Public Art

Have you seen the bear? Or the elk? How about the fireman in bronze? The colorful children on a balance beam? Do you know about the Public Art Program in the City of Westminster? Why not explore the city, find new places and be surprised by the variety of sculpture and murals throughout the community!

The City of Westminster's Public Art Program represents the evolution of public and private investment, consistently high development standards and the continual establishment of partnerships between the city and the development community - enhancing the overall experience of the built environment in Westminster.

More than 100 individual works of art contribute to the overall program, ranging from larger-than-life cast bronzes to kinetic "wind sculpture" and from brick-masonry murals to beautiful frescos. They punctuate spaces ranging from City Hall and other city facilities to commercial centers throughout Westminster. The intent of the program is not to simply embellish architecture, but to integrate art into the fabric of the overall community.

Public spaces, including parks, fire stations, libraries and City Hall, are commonly recognized as locations for public art, based on public ownership and accessibility. Funds from the city's hotel/motel tax-funded Community Enhancement Fund have been used for many of these installations.

Locations that might be a surprise include commercial shopping centers and office parks. Many private installations are driven by the city's requirement that commercial developments greater than 1 acre include public art, while others are voluntary. Residents and visitors alike may find themselves standing in the middle of a mosaic compass, posing to have their photo taken with a majestic elk or simply struck by a pod of dolphins leaping from a fountain. All of the program installations encourage awareness of, and interest in, public art.

Take advantage of this guide to the Public Art Program installations throughout Westminster. Take the time to find works of art in our community that you may have missed. Most of all, experience art, and the city, from a whole new perspective!

Sculpture on 73rd Avenue

The City is partnering with the South Westminster Arts Group in the initiation of a new art-on-loan program for the Historic Westminster Arts District.  "Sculpture on 73rd Avenue" is currently accepting applications from sculptors through June 4th.  Three sculptures will be chosen and the selected artists will receive a $500 honorarium for the loan of their art for a one-year period.  For more information, visit the South Westminster Arts Group  website. 

The community is invited to attend an Open House at the Rodeo Market Community Arts Center on June 12th to view the applications and submit their opinions on the submitted sculptures.