Art in Public Places – Celebrating 30 Years in 2025#
Apply to Paint a Transformer Cabinet Mural, Deadline April 29#
Aerica Raven Van Dorn paints her 2023 Transformer Cabinet Mural
The City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places (APP) Program seeks to commission multiple artists/teams to work with the APP Project Team to develop concepts for murals to be painted on transformer cabinets located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The murals are intended to help mitigate graffiti, as well as create artful objects within the public sites. The APP Program will select artists/teams for multiple locations. Artists/teams will be selected based on their qualifications/application materials.
The Art in Public Places Program also seeks to commission multiple artists/teams to work with the APP Project Team on the Neighborhood Transformer Cabinet Mural Project. The artist/teams will engage members of a Fort Collins neighborhood selected by the Project Team to develop a visual concept for the mural to be painted on a transformer cabinet located the neighborhood. Neighborhood residents may also be invited to assist in painting the mural. Artists will receive $500 for community engagement work in addition to compensation for the mural. Artists who select the Neighborhood option will also be considered for a Transformer Cabinet Mural, but if selected, will be assigned only one or the other.
These projects are open to all artists/ teams that reside or have a current studio space within the Growth Management Area of Fort Collins, Colorado. Deadline: April 29, 2025 by 5:00 p.m.
Questions About Applying?#
If you are interested in painting a Transformer Cabinet Mural in 2025, come to our informational session to learn more about the process.
Virtual Presentation and Q&A
Tuesday, April 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Register Here
This session includes a presentation about the application and review process. Program staff will answer questions at the end of the session.
Have Questions? Contact Libby Colbert at lcolbert@fcgov.com.
In Progress: Sunset Over Horsetooth#
Amelia Caruso paints in Tenney Court
In 2006, artist Amelia Caruso painted a series of six transformer cabinets in Tenney Court as the Transformer Cabinet Mural Program’s inaugural cabinet murals.
One of the cabinets at this Tenney Ct. Alley site was recently removed and replaced with a larger, blank cabinet. Amelia Caruso is currently painting Sunset Over Horsetooth on this new cabinet to replace the original mural at this site.
Art Coming to the Oak Street Stormwater Improvements Project#
Mark Aeling with his sculpture Acumen at the Northern Colorado Law Enforcement Training Center.
As part of the Oak Street Stormwater Improvements Project, we are working with Saint Petersburg, FL, artist Mark Aeling to incorporate art into the project. Check back for updates about his designs.
Nationally recognized sculptor Mark Aeling received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Sculpture from Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Shortly after earning his MFA, he opened MGA Sculpture Studio (now located in Saint Petersburg, Florida). The studio has focused on representational and abstract figurative work as well as architectural ornament and restoration. Mark has a fascination with process and materials. He engages with clients around the country and thrives on the creative problem solving of sculpture utilizing the challenges to constantly expand the parameters of his work.
My Fort Collins Brings Art to Transfort#
The artwork of Allison Ramirez, located at Harmony & Starflower on Route 19.
The intent of this project is to share artists’ unique Fort Collins story with the community.
Keep an eye out for artwork Transfort bus shelters and on buses.
New Storm Drain Mural Project#
Jessica Crouch's design is shown here. Her mural is located on the west side of Ziegler Road, across from Twin Silo Park.
A partnership with the Stormwater Utility to paint temporary murals on storm drains located throughout the City. The intent of this project is to educate the public regarding the land/water connection to help maintain water quality in local streams and protect our local watershed.
Pianos About Town#
Pianos About Town is a collaborative effort between the Fort Collins Art in Public Places Program and community partners Bohemian Foundation and the Downtown Development Authority. This exciting project brings together visual art and music for the public to enjoy. For updates and to share your photos and videos of the pianos in action, please visit us on Facebook.
Help us care for the pianos! If you enjoy playing the pianos, help us protect them by closing the keyboard cover after each use and using the attached tarp to cover the piano in times of bad weather and overnight—Thank you!
Transformer Cabinet Murals#
The Transformer Cabinet Mural Project was started in 2004 as a collaboration between the City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places Program and Utilities Light and Power. Serving as a graffiti abatement program, the murals help lower maintenance costs while adding bright colorful art in unexpected places. The program also helps keep the investment local by utilizing local artists and non-profit groups to paint the cabinets.
