2023 Power Box Art - Joy of Pride
Each year, we work with local artists, students, non-profits, and businesses to turn our power boxes into vessels for art and storytelling. This year’s installation, Joy of Pride, showcases 17 inspiring individuals from the LGBTQ+ community. Each box features their photo along with a message of how they find joy, strength, and belonging in their daily life.
Thank you to all of our nominees for sharing your stories. Big shoutout to our project partners who made this possible – Eboni of EB Pixs, Zach Kotel Art + Design, YouthSeen, Black Pride Colorado, Lavender Hill, and Harmonic Media. The power boxes line the street from Grant to Josephine – use the map below and go check them out in person, or explore them virtually here!
Steffen
Location: 935 E Colfax
"I find strength and belonging by seeking community. I find joy in trying to share the best parts of myself with others."
Hunnie Bun
Location: 1301 E Colfax
"I find belonging and support within the queer community. Being able to share my art of expression in drag is empowering and allows me space to be my true self. I get joy and strength in connecting with others."
Leigh Briggs
Location: 1040 E Colfax
"I find joy in seeing young queer people feeling comfortable and safe in themselves, and seeing older queer adults with grey and white hairs. We've always been here, we'll always be here. por siempre viviremos."
Dr. tara jae
Location: 2331 E Colfax
"My job comes from being present with the people who surround me with love. My strength comes from the hope that I see in tomorrow. My belonging in being able to experience acceptance and community."
Ada Mae
Location: 1244 E Colfax
"I surround myself with my chosen friends and family in this community. Makes me feel young."
Buzz
Location: 2000 E Colfax
"I find joy, strength & belonging through my family & friends, who are the best anyone could ask for. My friends & mentors from Dragutante and YouthSeen & camp (CampSeen) support me & make my life very fun and full of love everyday."
Ryan
Location: 2340 E Colfax
"Every day, I practice gratitude, look for beauty, and try to learn something new."
Lamont
Location: 341 E Colfax
"Joy and strength come from my community. I was taught if you want to join a community the best way is to serve that community."
Shanel
Location: 1245 E Colfax
"I find joy, strength and belonging in life by looking at the family I've created and community I am cultivating. The strides I have made on my journey have been a strong reason to keep going in the spreading of love, light and laughter."
Jessica
Location: 629 E Colfax
"I find joy, strength, and belonging simply with the realization of understanding that life is very precious and short. I look at friends and chosen family who find joy in the simplest and most powerful things - and because of that, it's been inspirational to find things that are joyful in my day to day life. I am so honored to be able to live and exist as my authentic and unapologetic self."
Hannah
Location: 2019 E Colfax
"I’ve spent most of my life on the outside looking in…I think this gave me the ability to see people through a unique lens—with curiosity rather than judgment. This life is a constant ever changing journey in which you must make choices everyday."
Sheena
Location: 338 E Colfax
"I find joy and strength in working to make sure the next queer Arab woman doesn’t have to survive the same struggles that I did. I find joy and belonging in mentoring the next generation of LGBTQ leaders."
Will
Location: 1111 E Colfax
"My joy comes from places in-between, from beauty in the margins and art at our intersections. My strength comes from knowing that our love will always outpace, outlast, and outsmart hate."
Davry
Location: 900 E Colfax
"When seeking joy and belonging in your daily life, remember that if it doesn't feel good on the inside, it's not going to look good on the outside."
Ariel
Location: 1775 E Colfax
"I connect with members of the queer community with activities such as rock climbing, hiking, or going to a fun coffee shop! I also love to take time to myself by reading at a park, going for a run, or listening to a fun podcast!"
Sam
Location: 1770 E Colfax
"Working as a therapist for children, I encounter a lot of questions about sexual/gender identity. Creating a safe space to be heard and feel loved for these kids is what keeps me going every day. I love what I do and can’t imagine doing anything else."
Rebecca
Location: 616 E Colfax
"Love and happiness is what makes the world a better place! In life the time we have is limited so why not live to the fullest! Everyday we wake up from our bed, is a great day!"
[…] second step took place last weekend with the installation of an art project called “The Joy of Pride.” It features photos taken by Black Pride Colorado organizer Eboni Coleman and quotes from 17 […]
[…] second step took place last weekend with the installation of an art project called “The Joy of Pride.” It features photos taken by Black Pride Colorado organizer Eboni Coleman and quotes from 17 […]
[…] second step took place last weekend with the installation of an art project called “The Joy of Pride.” It features photos taken by Black Pride Colorado organizer Eboni Coleman and quotes from 17 […]