North Boulder is about to see its streetscape bloom with new public art installations, set to infuse the area with a splash of color and creativity. To enhance the community, the City of Boulder's Community Vitality Department has commissioned local artist Sharon Dowell to design pieces for two bus shelters on North Broadway Ave. These installations are not just decorative, but they are also a tribute to the flourishing arts scene in North Boulder.
The artwork, titled "Unfolding," draws from the natural beauty of Colorado, featuring abstract motifs that hint at butterfly wings and milkweed. As stated by the City of Boulder, these pieces mark the gateway to the NoBo Art District and are set to be revealed this September. Announcing entry into this creative enclave, the colorful shelters represent not only an investment in public art but also in the community's identity.
Leah Brenner Clack, the Executive Director of the NoBo Art District, expressed enthusiasm over the new installations, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Dowell’s colorful creations into North Boulder.” According to the City of Boulder, the intent behind these works is to mirror the vibrancy of this neighborhood, a hub for creatives and community members who bring life and recreation to this part of the city.
The community is invited to a special dedication ceremony for the artwork, which will include the chance to engage with Sharon Dowell directly. Slated for the evening of Sept. 17, from 6 - 7 p.m., at the bridge near the new North Boulder Public Library, event-goers can meet the artist responsible for these bright additions to their daily commute. The funding for "Unfolding" was made possible by the city's Percent for Art Policy, dedicating one percent of construction budgets for new public works towards commissioning artwork, a policy reflecting Boulder's commitment to cultural development.
