Denver is set to unveil a mural paying homage to its thriving Asian community on Sunday.
The mural will sit on the 5280 trail of the Auraria Campus, Denverite reports. The Auraria Campus, a bustling educational hub, houses prestigious institutions such as the University of Colorado-Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the Community College of Denver.
Colorado Asian Pacific United (CAPU), the advocacy group that commissioned the mural, is hosting a free public event on Sunday to unveil the captivating piece of artwork.
According to Axios Denver, the artist behind the mural is Cory Feder, a Korean American with deep roots in Colorado, though currently based in New Mexico. CAPU selected Feder to create a mural that tells a powerful story of movement and migration experienced by Asians and Asian Americans. This artistic endeavor aims to honor the rich tapestry of their history and contributions.
Feder hopes that the mural will prompt viewers to learn more about Asian American history.
“I would hope that people would want to question why there’s this particular imagery and then look into that and learn about the history,” Feder said in an interview with Denverite. “I would also hope that it just makes people feel seen and feel like they’re safe here and that they belong here.”
Joie Ha, the Vice Chair of CAPU’s board, told Axios Denver that the mural symbolizes the dynamic narratives of Asians and Asian Americans, capturing their journeys and experiences. It’s a visual testament to their presence and influence in the Denver community.
“As the Auraria campus is home to a significant number of Asian American students, we hope that they will see themselves represented in this new art piece,” Soon Beng Yeap, the Chair of CAPU’s board said in a statement, according to Denverite. The mural serves as a source of pride and recognition for the Asian American students who enrich the vibrant campus community.
According to Axios Denver, the mural is part of a broader initiative by CAPU to foster meaningful conversations about the Asian American immigrant experience. A previous mural, completed earlier this year, graces an area that once thrived as Denver’s Chinatown during the 1870s.
Tragically, it met its demise during an anti-Chinese riot in 1880. These artistic endeavors aim to reconnect with the rich heritage of the Asian American community while promoting dialogue about their history and contributions to Denver.
The mural’s unveiling celebration on Sunday promises much more than just visual delight. Attendees can savor delicious Asian cuisine, enjoy cultural activities, and watch a mesmerizing lion dance performance.
The festivities are scheduled to take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon outside the North Classroom building located at 1200 Larimer St. It’s a vibrant and inclusive gathering that embodies the spirit of unity and celebration of Denver’s diverse Asian community.
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