International Mural Festival Brings Global Talent, Local Artists, and Community Together to Celebrate Street Art and Paint 13 New Murals in the RiNo Art District
Oct. 24, 2024
DENVER WALLS, a first-generation, female-owned mural festival that is part of the globally renowned WORLD WIDE WALLS, welcomed thousands to the RiNo Art District earlier this month for its second annual celebration of street art culture and community.
"Watching DENVER WALLS evolve over the last few years from an idea into a beloved community event that celebrates Denver's street art scene is such a tremendous feeling," said Ally Grimm (aka A.L. Grime), a Denver-based artist spearheading the festival. "It’s an honor to work with the RiNo Art District on this event, and we're so grateful for the overwhelming support from attendees, artists, and sponsors this year.”
Presented by the RiNo Art District, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to fostering a welcoming, creative community where a diversity of artists, residents and businesses thrive, the four- day festival helped draw in thousands of visitors to the District to experience 13 new murals painted by 16 local, national, and international artists (a map of all new DENVER WALLS murals from this year and last year can be found here.)
“DENVER WALLS is a perfect example of how art can transform spaces and bring people together from all walks of life,” said Alye Sharp, Executive Director, RiNo BID + GID at the RiNo Art District. “Along with showcasing incredible public art, DENVER WALLS plays a vital role in strengthening the local economy by attracting visitors to the District to support our neighborhood businesses––from galleries and retailers to restaurants and breweries––ensuring the creative economy in RiNo continues to thrive.”
In addition to live mural painting, visitors to the District were able to engage with DENVER WALLS through a variety of community events and activities celebrating street art and emerging technologies that enhance the art viewing experience. This included a sold-out Secret Walls Academy drawing workshop, led by DENVER WALLS artist Birdcap, and a sold-out live 3-on-3 paint battle with Secret Walls at Blue Moon. Another highlight of the festival was an exclusive viewing of WET PAINT, a gallery show at RedLine Contemporary Art Center highlighting the history of graffiti that featured 100 artists from around the world. The exhibit drew 1,000 attendees, with over a third of the artwork sold that night.
“We’re proud to partner with this year’s DENVER WALLS festival to create such a unique experience for our patrons,” said Peter Smith, Marketing Director at Blue Moon Brewery in RiNo. “We hope everyone takes some time to visit our brewery to enjoy Ledania's stunning new mural, and enjoy some food and beer before heading out to see the rest of the incredible art that DENVER WALLS brought to our neighborhood. We are thrilled to have such a captivating mural from such a talented Latina artist.”
Saturday’s Closing Party for DENVER WALLS brought together local art, music, and culture, including 50 local art vendors, a cash-for-tricks skate competition hosted by 303 Boards on a custom mini skate park painted by Birdcap and Chris Haven, and an artist talk with Anna Charney, Patrick Kane McGregor, and Birdcap. Attendees enjoyed interactive experiences such as custom inflatables by Birdcap, an augmented reality sculpture garden by Illust with works from eight artists, free coloring books featuring murals by DENVER WALLS artists (sponsored by Meow Wolf), and all-ages activities led by Fruits of Our Labor and local artist Sofia Ramirez (sponsored by Children's Hospital Colorado). The event also offered live music on the Dem Deya Sound System and a beer garden and lounge hosted by Fireside at Five and Sipp Hospitality Marketing. The festival also showcased two nights of projection mapping on five murals by three projection mapping teams, including WAVEFORM.exp, Deep Space Drive-In, and Lightbrush.
DENVER WALLS is made possible by the support of presenting sponsor RiNo Art District and sponsors Blue Moon RiNo, Catbird Hotel, COZ, Livewell Animal Hospital RiNo, McCaffery Inc., Monster Energy, Montana Cans, OZ Architecture, RedLine Contemporary Art Center, Sunstate Equipment Rentals, Viega LLC, 303Boards, Children's Hospital Colorado, EDENS, Fireside At Five, FLORA RiNo, Green Spaces Co, Guiry's, Home Depot, Hines, Liquid Death, Meow Wolf Denver, SIPP Hospitality Marketing, Westword, Best Buds RiNo, Bloomberg Connects, CAMBRiA RiNo, Denver Graffiti Tour, GBSM, Graco Paint Sprayer, The Heidi Cox Team, Barcelona Wine Bar, The Coffee Ban, Corsica Wine Bar, Denver Central Market, Grüvi, Improper City, The Infinite Monkey Theorem, Liquid Death, Mile High Tikka Express, Mister Oso, New Belgium Brewing, Odie B's, Ratio Beerworks, Shake Shack, Lost Sailor Leather, Night Quill, Veritas Cannabis, Zibra Paint.
To see this year’s completed murals and learn more about DENVER WALLS, visit denverwalls.com and follow the festival on social media @DenverWallsFestival.
(Image Credits: @dittlo_ and @weareprophecy)