The Denver Traveler » Public Art

Monday’s Must Hear? – The Soundwalk!

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:27:12 +0000

Sometimes the things that can bring the most surprise aren’t big and flashy. Sometimes, they aren’t even a place or a building or a memorial. Sometimes they aren’t even to be seen but rather heard. This is certainly the case for this weeks Must See…Soundwalk! On Curtis Street between 15th and 16th Streets is a gem of the Mile High City that few have witnessed with their eyes and ears open. Most people who walk down the street simply think they are hearing things and pay little attention to the innocuous grates that line this one block of Denver. Then there are those who look down and double back to investigate, for it is from these grates that the sounds are escaping. Laughter and wonder follow this simple discovery of Soundwalk.

Soundwalk is an art installation by Jim Green and was set into the northwest sidewalk of Curtis Street in 1992. If you can plan a walk down this block every day you are in town, we highly suggest it- for the sounds change and you never know what you might get to experience. When I first indulged in the pleasure of Soundwalk I was delighted to hear elephants roar and Tap Dogs tapping! When I took Alicia to Soundwalk we heard a train speed under us in succession as we passed over the grates.

The six grates produce 40 to 100 different sounds an hour from a tape recorder in a nearby building. Though I like to believe it is magic! Whether you like the wizardry of sound unveiled or prefer to remain whimsical like me- Soundwalk is a Must Hear! If you get a chance to take this walk and are intrigued by the innovative work of Denver Artist Jim Green, take a side trip to the DAM, Denver Art Museum, to witness Mr. Green’s Singing Sinks or head over to the Convention Center for his Laughing Escalator.

[Photos - SXC 1 2]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Photo Op: The Cow Parade In Denver

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 08:58:24 +0000

The Cow Parade was in Denver the very first time I visited this awesome city. This particular cow was shot by Flickr user GISuser.

I saw a cow painted in Broncos colors, and another one in the park! After the cows were “rounded up”, they were all auctioned off for charity. I’m pretty lucky, because I also saw the Cow Parade when it came through Las Vegas, where I’m from.

[photo - Flickr]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Art Tours

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 07:18:57 +0000

When thinking of Denver as a destination- you may not have thought that Art would be one of the many things you could enjoy during your stay, let alone, take it all in for free. Yet, Denver offers a wide variety of Public Art and The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs is offering FREE public art tours at the following locations throughout the rest of the year.

Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC) located at 14th and Curtis
Tour dates/times:
• Saturday, June 14, 1:00 PM
• Saturday, September 13, 1:00 PM
• Saturday, October 11, 1:00 PM
• Saturday, November 15, 1:00 PM
Tour will include:
• Ellie Caulkins Opera House (works by Dale Chihuly, Herbert Bayer, Steven Batura, John DeAndrea)
• Buell Theatre (works by George Woodman, Vance Kirkland)
• Atrium and exterior (works by Fernando Botero, Victor M. Contreras, Jonathan Borofsky, Marcus Akinlana, John Powell)

This tour will gather in the DPAC atrium near Infinite Energy (large abstract bronze in the open area between Boettcher Concert Hall and the Bonfils Complex) fifteen minutes prior to start time.

Colorado Convention Center located at 14th and California
Tour dates/times:
• Saturday, June 14, 11:00 AM
• Saturday, July 19, 11:00 AM (tour will extend to the grounds of the Denver Performing Arts Complex)
• Saturday, September 13, 11:00 AM
• Saturday, October 11, 11:00 AM
• Saturday, November 15, 11:00 AM

Tour will include:
• Interior (works by Erick C. Johnson, Jim Green, John McEnroe, Kirk Johnson & Jan Vriesen, William Matthews, Trine Bumiller)
• Exterior (works by Lawrence Argent, Jonathan Bonner, Barbara Jo Revelle, Bernar Venet)

This tour will gather in front of I See What You Mean (a.k.a. the Big Blue Bear) fifteen minutes prior to start time.

To sign up for a FREE tour: e-mail Rudi Cerri at rudi.cerri@denvergov.org
Or you may call 720-865-4307.

With so many dates, there is no reason to not put this one of a kind opportunity on your trip’s agenda.

Post from: The Denver Traveler