5 Rules for Appreciating Street Art

Our beautiful city is rich with unique, colorful and abstract art that can be found on the streets. Here are some tips for viewing the masterpieces.

Denver Love this City mural on the side of a building.
Photo courtesy of Visit Denver.

1Grab Your Phone

Grab your phone and go Instead of hastily searching for street art, download an app that can narrow your search. The Murals and Street Art app offers easy ways to find art in different cities. Browse through different murals, post the ones you’ve come across and find your favorite artists’ work.

2Hot Spots

Hot spots in Denver Eye-catching murals are all around our eccentric city, but where are the hot spots in Denver? RiNo has scintillating and innovative art on almost every corner. The Art District on Santa Fe is also well known for having psychedelic and radiant street paint.

3Guided Tours

Guided tours The RiNo Beer and Graffiti Tour offer a guided exploration of RiNo while tasting beer and cider. The Denver Graffiti Tour shows guests the main attractions and explains the historical, political and social context of the projects along with sharing the artists’ stories.

4Follow Artists

Follow artists From muralists to painters and sculptors, following artists on social media can help you connect to the person behind the art and their intended messages. The RiNo Art District webpage has information on local artists along with their social handles.

5Decipher Meaning

Deciphering meaning Don’t judge before you fully look at all the elements. Before giving praise or criticizing the work, ask yourself some questions about why you feel that way. Next, look at it from an objective point of view by considering the colors, contrast, shapes, space, etc. and see if certain aspects are drawing you in. Last, let the art piece talk. Look at it from different angles, try to find connotations and search for textural differences.