Here at House of Coco we love it when we can fuse our love for art with our desire to travel. Unusual art greets visitors to Colorado as soon as they land in Denver and thanks to new direct flights into the state from the UK, it is now even easier for art lovers to experience what Colorado has to offer.

In September, Norwegian launched a three times weekly direct flight from London to Denver and from 24 March 2018, United Airlines will offer daily non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Denver. We’ve shortlisted the top seven unusual art installations and happenings across the state.

As you land – Denver International Airport

Blue Mustang is a cast-fiberglass horse sculpture located at Denver International Airport. Standing at 32 foot, the bright blue coloured mustang, with illuminated glowing red eyes, is notable for its striking appearance and represents the wild spirit of the old American West. The installation of the statue hasn’t been without intrigue; in 2006, two years before its completion, its artist was tragically killed when the horse’s head broke loose. This led to rumours that the statue is cursed and is known locally as “Blucifer”. The artist’s son completed the statue, adding the red illuminated eyes, which is said to represent the horse’s dark role in his father’s death.
www.flydenver.com

On the slopes – Breckenridge

Every January, a group of dedicated snow lovers flock to Breckenridge to take part in the Annual Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships. The sculptors, who are some of the best professional sculptors and snow artists in the world, spend 65 hours, working day and night to chip, carve and carefully sculpt 25-ton, 12 foot tall blocks of snow into an artistic display.
25 – 29 January 2018.
www.gobreck.com/events/intl-snow-sculpture-championships

In “Art Alley” – CRUSH, Denver

Every September in “Art Alley”, situated in Denver’s River North neighbourhood (RiNo), CRUSH celebrates the talents of graffiti artists across the world, bringing art out of the galleries and into the streets. The week-long annual event is free to the public and transforms streets and alleys into open-air galleries alongside activities for visitors throughout the RiNo. The art remains until the following year, when a fresh range of street art is produced.
Late September 2018.
https://crushwalls.org/

On a ranch – Zapata Ranch, Mosca

Zapata Ranch borders Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve – a natural wonder as the largest sand dunes in the USA stand tall against a backdrop of snow covered mountain peaks – a painting in itself. In addition to working ranch experiences, Zapata offers several art and photography inspired holidays throughout the year, including wildlife photography courses and workshops focusing on drawing and painting horses.
From $2,600 pp including all meals, activities, instruction and lodging.
www.zranch.org

In your hotel – ART Hotel, Denver
Adjacent to the Denver Art Museum, The ART Hotel allows guests the unique opportunity to surround themselves with art, 24/7. Visitors are welcomed by Leo Villareal’s undulating, 22,000-light art installation in the lobby, which leads to the Portico Gallery, featuring pieces gathered by long-time Denver Art Museum curator Dianne Vanderlip. The hotel also offers complimentary art tours every Saturday and guests can hire custom-painted rental bikes painted by students at the Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design, with the first two hours free of charge.
Rooms from $280.
www.thearthotel.com

On the street – Colorado Springs
The first Friday of the month (April – December) sees thousands of locals and visitors flock to Colorado Springs for a spot of gallery-hopping. Seventeen galleries and studios scattered across the city open their doors for the First Friday art walks, and are also home to independently owned shops and café. The Art on the Streets Exhibit showcases a selection of outdoor sculptures from a mix of local and global artists. Taking place in May 2018, pieces in the 19th Art on the Streets can be seen throughout the Downtown Creative District.
www.visitcos.com

www.colorado.com

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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