On the Wall

While debate continues over the city’s handling of public art projects, there are some promising back-door efforts in the private sector. One of those, the OneWall Project, sponsored by Bellco and the Denver Theatre District, will get off the ground tonight when its first effort, MASSIVE, a celebration of work by RedLine resident artists past and present, is unveiled at 9 p.m. on the side of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at 14th and Champa streets. An elegant showcase for the idea that the city’s blank walls can be transformed for the better by temporary installations, MASSIVE is printed on vinyl for easy installation, like the Faces of Colorado banner that preceded it at the Ellie.

And MASSIVE is just the first of up to ten similar efforts around town; other projects are already planned for the Golden Triangle and the downtown alley adjacent to the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. Also in the works is an online addendum to each project, with video documenting the art and artists available for patrons who want to know more about what they see.

“We’re looking at ways we can turn these walls into a rotating art gallery as a free amenity to the public,” notes spokesman Blake Adams. “If you don’t like the art, it’s temporary. If you do like it, then you can go online and learn more about it. Our real goal is to democratize the ability for people to experience art in the public realm, on buildings where people can see it without having to pay for it.”

Keep up with the OneWall Project at onewallproject.com.

Wed., May 14, 9 p.m.-midnight, 2014