A vibrant art installation featuring **colorful floating sculptures** is set to grace downtown Denver this summer, with the aim of attracting visitors and revitalizing the local economy. The **Skynet Art Series**, organized by **Denver Arts & Venues**, will showcase multiple **kinetic sculptures** suspended above the streets, designed to encourage pedestrians to look up and appreciate the urban landscape.
The installation will cost **more than $625,000** and is intended to create a dynamic atmosphere in the central business district. These sculptures will undulate with the wind, forming **feathery canopies** that interact with the city’s architecture, light, and weather. The project follows a successful initiative last summer in **Green Mountain Falls**, where artist **Patrick Shearn** installed a similar work that attracted over **100,000 visitors** and increased sales tax revenue by **36% year-over-year** during its four-month display.
Denver officials are optimistic about the potential impact of the upcoming installation, citing the national media attention and tourism generated by Shearn’s previous work. According to the **Denver Downtown Development Authority**, this large-scale art project will aim to drive foot traffic, enhance visitor experiences, and foster joy within the city’s urban core.
While specific locations for the floating sculptures have yet to be disclosed, officials mentioned that two or three sites will be strategically chosen along **RTD routes** connecting **Union Station** and **Civic Center Station**. The installation is expected to remain in place for **four months**, although **Denver Arts & Venues** and the artist did not provide details on the overall design or dimensions of the sculptures.
The city of Denver continues to explore innovative ways to draw people back downtown following the **COVID-19 pandemic** and the ongoing **$175.4 million renovation** of the **Sixteenth Street Mall**. Other initiatives aimed at revitalizing the area include pop-up performances and events, such as live music, beer gardens, and local markets, scheduled for summer weekends.
Shearn, who is based near **Colorado Springs**, has previously created installations that span hundreds of feet, inspired by natural shapes and colors reminiscent of butterfly wings, ocean waves, and tree canopies. His artistic vision seeks to blend creativity with the environment, making public spaces more engaging and visually appealing.
As the summer approaches, the anticipation builds for this aerial art installation, which promises to enhance the vibrancy of downtown Denver and provide a unique cultural experience for residents and visitors alike.
