public art project: verbena park

Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create original public artwork(s) for Verbena Park in the East Colfax neighborhood of Denver. The goal of the project is to commission artwork that enhances the park, celebrates the neighborhood’s rich, international history, as well as invites visitors to gather and relax in the outdoor environment.

Goals, Site, Media & Materials

The selection panel members have set forth specific goals and parameters for this public art project with the hope of creating unique and inspiring works of art for the communities that use Verbena Park.

Goals:

• Artworks should reflect positivity, the park's family-friendly culture and use as a gathering space, along with the neighborhood's rich, international history.
• The panel hopes to see artwork(s) that are culturally relevant and speak to critical conversations of the moment with respect to equity, access, and inclusion.
• Artists are encouraged to consider experiential, interactive, or functional elements for the artwork(s), and specifically encouraged to consider shade and seating.
• The panel welcomes applicants who exemplify the collaborative spirit of the public art process, and are open to working with community stakeholders, the selection panel, and city staff.

Artwork Site

The panel has identified multiple areas as potential sites for public art, near the playground or along the surrounding walking path. Selected finalists will have the opportunity for a site visit and will be able to meet with the art selection panel as well as public art staff to ask specific questions about potential sites.

Media & Materials

The panel is looking for artists who work in mediums suitable for outdoor display. Artworks could be created using diverse media including, but not limited to, mosaics, reliefs, sculpture, etc. Durability and ease of maintenance are also important at these locations.