2021 Power Box Art - Colfax Comeback

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, Colfax Comeback, showcases art that captures the feelings that come with being able to gather together in person again.

Thank you to all of our 2021 artists – make sure you give them a follow so you can keep up with their work. 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!

Emily Burrowes

Instagram: @bigassmaps
Location: 2000 E Colfax (Lion's Lair)

From the artist: The music venues along Colfax Ave made me fall in love with the area and during quarantine going to shows was the thing I missed the most. I think the community that engages with my art would also say the same, as the music venues have been the most popular pieces when it comes to people buying and sharing my work. Music and shows are such a powerful art form that creates a sense of community with a group of strangers, and to have it back finally is such a great feeling.

Jeff Sloan

Instagram: @jeffreytsloan
Location: 2019 E Colfax (Purple Haze)

From the artist: The inspiration for my piece is a reflection of the time I have spent venturing out on Colfax! I knew I wanted to do something with music to represent the awesome venues we have on Colfax and that sparked the idea for the piece. The little buffalo from the foothills packed up the gear and headed down to join the party. Music is one thing that brings us all back together again. So Colfax lets dance!

Jocelyn R. (Access Gallery)

Instagram: @accessgalleryco
Location: 1775 E Colfax (Taco Bell)

From the artist: The last year has reminded us all that music makes the bad times a little easier and the good times a little sweeter. Jocelyn loves listening to music while she is working on her digital art. One of her favorite songs is Chain of Fools by Aretha Franklin. Jocelyn moved into an apartment in February of 2020, the first time in her life that she has lived independently. Timing was not ideal, but her art and music got her through!

Tess Swickard

Instagram: @raritystudio_
Location: 1245 E Colfax (Irish Snug)

From the artist: Hums of the warm lights flickering on, tinks of silverware hitting depleting helpings on ceramic plates, the vibrations of heavy bass from passing cars and exhaust of the #15 bus; The shaking of ice in a glass followed by gutsy laughter, dings of a bell entering a store, a familiar tune, contagious smiles or the unfriendly stranger. A taste of what makes Colfax Ave so rich, transparent, and resilient.

Celina Jara Tovar

Instagram: @celina_jaratovar_arte
Location: 1111 E Colfax (Papa John's)

From the artist: My piece is inspired by the liveliness of Colfax, the small businesses such as taco shops, and the 15 and 15L bus that connects Aurora and Denver down Colfax Ave. I wanted to depict people waiting for the bus, because I have a lot of memories of my teenage years when I would ride the 15 bus with my friends to go downtown during the summer breaks. I also wanted to depict the comeback of Colfax yet still remind people to be safe and continue to wear masks as required and as appropriate. COVID19 Pandemic is not over, but we are able to see the light at the end of the tunnel if we continue to take care of ourselves and one another. Colfax is about community, and community takes care of each other.

Zach Kotel

Instagram: @zkotelart
Location: 629 E Colfax (XBar)

From the artist: My piece is inspired by the resiliency of Colfax and its community. Taking inspiration from Colfax's historic and iconic signs, I created an illustration that reflects the vibrance of Colfax, coupled with important and encouraging messages about the pandemic, as well as lessons we learned throughout the last year. I want to use this piece to draw attention to all of the challenges our communities face (police violence, hate crimes, discrimination etc.), but to also highlight the resiliency of said communities when we come together to persevere.

Colfax Ave

Denver, Colorado

2021 Power Box Art – Colfax Comeback