental, who financially and logistically supported this project.

40 West Arts executive director Liz Black stated enthusiastically when asked about the partnership, “It’s incredible when a private entity recognizes the importance of public art and is able to contribute to a project. It makes our funding go much further and brings together support from all sides in recognition of what the arts do to transform a community.” Thanks to Andrea and Brandon Sinkbeil for their contribution to the community and for the hard work of choosing the final design.

Fence Art and Little Library Through AARP Grant

Recently the AARP Community Challenge grant awarded to the City of Lakewood for the 40 West ArtLine, one of only 184 given to more than 2,000 applicants from across the country. These grants support quick-action projects that help communities make immediate improvements and sustain long-term progress for residents of all ages. Only four grants were awarded in Colorado.

The $9,000 grant will fund artists to work with the community this fall to enhance the ArtLine’s positive impact in northeast Lakewood.

Handsome Little Devils will bring a Project Joy Bomb, a socially distanced art-based parade of sorts, to the seniors living at the Residences at Creekside and the families and youth who call Lamar Station Crossing home. The carnival-like event will deliver artist Sean Doherty’s paint by number art kits that residents will complete for display on Pierce Street along the ArtLine. Artists will also design and install the first Little Free Library along the ArtLine, which is a four-mile walking and biking art experience connecting people and places in the heart of the 40 West Arts creative district along Lakewood’s historic West Colfax Avenue. Residents will also share their stories about living through the pandemic, and the artwork and stories will be shared online.