Why Is One Western Colorado Town Full Of Sculptures?

Did you know that downtown Grand Junction is home to more than 115 original sculptures? The collection includes everything from life-size art of historic figures like John Otto to a crown-wearing frog you can kiss. It makes for a very entertaining walk through downtown.

So, where did all these statues come from, and who makes them? Keep scrolling to learn why downtown Grand Junction feels a lot like an outdoor art studio, and how it all got started.

The Origins of Art on the Corner

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Grand Junction can thank Dave Davis for kicking off AOTC (Art on the Corner) in 1984. The program gained attention as one of the first rotating outdoor sculpture exhibitions in the U.S. The program's most popular trait was that it allowed artists to display work outdoors without needing a gallery to show it.

How Rotating & Permanent Sculptures Work

Art on the Corner displays sculptures on loan from artists for one year. Some are sold, others are donated, and a few are purchased by the city to become permanent parts of downtown. New art pieces are added during the installation weekend (usually early October). Art pieces are often made from different kinds of materials like bronze, steel, stone, or mixed media to keep downtown new and ever-changing.

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Why Public Art Matters in Downtown GJ

Thanks to Art on the Corner, Grand Junction gets to enjoy an ever-changing look downtown. Artwalks and sculpture tours encourage foot traffic and repeat visits. Locals love the sculptures because they’ve become our photo spots and meeting points downtown. They can spark conversation and show the pride we have in our community and outdoor lifestyle. The next time you walk downtown, take a selfie with a Grand Junction sculpture, and give the artist a plug.

Find a map to each of the downtown sculptures here.