Art in Public Places – Celebrating 30 Years in 2025#
Paint a Pianos About Town Mural, Deadline February 19#
Emily Ku paints a piano in 2024
Art in Public Places, in cooperation with community partners Bohemian Foundation and Downtown Development Authority, seek to involve local artists/teams by commissioning them to work with the Pianos About Town Project team to paint murals or otherwise artistically decorate working pianos. The artists will be required to work on the piano in Old Town or other APP determined location in Fort Collins. The intent of this project is to create the attraction of an artist working on site and to place decorated pianos around the Fort Collins area. The artists/teams are required to develop and submit a visual concept for the mural to be painted and/or decoration to be added to a functioning piano. The Selection Committee will select multiple artists for this project. Selected artists will receive a $1,000 honorarium. Deadline: February 19, 2025 by 5:00 pm.
Questions About Applying?#
Come to our informational sessions to learn more about the process.
Virtual Presentation and Q&A
Jan. 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Register for the Webinar
This virtual session will include a presentation at 6:30 p.m. about the application and review process. Program staff will be available to answer questions at the end of the session.
One-On-One Meetings with Program Staff
Feb. 12, 2-6:30 p.m., by appointment
Link to come after Virtual Presentation
Staff will be available to meet with applicants one-on-one for up to 30 minutes to review applications and make application recommendations. Staff also will be available to provide general information for applicants who were unable to attend the first information session.
Have Questions? Contact Liz Good at (970) 416-2646; lgood@fcgov.com.
New Art at Oak and College#
Shawna Turner's mural of a ocean wonderland depicts a colorful coral reef featuring a sea turtle, triggerfish, and the sea nettle jellyfish, among other fish & creatures. It is located on the traffic cabinet on the southeast corner of College Ave. and Oak St.
New Art on Laporte#
We worked with Fort Collins artist Jim Lynxwiler to design concrete art panels for eight columns on two canal bridges from ~1930 were replaced as part of a recent pedestrian and bike improvements along Laporte Ave., east of Taft Hill Rd. and west of Grandview Ave.
The canal at this site was hand dug by early settlers over 120 years ago. This art project recognizes these early pioneers and illustrates their efforts to develop the land and bring water into Fort Collins. The artwork highlights and provides a visual connection to the site’s rich history as well as the birds that currently call the area home.
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.
