Douglas County is currently serving as an expansive canvas for a host of sculptures, and art pieces from both local and national artists that have found temporary homes in various public spaces across regions like Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch. According to Douglas County, this outdoor exhibition is part of the Art Encounters program, and the initiative has been placing art in the heart of the community since 2007.
The 2024-2025 Art Encounters collection is strategically installed to not only grab the attention of those who happen to pass by but also to actively encourage residents and visitors to engage with the arts. So, if you find yourself wandering through Lone Tree or Parker, it might be hard not to stumble upon these intriguing pieces. The aim appears to be twofold, both to allow artists to widely showcase their talents and to cultivate a deep-seated sense of local pride, a clever tactic, indeed.
Now, when it comes to public art, don't think you'll just be a bystander. You've got the power to voice your preference by hitting their webpage and voting for your favorite sculpture as part of the People's Choice Award, mark your calendars, the deadline is January 31, 2025. This interactive layer adds a more personal connection between the public and the artwork, bridging the gap between observer and critic.
Launched by the Douglas County Cultural Council back in the golden pre-smartphone era of 2007, Art Encounters seems to quite effectively utilize sculptures to spark interest in the arts across Roxborough and its neighboring towns. Program funding has been sourced in part from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District and the Philip S. Miller Trust, ensuring these striking pieces can be encountered by all, free of charge. So go ahead, and take a creative detour next time you're out and about, you might just find yourself appreciating the local scene in a completely new dimension.