About the Collection

Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool Artwork by Pat OlsonGrand Junction's Public Art Programs

More than just beautifying the urban landscape, art in public places creates an engaging and interesting environment and enriches the world in which we live. It reflects the pride we have in our community, cultivates an active arts arena, and attracts residents, businesses, and visitors.

Grand Junction has six distinct public art programs:

  • 1% for Art Program - a purchase program to include artwork in certain major City capital improvement projects (buildings, structures, and parks)
  • Art on the Corner - a rotating outdoor sculpture exhibit throughout downtown which is managed and funded by Downtown Grand Junction
  • City Hall Art Exhibits - rotating quarterly exhibits by Mesa County artists on both floors of City Hall at 5th and Rood
  • Tiara Rado Art Exhibits - rotating bi-annual exhibits by Mesa County artists at Clubhouse 25 Bar and Grill at 2057 South Broadway
  • Grand Junction Convention Center Art Exhibits - rotating bi-annual exhibits by Mesa County artists throughout the Grand Junction Convention Center at 159 Main Street
  • The Avalon Theatre - rotating quarterly exhibits by Mesa County artists throughout the Avalon Theatre at 645 Main Street

1% for Art Program

The 1% for Art program was established the City Council in 1997, at the urging of the Commission on Arts and Culture. The success of the Art on the Corner program contributed to the creation of a formal City art acquisition program. The 1% for Art program allocates an amount of money equal to 1% of the total construction cost of City building and park capital improvement projects which is set aside for the purchase of art for that site. The % for art does not include streets, sidewalks, or underground utility projects and does not apply to the Water, Sewer, or Sanitation Enterprise Funds.

Funding for the 1% for Art program comes from the capital construction budget for each project, and ongoing maintenance is the responsibility of the specific building or park in which the artwork is located. Selection of each piece of art is done by the Commission, with assistance from local professional artists, City Council members, and representatives from the applicable City department.

Art on the Corner

Art on the Corner began in 1984, spearheaded by artist Dave Davis and other local sculptors. This unique exhibit was one of the first in the nation to feature a temporary sculpture display on city sidewalks, and has since spawned a host of similar exhibits throughout the state and the country.

Downtown Grand Junction administers this exhibit. It is one of the most visited attractions in Mesa County and in 1998 garnered an Excellence in Public Art award from the International Making Cities Livable organization. For information and a virtual tour of the exhibit, visit the Downtown Grand Junction website.

City Hall, Tiara Rado Golf Course, Grand Junction Convention Center, & The Avalon Theatre Art Exhibits

In addition to the 1% for Art program, the Commission also coordinates rotating exhibits of artwork by local artists at City Hall, Tiara Rado Golf Course,  Grand Junction Convention Center, and The Avalon Theatre showcasing the area's premier artistic talent.