When people are busy in their day-to-day lives, they often lose sight of the enjoyable and indulgent parts of living. To bring more color, life, and inspiration to their citizens, many cities offer public art installations to bring art to the public. Appreciating art isn’t reserved only for art museums and exhibits. Art is a part of life and one of the greatest forms of creative expression.
Knowing where these pieces are, spending a day admiring them, or even just passing through and pointing out public art installations to your child might inspire the next muralist or sculptor. Here is our list of the top places to find art installations in Centennial, CO.
Traffic Box Art Wrap
Image by David Wilson is licensed with CC BY 2.0
Traffic Box Art Wrap began as a pilot program implemented in 2021 aimed at enhancing community character and celebrating all that is unique about lovely Centennial. The city seized the opportunity during the 20-year celebration to marry art and history together in a novel way. The pilot program provided individually designed vinyl murals to be printed and installed on about 20 of the nearly 90 traffic control boxes around the city. The colorful and attractive art boxes add to the charm of the city, prevent graffiti, and create a sense of place that our citizens can identify with. You can find some of the designs at the following intersections:
- Arapahoe and Race.
- Arapahoe and Colorado.
- Arapahoe and Holly .
- Arapahoe and Quebec.
- Dry Creek and Eudora.
- Dry Creek and Franklin.
- Briarwood and Potomac.
- Orchard and Ida.
- Smoky Hill and Tower.
- Yosemite and County Line Shops.
Rainbow Reef Mural
While Greeley’s Family FunPlex is a wonderful destination to treat the family to a day out, one of the greatest things about a visit here is the Rainbow Reef Mural. Created by northern Colorado artist Julia Williams, the colorful oceanscape celebrates the vivacity of ocean life and our community. The core of the FunPlex is captured in vibrant colors, skill, and energetic artwork. While you’re there, also venture outside and see the “Welcome Bear” by artists Sam and Debbie Van Dyken. Installed in 2005, this metal sculpture lends a quaint and charming appeal.
The Family FunPlex also features a sprawling indoor pool, lazy river, gym, and miniature golf course. Check the website for details, and be sure to visit this innovative and creative mural.
- Location: 1501 56th Ave., Greeley.
- Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
- Contact: 970-350-9401.
Sculpted Trees
Since 2014, the city has sponsored a movement that has “planted” over 31 standing sculptures referred to as “trees.” The sculptures stand proudly along the corridor connecting downtown Greeley with the University of Northern Colorado. The stretch makes for an interesting and eye-catching walk where you can appreciate both the wonderful Centennial weather and the artful pieces. Most recently, in 2022, two new sculptures were added. The art installation, known as Uptown Trees Grove, now features “Woven Nature” by Kiki Goti and “Hues of Colorado” by artists Ana Marie Botero and Juan Bothe-Botero.
Monfort Park
Monfort Park is a great place in Colorado where families regularly congregate to enjoy the outside weather, play games, and relax after a busy week. However, if you’re looking to do some leisurely walking and enjoy some art outdoors, this is also a great place to visit. Have the kids take a picture next to “Wanna Play,” a bronze sculpture by artist Georgene McGonagle. The piece was installed in 1999 and is reminiscent of times past.
Then stroll over to the “Monfort Park Balls.” These concrete sculptures are painted to look like a soccer ball and a football. Have your child pretend to kick a goal and frame it for your living room summer decor.
- Location: 2122 50th Ave., Greeley.
- Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
- Contact: 970-350-9390.
Alleyway Artwork
Take a walking tour of Centennial and enjoy the installation “Alleyway Art.” As part of the revitalization process, several local artists have been commissioned to create interesting wall murals celebrating the community’s history and culture. While you can drive around town to see many of these pieces, a walk through the streets of Centennial is a wonderful way to spend a relaxing spring or summer evening with the kids. You’ll find these awesome and inventive murals mostly between Eighth and Ninth avenues. Don’t miss the following pieces:
- A red vehicle painted on wood by artist Alex Carmona.
- A couple dancing painted on wood by Susan Nelson.
- A vignette of people singing painted on brick by Felicia Bower.
- A celebration of music painted on brick by Wes Bruce.
So there you have it. Crème de la Crème of Lone Tree has just shared with you our list of the top places to find art installations in and around Centennial, Colorado. These will be refreshing and inspirational for you and your family. Your child might even be moved to create their own piece of art for you and your home. What do you think of our list? Did we mention an art piece or place you may find interesting? Is there something you know your child would love to see?
While you decide on your next piece of artistic inspiration, consider Crème de la Crème of Lone Tree for your family’s child care needs. We have options for daily care, holiday care, and even summer camp. We have enriching classes and activities to help your child learn creative expression. Our art studio, STEAM Lab, and culinary arts program are just a few of the options available to children enrolled in our care program.
To set up an appointment to see our state-of-the-art facility and outdoor Nature’s Garden, call our friendly staff at 303-625-6837. We are excited to share with you all the growing experiences and learning opportunities that await your child here at Crème de la Crème of Lone Tree.