One Colorado Neighborhood is Devoted to Public Art Installations

It's always nice to see local art installations in Colorado. Places like Main Street in downtown Grand Junction, the drive up to Denver International Airport, and even an extremely inconvenient intersection in Colorado Springs just seem a little classier because of the works of art you find there.

Read More: Downtown Grand Junction Colorado Memorial Art Vandalized |

However, one Colorado neighborhood is taking it to the next level by installing numerous works of art throughout with a pretty big budget, and inspiring stories, to go along with it.

Colorado Neighborhood is Devoted to Local Art Installations

While most Coloradans are familiar with the Denver suburb of Aurora and the negative press that comes with it, the neighborhood of Aurora Highlands couldn't be further from the stereotype.

The project, spearheaded by Director of On-Site Development and Principal of The Aurora Highlands Carla Ferreira, has seen over 20 sculptures, statues, and other types of art arrive in the neighborhood with plenty more to come.

For example, you'll find work from South African artist Daniel Popper in the form of "Umi," named after the Swahili word for Mother Earth, a series of street signs with messages of positive affirmation from Olivia Steele, and we'll soon see a statue depicting the first African-American OBGYN doctor to practice in Colorado, Justina Ford, in the neighborhood as well.

The permit from the city of Aurora to install these and more works of art cost $1 million, but the ultimate plan is to devote as much as $3 million to the project when it's all said and done.

Keep scrolling to check out this unique Colorado neighborhood: