Silverthorne is a vibrant mountain community. With guidance from the Arts and Culture Strategic Plan and the Silverthorne Art Board, the town strives to enhance our sense of place, create a walkable downtown, build on our abundant recreational resources, complement high quality architecture and design and contribute to a healthy economic expansion.

To support public art, the Art Board manages the annual Public Art Grant Program which offers supplemental funding to both businesses and artists for projects that provide opportunities for the extended community to come together to share common and diverse histories, traditions, and customs as well as enjoy permanent, temporary and spontaneous expressions of art and culture. Project opportunities are broad and can be place based (indoor and/or outdoor exhibits or enhancements) or program based (activities or projects that bring people together).

Silverthorne will be funding $12,000 in public art grants in 2024 and grants will be awarded in amounts of up to $3,000. Applications in excess of $3,000 may be considered for projects that provide exceptional benefit. Matching funds in the amount of 10% of total project cost must be provided by applicant through either financial or in-kind contributions.

Business Applicant

The Art Board will consider applications from Silverthorne businesses that wish to install permanent or temporary art installations that can be viewed by the public. This may include purchase of an artwork for display and/or artful enhancements to spaces that create an artful public environment. Businesses can also request funding to support an interactive public art project that provides a participatory art opportunity for the community.

Artist Applicant

The Art Board will also consider applications from artists who wish to install permanent or temporary art installations that can be viewed by the public – either in public spaces or in conjunction with private businesses in spaces that can be viewed by the public. Artists may propose projects that enhance public spaces through creative design and are not necessarily a straightforward installation of an artwork.  Artists can also request funding to support a public art project that provides a participatory art opportunity for the community.

Application

Over the last three years, the majority of public art grants have featured painted murals. In 2024, the Art Board is looking to expand the mediums selected for the public art grants and preference will be given to projects that feature a different medium, are interactive and involve the community, and/or to artists who partner with local businesses.

• Oct. 5, 2024: Deadline to complete grant project. Projects not completed within six months of the selection date will be required to return any grant funding already received.

2024 Grant Recipients

• Erika Donaghy - Mural for Colorado Marketplace and Bakery inside of Bluebird Market
• Thirsty Pika Taproom - Mural on outdoor patio along the Blue River Trail by artist Ryan Halsne
• Andy Moran  - Community Pride Mural 
• Jennifer Pederson - Community Paper Crane Project 

2023 Grant Recipients

• Erika Donaghy and Fahren Norton – Mural at Maryland Creek Park
• Erica Nicol – Mural at Willow Grove Open Space
• Caitlin Tongish – Mural at Trent Park
• Mary Gilles – Mosaic mural at Silverthorne Elementary School in collaboration with Silverthorne Elementary School students

2022 Grant Recipients

• Erika Donaghy and Bluebird Market – Mural at Bluebird Market
• Mary Gilles – A Lovliness Community Art Project (mosaic ladybugs at Town events)
• Jessica Johnson, Erica Nicol and Rachel Waltman – Mural at the Angler Mountain Bridge underpass along the Blue River Trail
• Alpine Earth Gardens – Living sculpture 

2021 Grant Recipient

• Artist Kia Neill – Mural at parking garage transit center