Arts & Beautification Committee Projects Funded by the $25,000 Grant
The Arts & Beautification Committee has made significant strides in its mission to enhance the urban landscape and engage the community. With a generous $25,000 Dynamic Downtown Denver Grant received from the city earlier this year, UpDoNA has been able to fund two pivotal projects aimed at beautifying the neighborhood and providing cultural and educational opportunities.
Cherry Creek Path Mural
One of the major projects brought to life with this grant is the Cherry Creek Path mural. This vibrant artwork, situated along the access path between Stout and Colfax, is the creative endeavor of local emerging artists, Sarah Iverson (Instagram: @chiefchillybeans) and Conner Choi (Instagram: @connerchoi). The mural starts halfway down the ramp and extends to the end of the access path, continuing onto the wall facing the pedestrian trail.
The project has garnered much community interest. We are hoping to formally dedicate the piece after its completion. More details to come! We encourage you to take a walk over to the path and check it out. The picture shows the mural’s progress as of October 16.
Sister Cities Sign
In collaboration with the Sister Cities of Denver organization, another significant achievement funded by the grant is the creation of a Sister Cities sign. This sign proudly features Denver’s sister cities and was unveiled during the MyDenver Day event on October 8, coinciding with the opening of another block of the renovated 16th Street Mall. UpDoNA and Sister Cities teamed up for a Global Unity Block Party as part of MyDenver Day. The unveiling was a festive occasion attended by many community members, with Mayor Johnston delivering an inspiring address. The sign, captured in these photos, is was crafted by Dan Ericson (The Signtologist) and Mike Graves. It stands as a symbol of Denver’s global connections and cultural exchange. Once the 16th Street Mall Project is complete, the Denver Downtown Partnership will be finding a permanent home for the sign along the Upper Downtown section of the mall.
Did you know that Denver has 10 sister cities and a dedicated park to each city?
- Axum, Ethiopia (City of Axum Park is at MLK Blvd. and Birch St.)
- Brest, France (City of Brest Park is at Cherry Creek Dr. South and Colorado Blvd.)
- Chennai, India (City of Chennai Park is east of S. Monaco Pkwy, at Quebec St. and Iowa St.)
- Cuernavaca, Mexico (City of Cuernavaca Park is at corner of 20th St. and Platte St.)
- Karmiel, Israel (City of Karmiel Park is at Alameda Ave. and Steele St.)
- Kunming, China (City of Kunming Park is at Sherman St. and Harvard Ave., across from Harvard Gulch Park)
- Nairobi, Kenya (City of Nairobi Park is at 35th Ave. and Cook St.)
- Potenza, Italy (City of Potenze Park is at Cherry Creek Dr. South and Mississippi Ave.)
- Takayama, Japan (City of Takayama Park is at Cherry Creek Dr. North and Colorado Blvd.)
- Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (City of Ulaanbaatar Park is at Syracuse St. and Trenton Ct.)
We Have More Work To Do
These projects, made possible by the $25,000 grant, exemplify UpDoNA’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. As these initiatives progress, UpDoNA continues to seek additional funding and community support to sustain and expand its efforts in making the neighborhood more beautiful, vibrant, and sustainable. We welcome fundraising ideas from community members, as we brainstorm avenues for funding our vision.
For more information and updates on these projects, please stay tuned to UpDoNA’s announcements and join us in celebrating these artistic and cultural milestones.
Arts & Beautification Committee Thumbnail – Jackie Bunce
