City of Boulder Launches Experiments in Public Art Lecture Series

The City of Boulder's Community Vitality Department is launching an Experiments in Public Art Lecture Series, designed to foster conversations about the role of artistic expression and the creative processes in our community's critical and challenging issues. Several of the lectures include a community workshop component, allowing attendees to experiment with their own creations.

All lectures are free and will take place in the Canyon Theater at the Main Boulder Public Library. The 2025 lecture series schedule is as follows:

Ana Maria Hernando: Saturday, May 10 at 6 p.m. and Wednesday, May 21 at 5 p.m.

Ana Maria Hernando's lecture will be focused on her public art practice and the intersection of femininity and the built environment. Her work, Fervor, will be on display in the conoid entrance of the Main Boulder Public Library during May.

Molly Gambardella: Saturday, June 28 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, June 29 at 3 p.m.

Molly Gambardella will discuss climate change and the use of recycled materials in artmaking. Her event will include an installation of large-scale recycled flowers around the library for the weekend.

Francesca Rodriguez Sawaya and Renata Gaui: Thursday, July 31 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 2 at 11:30 a.m.

Francesca Rodriguez Sawaya and Renata Gaui's lecture will talk about their work at the intersection of weaving and computer coding. It will also include an interactive AR activity for attendees.

Sarah and Joseph Belknap: Sunday, August 10 at 1:30 p.m. and Sunday, August 10 at 8:00 p.m. at the Sunrise Amphitheater

Sarah and Joseph Belknap will center their lecture around their art practice using found objects and community building. Their event also includes a community artmaking workshop under the full moon at the Sunrise Amphitheater in Boulder Open Space.

Bimmer Torres: Sunday, Sept. 28 at 1:30 p.m.

Bimmer Torres's lecture will be about his murals, from street art and graffiti to large-scale municipal mural projects. His event will also include a community mural-making workshop at the Main Boulder Public Library in collaboration with Street Wise Arts.

"This lecture series is designed to inspire community members to recognize and celebrate the creativity that exists all around them," said Brendan Picker-Mahoney, Public Art Program Manager. "We hope attendees leave feeling more deeply connected to their environment and the creative possibilities it holds. Our goal is also to showcase best practices in the field of public art, and we're thrilled to welcome such talented speakers - from Colorado and beyond - to share their insights with our community."

The Experiments in Public Art program serves as a city-wide laboratory expanding the potential of public art to explore important and challenging issues in our community. Unlike a traditional public art commission, Experiments in Public Art projects are as much an experiment for the community as they are opportunities for artists to work within unconventional parameters.

To learn more about the Experiments in Public Art Program or to find more details on the lecture series, please visit the city website.