Key Detail, an internationally known muralist with artwork in 30 cities across the U.S. and abroad, will begin painting the large maintenance building at Sunnyside Park. The mural will encompass three sides of the metal structure, which has been plagued by tagging over the years. Rather than leave “an open canvas” in Sunnyside Park, City Parks and Recreation staff approached Art in Public Places about possible solutions last fall.
“I observed murals around town that are not getting tagged and learned that taggers have respect for other artists’ work and rarely cause damage to others’ artwork. This is when the Parks Department reached out to Art in Public Places with the idea of painting a mural on the maintenance building,” explained Jeanne Boswell. “The positive response to this idea was overwhelming. The Visual Arts Commission was excited to partner with the Parks Department and move this project forward.”
The request came at a time when the Loveland Library staff also requested a new mural for the Loveland Storytime Room. “It made sense to combine both projects into one Request for Artist Qualifications,” said Suzanne Janssen, the City’s Public Art Manager. “The artwork jury reviewed 120 applications over several weeks to select their top candidates. The quality of artists submitting during the application process was exceptional, which is reflected in the final designs selected.” This jury consisted of the Visual Arts Commission, Parks Division and Library staff, and City board members.
Among the many effusive elements within Key Detail’s design is a central sun character that rises and runs above the Loveland mountains, and a heart-shaped vase blooming with flowers, representing love in full bloom. “The mural draws inspiration from its name ‘Loveland’ and revolves around themes of love, friendship, and happiness,” stated the artist. “We hope this mural enriches the Loveland area with its positive message and becomes a beloved piece in the community.”To bring joy to the nearby playground and its young visitors, Key Detail included three big smiling faces in the mural. This makes it a perfect spot for taking selfies and spreading smiles, says the artist. Key Detail begins painting on October 2 and expects the process to take about one week.
Two free family-friendly painting demonstrations will take place in Sunnyside Park, located at 899 E. 5th Street, on Wednesday, October 4 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday, October 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are welcome.
Note: The painting of the Loveland Storytime mural by Jeremy Jarvis (Title TBA) will begin in late November and conclude in mid-December. More details will be provided soon.