Paintings On the Wall: RiNo Arts District Murals, Denver

While there are those who will swear that commerce and development are the keys to re-energizing a struggling community, never underestimate the power and endless energy of artists in saving a neighborhood.

The once fading RiNo region of downtown Denver (“River North”) is now exploding with life and color and inviting a new crop of young entrepreneurs — thanks to the talented visual artists transforming what could’ve become a slum into the city’s largest free art exhibit.

It usually goes something like this: A region of a city falls on hard times. People flee. Properties decline. Crime increases. The cost of living lowers. Struggling, aspiring artists in need of studio space  and shelter (not necessarily in that order) come into the area to rent everything from cheap apartments to rundown warehouses.

Also: RedLine Denver Blends New Artists, Education, Community

Artists being artists, they beautify their surrounding environment — and the neighborhood begins to come alive again. Soon, small shops, cafes and restaurants open to fuel the area’s artists. As the newly upgraded scene catches the eyes of locals, the once rundown neighborhood becomes a hot spot again. Sadly, the pattern holds that once gentrified and back on its feet, the community rejuvenated by art often prices itself out of an artist’s budget — leading the creative folk to find a new, rougher part of town. And, the cycle begins anew.

No one can miss the visual resurrection of RiNo as its Arts District features scores of original murals beautifying walls, fences, businesses, warehouses, etc. It’s a similar concept to the Wynwood Walls in Miami. Local artists are recruited and encouraged to put their skills to task creating visual displays that make what once might’ve been an eyesore property into a unique artwork.

Property owners request that their “canvas” be used in the program, and artists work with the owners to create a piece that expresses the artist’s outlook and abilities in a way acceptable to the business, residence, etc.

Of course, as street art, the murals throughout the area are free to view — creating a pleasant artistic walking tour during daylight hours. As the artists restore gentrification to RiNo, Denver will start to see more city dwellers visiting the area for nightlife, as well.

However, while arty areas from Soho to Shoreditch are famous for eventually driving artists out once the neighborhood re-creation is complete, the minds behind the RiNo Arts District are working to keep artists local and involved in the community long after it’s entirely back on its colorfully painted feet.

You can explore the Murals of RiNo from the comfort of your computer via the gallery below.

All photos by John Scott Lewinski