Council District 11 Q4 2025 Updates

Welcome to Denver Public Art’s quarterly update—a roundup of new installations, works in progress and artist news happening across our city.

Each post in this series is organized by city council district. Not sure which district your neighborhood is in? Use the City of Denver’s interactive map to find out.

A large, glossy yellow sculpture with sweeping organic forms sits on a concrete pad outside the Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center. The piece has curved, wing-like extensions and an open oval void at its center, giving it a dynamic, almost aerodynamic quality. A brick and glass recreation center building, pine trees, and a blue sky are visible in the background. — “Orbit” by Volkan Alkanoglu

Three people sit around a folding table covered in colorful patterned paper, scissors, markers, and glue sticks, engaged in a collage-making workshop. The setting is a community room with a wall clock visible in the background. — Jasmine Holmes collage workshop

NEW ART AT GREEN VALLEY RANCH RECREATION CENTER

On December 16, the entrance to Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center welcomed “Orbit” by Volkan Alkanoglu. This dynamic, futuristic piece is designed for interaction—inviting visitors to sit, engage and experience art in a whole new way. “Orbit” celebrates hope, creativity and youthful imagination, making it a perfect fit for this vibrant community space.

In the fall of 2025, Jasmine Holmes hosted a collage workshop to celebrate her new mural, “Untitled,” now installed above the reception desk at the recreation center. The event brought neighbors together for hands-on creativity and connection.

A landscape architectural rendering of the planned 47th and Telluride (Walden) Park, shown from an aerial perspective. The design features a large playground area with colorful climbing structures in teal, yellow, and green on a sand surface, connected by winding paths through native plantings and trees. A circular amphitheater with tiered seating and a canopy structure anchors the right side of the rendering, with figures of park visitors scattered throughout the green lawns and pathways. Residential streets and neighboring buildings are visible in the background. — Landscape architectural rendering of the planned 47th and Telluride (Walden) Park

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS

On November 20, Public Art staff joined the Council District Office, Parks and Recreation and Bond Team for the groundbreaking of the new 47th and Telluride (Walden) Park. Community members shared their hopes and ideas for the future artwork to be located there—feedback that will help shape the selection process and ensure the piece reflects the neighborhood’s voice.

The Public Art team also hosted Public Art 101 on October 20 at the Montbello Recreation Center alongside the Pre-Application meeting for Montbello Central Park. This dynamic gathering brought together emerging artists, fabricators, and creative professionals, sparking conversations and connections that will fuel future projects.

These events are more than meetings—they’re about collaboration, creativity, and community shaping the art that defines Denver’s public spaces. Stay tuned for more community gatherings in 2026!

FORGING A MONUMENTAL WELCOME TO MONTBELLO

Jodie Bliss is bringing a bold vision to life with “Forged Together,” a monumental artwork that will soon mark the entrance to Montbello at the iconic Crown Street and 56th Avenue intersection. Rooted in community, this piece celebrates local role models and the resilience of Montbello’s residents. Through collaboration and creativity, Jodie is crafting a lasting symbol of unity and strength—a landmark that reflects the spirit and identity of this vibrant neighborhood. The artwork is currently making its way through the permitting process.

A night rendering of 'Life Tower' showing the sculpture illuminated from within, casting dramatic lace-like shadow patterns across the surrounding ground in all directions. The colorful cutout panels glow in teal, green, pink, yellow, and orange against a dark starry sky. A single figure stands nearby looking up at the tower, giving a sense of its scale. — “Life Tower” by Sijia Chen (night rendering)

ART TO CELEBRATE FIRST RESPONDERS AT FIRE STATION 40

Sijia Chen has been selected as the artist for the Fire Station 40 public art project. Her upcoming piece, “Life Tower,” will serve as a striking landmark and a meaningful tribute to the first responders who call this station home. The selection process was a true collaboration, with members of the Denver Fire Department and the Denver Firefighters Museum playing a key role in shaping the vision for this artwork. Chen and her team plan to host community workshops in the spring for neighbors in Green Valley Ranch and surrounding areas. These hands-on sessions will introduce participants to her tradition of paper-cutting, and the designs created will help inspire the final artwork.

ARTWORK SELECTION UNDERWAY IN MONTBELLO CENTRAL PARK

The selection process for future artwork in Montbello Central Park is in full swing, with finalist selection scheduled for January 9. The panel chose a design-only approach, which allows artists to create a design for the piece to be executed by contractors. This simplifies the process for artists, opening the door for fresh ideas and innovative concepts from a wide range of talented artists, including those new to public art.

MORE ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES TO COME IN 2026

In 2026, the Public Art Program will significantly scale up its work—initiating a record number of new projects citywide to stay on track with bond commitments. To that end, keep an eye out for many new RFQ announcements throughout the year. All calls are listed at www.denverpublicart.org/for-artists. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our quarterly Public Art newsletter for updates.