EXTERIOR MURALS, GRAPHIC DESIGN, AND SCULPTURES

In the last of our three posts on local artwork within and surrounding the project, we are examining the murals and sculptures on the exterior of the project. See parts one and two for more information on Willow Street Plaza and the building interior.

For residential and commercial unit availability, please see confluencefc.com. All of the works below are freely accessible during the day, so please be sure to come visit in person!

Untitled, Tony Zellaha, Color Pusher: Making Art + murals + paintings + illustrations + chalkart in Denver, Colorado

• Paint on concrete

• This one-hundred-foot-long mural stretches along the Poudre Street garage wall, brightening an otherwise blank area with imagined plants, fish and animals that inhabit the confluence of two rivers.

• Contracted through Nine Dot Arts

Untitled, Allie Ogg, Illustrator, Designer & Maker

• Paint on concrete

• A confluence of colorful leaves and moths provide a long-axis focal point and a splash of color to the courtyard, while preserving the raw texture of the bare concrete.

• [au]workshop worked directly with Allie to choose from several concepts relating to the nearby river, and to explore how the work would engage with the concrete surface of the second level courtyard wall.

• See additional process images and a time-lapse video of the painting in the gallery below.

Confluence Ghost Sign and project directional signage, [au]workshop architects + urbanists, painted by Daniel Crosier

• Paint wash on cedar siding, paint on steel

• The “weathered” project name sign in the Confluence Entry Court echoes the historic “ghost signs” of downtown that have faded with time, with the hope that age will bring additional patina and character to the piece. After a series of experiments to determine the appropriate technique and final location, Daniel Crosier executed the final piece.

• The entry is also highlighted by brightly colored address and directional signs designed by [au]workshop.

Untitled, [au]workshop architects + urbanists (to be installed Fall, 2020)

• Waterjet-cut weathering steel sculpture with integrated downlighting. [au]workshop went through many iterations of the design to arrive at the final piece.

• The text describes the impressions one of the Poudre River Valley’s early anglo-european visitors. Ansel Watrous’ (a local historian) 1911 book, “History of Larimer County, Colorado” includes excerpts of a letter sent in 1852 by one J.R. Todd, who was moving west from Iowa. Ansel Watrous’ own writing tends to be somewhat dry and pragmatic, but Todd is expansive on the beauty of the Cache la Poudre river basin:

• Speaking directly to the beauty of the river banks, as well as to its relationship with ongoing human development, this passage invites visitors to ponder their place in our shared history.

• Fabrication by Hueber Industries

• Additional funding by the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority; the sculpture is sited within a public easement in the Confluence Entry Court.