Aurora, CO — The vibrant colors and artistic expressions of the Colfax Canvas Mural Fest have returned to the Aurora Cultural Arts District, transforming local businesses along East Colfax Avenue into canvases of creativity for the fifth consecutive year. This year, five large-scale murals are being painted by a talented group of 11 artists, including 10 local creators and one from Atlanta, as part of a two-week initiative aimed at enhancing community spirit through art.
The festival kicked off with the creation of these murals, which are set to be unveiled during a lively block party at Fletcher Plaza on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature guided walking tours, a car show, a food court showcasing local chefs and breweries, and various family-friendly activities, all designed to celebrate the artistic achievements and cultural diversity of the area.
Aaron Vega, the executive producer of the Colfax Canvas Mural Festival, emphasized the festival’s mission to change perceptions of the neighborhood. “It was created as a way to really bring the community together and to make sure we were showcasing this incredibly vibrant neighborhood,” he stated. Vega, who has lived and worked in the area for nearly seven years, believes that the local narrative has often been overshadowed by negative stereotypes.
“East Colfax has been labeled a low-income area for a long time, but it is rich with mom-and-pop businesses, many owned by immigrants and refugees,” Vega noted. “With over 160 languages spoken in Aurora public schools, art and culture become vital forms of communication that can bridge divides.”
Since its inception, the festival has seen the installation of more than 30 murals, each telling the unique stories of the community. This year, the selection process for artists was highly competitive, with over 130 applications submitted. A DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) committee, comprising local business owners, residents, sponsors, and artists, ensured that local talent was prioritized.
The murals not only beautify the area but also foster collaboration between artists and business owners. Vega explained that artists work closely with building owners to create designs that reflect both the businesses and the neighborhood’s spirit. “It’s a gorgeous thing because it represents the neighborhood,” he said.
One notable addition this year is the Vintage Theater, which has been involved with the festival since its beginning but is now receiving its first mural. Executive Director Margaret Norwood expressed her excitement about the collaboration, stating, “The more art in the neighborhood, the happier the people are who live there.”
The mural on the theater’s parking lot wall, created by local artists J. “Bird” Hernandez and Rachel “Dreamscape” Dinda, features vibrant sunset colors, striking animals, and desert flora. Hernandez shared that the mural aims to be a positive symbol for the community during a time of change, with elements representing the area’s Native tribes.
“An eagle, for example, represents strength for the community,” Hernandez explained. “We just wanted to create a good omen for the area.”
As the festival culminates this weekend, Vega hopes the murals will encourage residents and visitors alike to appreciate the beauty of the neighborhood. “People don’t see the beauty of the neighborhood when they drive through,” he said. “It’s stunning, the lifeblood of the community pumping back into the neighborhood.”
The five new murals will be completed at the following businesses: Mango House, Scorpion Tax, DIA Market, Vintage Theater, and Second Dawn Brewing. For more information about the festival, visit ColfaxCanvas.com.