Take a unique artistic journey during Denver Arts Week (Nov. 3 – 11, 2023) as we celebrate the vibrant arts and culture scene. This exceptional celebration is an invitation to explore art in unexpected places – such as the art that flourishes along the 71-mile High Line Canal.
The Gallery Without Walls
The High Line Canal is an unconventional gallery where nature is the perfect muse for artistic ingenuity. From striking murals to sculptures and wood carvings, the trail calls art enthusiasts to enjoy the creativity that is harmoniously interwoven with the natural beauty of the region. Here is some of the art you can enjoy as you explore the Canal corridor:
- Mile 27: Curtis Center for the Arts
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- A quarter mile east of the Canal on Orchard Road toward University Boulevard, visit Curtis Center for the Arts. Housed in a charming 100-year-old red-brick schoolhouse, the center is open six days a week and features free community and cultural art exhibits. Learn more. (Photo from City of Greenwood Village).
- Mile 29: Ceramic Birds
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- The artist of these birds is unknown, but they bring joy to trail users who pass and spot them in the tree.
- Mile 37: We Are Future Strata
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- Artist Michael Buckley brings us “We Are Future Strata” at the Hampden & Colorado underpass. As you walk, pedal and stroll the High Line Canal trail, you will pass a cluster of three 50,000-pound granite boulders that are painted with brightly colored stripes depicting strata. “We Are Future Strata” symbolizes a post-human future where the man-made environment has become strata in stone. Comparing a geologic time scale with a human time scale reminds us of the temporary nature of existence.
- Mile 38: High Line Sunrise
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- Father and son team Jay and Jerry Jaramillo created this mural. They incorporated images of animals found along the Canal trail, as well as trees and flowers native to Colorado and the High Line Canal. Images of nature from the red rock formations of the foothills to the eastern plains to an iconic Colorado mountain peak welcome pedestrians and bicyclists to travel through the tunnel under I-25. Learn more.
- Miles 39, 41 & 42: Wood Carvings
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- Artist Chainsaw Mama (Faye Braaten) has carved cottonwoods into beautiful art pieces. At Mile 39 you can find the Cottonwood Critters.
- Mile 51: Aurora Akimbo
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- Artist David Griggs created a sculpture inspired by Expo Park’s recreational function. It features three monumental elements depicting a cartwheeling “A” encircled by a playful hoop shape. The abstracted “A” pays tribute to Aurora, Aspiration and Achievement. Learn more.
- Mile 54: High Line Times
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- Douwe Blumberg created the art on the pedestrian bridge that joins the trail with the neighborhood. You’ll see three pieces of artwork that depict the growth of Aurora. First, you’ll cross under a set of clouds. Next, notice the two brass murals on each side of the bridge. One is of the founding and building of Aurora, and the other is of present-day Aurora.
- Miles 58-59: Wild Suburban Medicine
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- Katy Capser is an artist and regenerative gardener. Her mission is to cultivate joy and vitality by connecting people to each other and to the land where we live, work and play. This project is about utilizing art to connect people who use the High Line Canal trail to two of the native plant species that can be found along its edges and that have medicinal properties. Many of the indigenous tribes who lived on this land used the native plants for healing and wellness. Learn more.
A Fusion of Art and Nature
Art along the Canal is a fusion of art and nature. It’s a focus for the Conservancy to see how we can enhance the trail but not interfere with the natural scenery. We love to see the trail be a reflection of the community where local artists and creatives weave their narratives into the fabric of the trail, converging art and nature.
Join us during Denver Arts Week – or any other time of the year, to embrace art in the wild, explore, appreciate and revel in the unique 71-mile High Line Canal.
