Unless you live under a rock, which we all do here in Castle Rock, you may have noticed that our Town’s art scene is really heating up, and bold, colorful murals are popping up everywhere. The Castle Rock Artist Cooperative, Castle Rock’s largest art nonprofit, has taken the lead on several new mural projects around town. Jump on a Pedego e-bike or throw on some comfy running shoes and explore Castle Rock’s many murals. Here are our favorites:
Wine + Dine Mural • South wall of Union An American Bistro
The Wine + Dine Mural, painted by Denver artist Tom Ward, is the newest addition to Castle Rock’s mural scene. Reflecting the food and fun of the restaurant it’s painted on, Tom’s mural captures the essence of Union An American Bistro. Union is also one of Castle Rock Artist Cooperative’s many art venues, and any day of the week, any week of the year, you can find CRAC artists’ art hanging on the walls inside. It’s the perfect union of food, fun and art, right in the heart of downtown Castle Rock. Union is located at 3 Wilcox Street in downtown Castle Rock.
Philip S. Miller Mural • Alleyway off Third Street
This was the first mural that the Castle Rock Artist Cooperative brought to town, a colorful rendition of Philip S. Miller. Mr. Miller could be considered one of the town’s patriarchs, and his generous donations make our Philip S. Miller Library possible, as well as the sprawling Philip S. Miller Park just west of downtown. This masterpiece was painted by the very talented Daniel Levinson, who specializes in mural portraits and other paintings. You can view this art on the side of Rock Liquors, located at 350 Third Street in downtown Castle Rock.
“I Love You So Much” • Side of the Fort CPA office on Wilcox St.
“I Love You So Much” was a collaborative effort between the Castle Rock Artist Cooperative and the Town’s Public Art Commission. It was painted by Minnesota-based artists Emma Gottschalk and Josh Eller. The mural was part of the “Painting Positivity” campaign, which aimed to inspire positivity, unity and hope during the pandemic, and was unveiled in June of 2021. It currently resides on the side of the Fort CPA offices, located at 407 Wilcox Street in downtown Castle Rock.
Flower Mural • Riverwalk near the East Plum Creek Trail
Laramie, Wyoming-based mural artist Dan Toro designed this gorgeous floral-themed mural on the side of the stairwell at Riverwalk in downtown Castle Rock, which leads to the East Plum Creek Nature Trail. This mural was also part of the Painting Positivity campaign, spearheaded by the Castle Rock Artist Cooperative and the Town’s Public Art Commission.