Murals For Hope initiative in Adams County features commission by PlatteForum former Resident Artist Michael Gadlin
In response to covid-19 pandemic and in an an effort to bring hope and joy to the community, Colorado’s Adams County Parks and Open Space & Cultural Arts Department has launched a series of new public art projects in an effort to inspire residents and visitors, and fuel the local economy.
Murals For Hope is a series located along the Clear Creek and South Platte River trail systems, featuring an array of outstanding Colorado-based artists, including Michael Gadlin, PlatteForum’s former Executive Board Chair and former Resident Artist. In addition to being a highly regarded interdisciplinary artist, Michael also co-hosts the award-winning half-hour arts and culture series, Arts District on Rocky Mountain PBS.
Michael created all of the stencils that he used for this mural on site and it’s the largest mural he has completed to date. His vibrant and whimsical mural is titled, Queen Of The Blue River and you can find it on the South Platte River Trail at the 124th Avenue Underpass, Riverdale Regional Park in Brighton. In the video below, Michael shares a bit of the inspiration behind his creation.
Themes for Murals of Hope were inspired by the wildlife and beauty of the parks, trails, and open space properties throughout the area and the people who enjoy them. Traces of mythological hope can be found throughout the murals, including the Firebird and Thunderbird figures from indigenous folklore. The series is part of Adams County’s Arts & Culture Master Plan called Artfully Adams.
Meet the Murals of Hope artists:
Jay Jaramillo and Jerry Jaramillo – Clear Creek Trail, 64th Avenue Trailhead
AJ Davis (Project Street Gold) – Clear Creek Trail, Clear Creek / South Platte Confluence
Michael Gadlin - South Platte River Trail, 124th Avenue Underpass, Riverdale Regional Park
Anthony Garcia (Birdseed Collective) – South Platte River Trail, 120th Street Entrance, Riverdale Regional Park
Johanna Gentry – South Platte River Trail, Clear Creek / South Platte Confluence
Video courtesy of CBS Denver and Adams County Goverment. Photos courtesy of Michael Gadlin.
