The Durango Creative Economy Commission has approved several new projects to beautify the city.
Through the Durango Creates Grant program, the city allotted $20,000 for projects aiming to add something to the arts and cultural sphere.
The commission designated that money for the creation of new murals and art projects July 27.
Pet Haus received a grant to paint a mural that would bring animal-centered art to the area, capturing the unique relationship people have with their pets, the commission said.
On Tuesday, the commission supported a preliminary design featuring a dog on one side and a cat on the other, among mountains.
Besides the Pet Haus mural, the commission endorsed murals at Manna Greenhouse – applied for by Sage Farm Fresh Eats – and at Durango Cyclery.
It also supported the installation of five flower prayer wheels at Durango Botanic Gardens and this year’s iAM MUSIC Festival at The Powerhouse.
Pet Haus received $4,400, Durango Cyclery $5,000, Sage Farm Fresh Eats $2,200, The Powerhouse $2,500, Manna Greenhouse $5,000 and $900 went to the creation of the flower prayer wheels – Tibetan-inspired devices that visitors can place messages into and then spin out, according to the project’s proposal.
All projects have been given the go-ahead, and the grant will provide reimbursements for up-front costs, said Nicol Killian, the city’s assistant director of community development.
“It’s really just about creating these places in the neighborhoods people can enjoy,” Killian said.
She said it’s also about “adding to the vibrancy of the creative economy in Durango.”
Another local art project is being spearheaded by The Hive, which received $2,000 in funding from the state to beautify local dumpsters.
The money was disbursed through the Colorado Creates Grant, established by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
The grant was designed with rural communities in mind to support efforts to innovate through art and culture, according to the office’s website.
The Hive took over Durango’s Dumpster Beautification Project three years ago, said Kelsie Borland, The Hive’s executive director.
The organization is still trying to get permission from WCA Waste Corporation to paint the dumpsters. The group would also be open to painting the city of Durango’s dumpsters, she said.
The grant money had to be spent by the end of the year, so the commission approved a motion Tuesday to allow the $2,000 to be used.
This way, The Hive can purchase spray-paint materials for creating the dumpster designs in the spring – unless a new city improvement project idea arises before then.
kparkinson@the-journal.com
