To the west of Denver, folksy Lakewood -- and in particular, the West Colfax corridor -- clearly had its work cut out when the idea of a new arts district began being bandied about more than a year ago. But sheer determination and a wonderful collaborative spirit, says 40 West Arts District spokesman Bill Martino, are what kept the concept going, meshing city officials, the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and the community in a great big bear hug of mutual love for the arts. "It's a big deal for an area like West Colfax, which has been in decline over the years, to now see renewal taking place right before our eyes," Martino notes of the district, which was awarded an Emerging Creative District grant by the state earlier this year. Eventually, renovations and improvements will include everything from new streetscapes to public art in the area anchored by RMCAD and the soon-to-open Lamar Street... More >>>