Public Art

Stapleton’s vibrant landscape now features three engaging public art installations, one at the civic plaza at the Northfield Retail Center, another on the ellipse east of the 29th Avenue Town Center and its landmark Founders' Fountain. Each of these artworks brings a new perspective to its environment, one that can be shared by this fast-growing residential community and by visitors to Stapleton. 

Adopted in early 2005, the Public Art Master Plan provides both guidelines and inspiration for dynamic public art in various locations throughout Stapleton.

"Public art has not only the opportunity, but the responsibility, to engage a community," explains Barbara Neal, Stapleton’s public art consultant.

Informed by interviews and meetings with artists, civic leaders and residents of Stapleton, the Public Art Master Plan complements the other very thoughtful master plans that guide Stapleton’s dynamic development. For example, the qualities of continuity, variety and sustainability that characterize parks and recreation at Stapleton highlight public art at Stapleton as well.  Airfoils, the kinetic sculpture at Northfield was fabricated from recycled horizontal tail stabilizers from 737 airplanes. These echoes of Stapleton history provide continuity. Recycled stone frames The Eye and the Horizon, the sculpture installed at the ellipse. Each sculpture responds to the sustainability principles by requiring minimal or no maintenance. The Founders' Fountain visually reminds us of the story of water in Colorado, again emphasizing the importance of sustainability.

The Public Art Advisory Committee recognizes the importance of the potential for public art within the community. We continue to explore a variety of artwork to be placed in accessible locations that encourage people to engage in dialogue with each piece. Each of these locations was selected because of their importance in the life of the Stapleton community. 

Project selection committees for the public art program involve artists, residents and representatives of other community interests in the careful process of selecting artists and artwork for this community. Projects currently under way include the design of sculpture in front of the Recreation Center planned for the east end of Central Park, sculpture and also a sound artwork incorporated in the design of the Eastbridge Town Center, and three laminated glass screens featuring water in its three forms at the bathhouse for the newest swimming pool. Each of these projects responds to the intent of the public art program by bringing together aesthetic enjoyment and awareness of the Stapleton environment.

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