Colorado Mesa University is expanding its Campus Art Walk and outdoor art installations following a new collaboration with the Grand Junction Downtown Development Authority (DDA). This partnership, which saw its initial art installations on October 2, aims to create new opportunities for students, local artists, and the broader community to experience art directly on CMU’s campus. The university stated in a news release that this expansion reinforces its commitment to making art a visible and accessible part of campus life, while also integrating robust community collaboration. For residents of Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade, this means more public art to explore, both on campus and downtown.
Under the terms of the partnership, artwork procured by the DDA for its well-known Art on the Corner program will now become a rotating part of CMU's on-campus statue collection. The first two of these DDA-selected pieces were installed at CMU on October 2. On the same day, three new art pieces created by CMU students were installed as part of the Art on the Corner collection, which is prominently displayed along downtown Main Street. This simultaneous installation demonstrates the collaborative nature of the new initiative, benefiting both the university and the downtown area.
The Campus Art Walk itself begins at the front doors of the Moss Performing Arts Center, a key cultural hub for the university and surrounding community. It then extends through the very heart of the CMU campus, guiding visitors to the front door of the Asteria Theatre. This path now features significant new additions. At the eastern terminus of the Campus Art Walk, a newly procured statue of Mary Rait has been installed. Further enriching the walk, the western terminus features a newly procured maverick bull statue, distinctively titled “Duster,” which now anchors the new campus roundabout situated in the heart of the CMU Formation District. These installations provide specific points of interest for anyone navigating the campus.
According to a university news release, the expansion of the Campus Art Walk and this specific partnership build on CMU’s ongoing dedication to making art an integral part of campus life. This commitment is designed to foster deeper engagement with the Grand Junction community. The DDA’s Art on the Corner program, which has long enriched downtown Grand Junction, now complements the university’s efforts by extending its reach to the CMU campus, ensuring more public access to diverse artistic expressions. This collaborative approach underscores a shared goal of enriching the cultural landscape for local residents and visitors alike.
CMU President John Marshall emphasized the broader impact of the arts in a statement, noting that a key university function is to inspire a sense of wonder among students, staff, and the wider community. Marshall added that the arts have a transformative presence on campus, and this new partnership with the DDA will enhance both organizations' efforts to engage the community through art. This perspective highlights the value placed on art as a tool for community connection and inspiration for local residents and CMU families.
