ArtLine AARP Grant Kicks Off with a 'Joy Bomb'

It’s a Joy Bomb

An outdoor art parade by The Handsome Little Devils

The 40 West ArtLine has always been about bringing the arts outside to connect community members and patrons to local parks, amenities, and over 70 creative installations located on or near the ArtLine route. And earlier this summer the ArtLine received some major news. Out of over 2,000 submissions, the 40 West ArtLine was one of only 184 projects to receive a national AARP Community Challenge grant. This grant supports 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.

Things kicked off about a week ago on Wednesday September 23rd when artistic group the Handsome Little Devils brought an outdoor art parade called a ‘Joy Bomb’ to residents at Creekside Senior Living Center, Lamar Station Crossing Apartments, and everyone in-between. The Handsome Little Devils describes a Joy Bomb as a “socially-distanced art activation intended to boost morale, encourage social mask-wearing, and help make staying at home a little more enjoyable”. And this particular Joy Bomb went even further, bringing art kits to local residents at both housing complexes. Residents will complete the self-guided art kits, developed by artist Sean Doherty, and return them to be featured as part of a major fence art installation this fall.

Creekside residents and community members witness a bubble of massive proportions.

Delightfully, the AARP grant includes a number of artistic components. The Joy Bomb kicked things off but it’s just the beginning. Residents and patrons can expect to see Sean Doherty’s fence art installation at Colfax Avenue and Pierce up by late October, a free little library installed at Creekside around the same time, and another ground mural located at the intersection of Pierce Street and 17th Avenue. Community engagement and involvement is built into every step of the process, ensuring that individuals of all ages can safely engage with the arts.

40 West Arts and the 40 West ArtLine are grateful for the support of the AARP. This grant will allow for the development of multiple new art installations. See the ArtLine now, and again once the new artwork is installed. This free outdoor recreational and cultural asset is family-friendly and accessible even during Covid-19.