40 West ArtLine Gets Storied New Experience
Artist Elle Powell brings the story of the ArtLine alive in brand new illustrative map.
If you’re in the know, then you know that the 40 West ArtLine is the BEST way to explore art outside. It’s a dog-walkable, bikeable, playable art gallery located along the iconic West Colfax corridor featuring over 70 works of art.
In 2021, the ArtLine story of community and connection is going even further. Thanks in part to our partnership connection with the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, Artist Elle Powell has created a brand-new map of the ArtLine that will not only help users see and navigate the ArtLine’s 3 major parks, businesses, and community centers, but also tell the story of our corridors incredible community amenity.
We wanted to share the process of how this map came to be, and talk with the artist on what it was like to bring to life this 4.5 mile experience in a singular frame.
Read our interview below:
Pictured: A close-up of Jwlç Mendoza’s Sarape Ground Mural | Credit: Marcy Leisten
Us: Are there any particular elements of the map that you'd like to highlight? Any elements that struck you during your ideation process you'd like to share with us?
Elle: The goal of this map was to create both a way-finding tool and an engaging illustration. This meant striking the right balance between exaggerated proportions and accurate landmark placement within those exaggerated proportions. So it has a sense of leisure and play, but there's also a lot of information there.
While all pieces on the ArtLine are beloved, it wasn't going to work to include every single one on the map. So I created several references to murals throughout the piece, from the abstract ground murals in the lower left corner to people's clothing. The skateboarder at Walker Branch Park, for example, is sporting a shirt with the “Aztec Maze” by Katy Casper on it. The little girl to the right of Mountair Park has a shirt referencing one of Jwlç Mendoza's “Sarape Ground Murals”. In addition to giving a nod to many of the artworks, these "Easter eggs" make for a fun interactive game between the map and the world it represents.
Us: Tell us a little bit about your process and vision for this map. Why did you select, say, the font used in the ArtLine title? What story did you envision for this work?
Elle: I started the project with an open mind, considering different takes on map-making and ways to represent space. I knew the map was going to have a joyful, whimsical vibe and that it would be great to do a super detailed piece bursting with life. The team's vision was really aligned with mine, so the process has been incredibly fun and fulfilling!
I was inspired by the history of the area and my own experiences with it. This locale is so vibrant and full of character, and I was intrigued by what the arts scene has added to the community. Each park and stretch of road has its own stories. Each person has different encounters. Each art piece is different from the next, but adds to the overall journey. Through this map, I wanted to tell many stories and express the past, present and future in some way. We all liked the idea of expansiveness, which is why the mountains and downtown Denver are featured along the borders of the map. Who knows how long the ArtLine will become some day?
All the labels, from the map title to the street names, are hand-lettered. Although there are many wonderful fonts that could have worked, I felt the hand-lettering approach matched the personality of the area better. There are so many hard-working, creative, unique people in this community, so writing everything out manually felt fitting. Legibility and a sense of playfulness were both important to me, so I created rounded, casual letterforms that are large enough to read even at small scales or from a distance.
“Overall, the message I want to convey through the map is this: the 40 West ArtLine is an incredibly unique, accessible, fun and welcoming place to experience art. The community is diverse and dynamic. It's a wonderful setting for a calm stroll, a great meal, a new discovery, or a lively adventure!”
Us: Finally, are there any additional comments you'd like to share about your experience in and around the art district and the 40 West ArtLine now that you've spent more time on it?
Elle: The more I learn about and explore, the more I love both this concept and its execution. I truly believe the ArtLine is life-changing in many ways, not just for those involved in its creation and upkeep, but even for visitors to the area. I love traveling to far away places, yet this is really unlike anything I've experienced elsewhere. It's already an inspiring, beautiful thing, and I think its growth will just continue the path of positivity. The sense of humanity and togetherness the ArtLine brings is truly refreshing and uplifting!
Want to know more about Elle Powell?
“Through art, I get to explore and honor the world around me. I've always been a bit of an idealist and like to find beauty everywhere. My work emphasizes the joys of life, and I hope this translates by sparking vivaciousness in others!” - Elle Powell
You can explore her work by visiting her website: : www.ellepowellart.com and/or to follow along on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ellepowellart
Starting NOW! Check out our new Mini-Tour Guides. Visit www.40westartline.org to see the tours and #ExploreArtOutside with us! This map was made possible via a grant opportunity from the Colorado Tourism Office CRAFT Mentor program.
