Local Artist Decorates New Building in Downtown Denver

By Jay McKinney

With new apartment buildings popping up across Colorado, there are a lot of blank canvases for artists to show off their work and liven up neighborhoods. It seems as if colorful murals decorating previously bleak walls are the new normal. Now X Denver, an 813-bed apartment complex and unconventional social club, is taking the trend to new heights (literally).

Located within blocks of Coors Field, X Denver just opened, and the building will feature a 13-story mural created by Pat Milbery. Milbery is a professional snowboarder turned visual artist, and his mural artwork can be seen on dozens of buildings across the city. His style is very recognizable, with its characteristic vibrant colors and a common theme of unconditional love for the Colorado lifestyle.

The extensive mural will face outward toward Cuernavaca Park, and in the coming weeks will feature an augmented reality component taking viewers on a visual journey. What does that mean? The mural has a smartphone link to watch the artwork come to life with 3D visuals. Viewers will see a giant heart popping off the wall, fireworks exploding, a lifelike geometric slinky and other visuals that could turn the artwork into a tourist attraction.

“My heart, my soul and my endless pursuit to bring happiness and positivity to the world will be felt the moment people not only see, but experience this symbolic, story-infused mural through augmented reality,” Milbery says. “The artwork is pushing the heights of creativity and we’re grateful and excited to be able to take Denver and the X community on this inspirational and transformational journey through the power of art.”

This project was curated in partnership with the award-winning Denver art consulting and curating firm, NINE dot ARTS. Now a nationally recognized firm, NINE dot ARTS enhances public spaces such as hotels, residential properties and offices by finding original art that fits brand narratives.

"This extraordinary artistic endeavor is a testament to X Denver's innovative approach to residential living and community connection,” says Denise Joseph, one of the firm’s curators. “As curators of this project, NINE dot ARTS is proud to collaborate with artists like Pat Milbery to assist in bringing to fruition this contemporary and cutting-edge project. The piece's modern-day technology and alluring design represents our team's mission to capture the essence of X Denver, and this mural is the bow that wraps this entire collection together."

Jay McKinney is a Colorado native who recently graduated from Metro State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. He loves spending time outdoors, playing golf and hiking.