our history
Originating under the title of West Colfax MuralFest, this party in the heart of 40 West Arts District set out to be a joyous celebration of arts and culture happening in the renaissance along West Colfax in Lakewood.
Centering on Murals and large displays of public art for its originating 4 years, the festival has shifted to celebrate kinds of arts and culture happening in the corridor.
Look below to explore some of the incredible art and talent that has taken part in the growth or art in our home. To learn more about 40 West Arts District, click here.
2019
Ben Pu & Crew are a dynamic trio playing originals and covers from rock, blues, and classics from the 80’s - 90’s.
Sister Neapolitan are three songwriters singing in harmony with some influence from Stevie Nicks.
Graham Good & the Painters are a 7 piece squad sharing their zest, enthusiasm, and joy for life through music. Graham is a Northern Colorado singer/songwriter who has bonded & teamed up with 6 jazz cats from The University of Northern Colorado.
2018
Steven Teller is a Florida born street artist who fuels his creative journey by following the direction his paint decides to flow. Steven is a multi-disciplined artist specializing in fine arts and public murals.
Through his art Shay provides powerful emotional responses to a world of real and fantasy stimuli. Each work challenges the viewer to create his own reality and understanding of the exciting mix of forms, objects and color within.
Pepe Gaka is an Italian born artist and creative working in mural arts, and he’s been street painting since 2011.
Kerrie Joy Landell was born at Downstate University in Brooklyn, NY and she resided on Willmohr St. until the age of 7. She was raised by two hard working Jamaican parents growing up on the finest West Indian cuisine from the hands of her mother.
Azure Antoinette is in high demand as a poet, corporate and leadership training consultant, speaker and workshop facilitator.
Emelise Muñoz began singing at age two. At four, she performed at her first open mic; at seven, she secured a permit to sing and play guitar on the streets of Fort Myers, Florida; and this year, at 11, she won Amateur Night at New York’s famed Apollo Theater with a soulful rendition of “The House of the Rising Sun.”
Emelise Muñoz. Photo by Dan Aponte
Maya Bennett is an emerging singer-songwriter originally from Loveland, CO, but now resides in Denver. Bennett has developed a songwriting style derived from passion, honesty and soul.
Hey, my name is Graham! I’ve been playing music for 12 years now and I’m hardwired to see the good in life. The songs I sing tell stories of growth, inspiration, and the brighter sides of living.
Pandas & People may call Colorado home, but the music transcends geographical borders. Since the band’s inception, founding member Joshua Scheer has carried the torch, attracting the attention of famed artists, diehard fans, and national radio, all in a matter of a couple of years.
2017
Toro graduated from The University of Wyoming with a B.A. in Arts and Science, with an emphasis on oil painting and printmaking. Soon after graduation, Toro became part of the Laramie Mural Project and started painting murals with them.
Lopez has been painting monumental murals for over ten years, and completed a project in 40 West Arts District back in 2015. Recently, Lopez has been experimenting with mandala geometry, optical illusions, and interactive art.
Jennifer Mosquera’s work is colorful, stylized and vibrant. Attracted to whimsy, line and curves, she spends her painting time making playful work.
Richard is a native of Colorado and currently resides in Kiowa, Colorado. He has been painting murals professionally for over 25 years and has also worked in the graphic design/fine art fields for over 20 years.
Michael Roy is a contemporary muralist and illustrator working under the moniker Birdcap.
Caitlyn Shea studied painting at Pratt Institute and Skidmore College before graduating in 2011 from Adelphi University with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts.
2016
Daniel’s artistic style is one that borders on realism, futurism and international style architectural design.
David’s type of work can be described as modern, figurative, narrative, abstract, tribal, surreal, geometric and contemporary.
Katy’s work is about transformation through bright and bold, quasi-abstract, nature-inspired, shapes and patterns that celebrate and evolve the spirit of objects, places, and people.
Patrick is interested in painting as much as he can here in his hometown of Denver, as this has been his profession of 20 years and he wants to beautify the city with what he has learned along his path so far.
Art, essentially at this point in Jade’s life, is cathartic. Within her process, she labors over large forms and minute details; this method of making art is highly preparatory and strict.
Through Victoriano’s practice as a painter, he explores the relationship between a subject’s identity and the uncanny; his work derives from the ideology of graffiti writing and its custom to stay hidden and to keep ones identity cloaked.
Sandy Toland has been making art her entire life. She earned a BFA at Colorado State University in 1981 and has been a professional artist for the a last 34 years.
My current art focus is all about connecting music and fine arts through traditional methods and technology. Accenting my focus, the sights, sounds, and issues surrounding urban culture shapes the way I approach the creation of concepts, use of tools, and overall execution of my work.