‘Greeley is a place where cutting-edge public art happens’

By Brianna Corrine

“The New West” is coming to Greeley for five days in September to paint the city with six large-scale murals as part of the inaugural outdoor art festival.

WeldWerks Brewing Company will host the WeldWalls Mural Festival Sept. 17-21. Featuring a mix of local artists and those from neighboring communities, the participants will spend each day creating original artwork. A grand unveiling and free public celebration is set for the final day of the festival at 508 8th Ave. in Greeley.

Briana Harris | Photo by Jo Babb

In the week leading up to this final event, an array of public programming will take place, from artist talks to workshops and other community activities. The events include opportunities for patrons of all ages.

It is true that nothing quite brings people together like art. Whether it be music or an exhibition, art speaks a communal language that creates a sense of camaraderie. This is something Briana Harris and Armando Silva know all too well. They are the artist and management team behind what is expected to be an exhibition of some of Colorado’s finest art.

The theme of the festival is The New West, and as such, Harris expects a great showing of Western interpretations.

“We're excited to invite our talented artists to share their interpretation of this phrase and how it relates to their own identities,” she said. “Murals have the incredible ability to tell stories, and we're looking forward to creating a new story together at this festival.”

The New West is a direct reference to Greeley’s heritage and western roots and offers the chance for artists and patrons alike to explore the history of the charming city.

“We want to make it clear,” Harris said, “Greeley is a place where cutting-edge public art happens.”

Armando Silva | Photo by Shel Francis

Silva and Harris met through the creative spheres of Greeley, where Harris has been the manager for the northern Colorado band The Burroughs for a decade. This dynamic duo has an affinity for the state and, above all else, is seeking to pay homage to all that Greeley has offered them and to rising artists. On this, Silva remarked, “There has always been incredible space here to try new things as an artist, and the mural festival is a way for me to return so much of the love and support I’ve received over my career.”

WeldWalls is a way for creatives and the public to come together and discover more about who they are and where they came from through the medium of art.

The official artist lineup includes:

Lindee Zimmer, a Tuscon-based artist, organizer and teacher
The Worst Crew, Denver-based artists Jaime Molina and Pedro Barrios
Betony Coons + Family, a Greeley-based multi-media artist
Allie Ogg, a Fort Collins-based illustrator and muralist
Yazz Atmore, a Denver-based community organizer, creative, and educator
Al Frente Youth Collective, a Greeley-based youth activism organization
Alonzo Harrison, a Greeley-based painter, illustrator, and muralist.

It’s an eclectic mix of folks who come from widespread backgrounds and take inspiration from a plethora of places. The range of styles that these artists will present is guaranteed to be visually striking and create enthralling interpretations of the theme.

Here is the schedule of events. All happenings are at Weldwerks Brewing, unless otherwise noted:

Tuesday 9/17: Festival Kickoff, with worksite viewing hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday 9/18: Artist Q&A with all muralists at 7 p.m. at the Moxi Theater.

Thursday 9/19: Cacophony of Creatives workshop and creative networking event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Atlas Theater.

Friday 9/20: Art Night Out at WeldWerks and downtown Greeley

Saturday 9/21: Mural unveiling and community celebration from 12 to 5 p.m.

Additional information is available here.

Brianna Corrine is a part-time poet and full-time audiophile. She is a writer with a penchant for critiquing music and delving headfirst into various art and literary-focused spheres as she contributes regularly to a variety of publications.