A gift of artwork is one of the best ways for a local arts agency (LAA) to acquire artwork. Usually, gifts are restricted to meet a specified theme, hole in a collection, or otherwise meet the needs of both the donor and the agency. Often, gifts of art come with donations of funds to help offset the cost of care and maintenance of the artwork.
The following collection includes gifts of artwork given to the City of Littleton in general, to City Council, and to Bemis Public Library. For gifts to the Fine Arts Board or the Littleton Museum, see the Collections titled "Littleton Fine Arts Collection" or "Littleton Museum Collection." For more information on these gifts or the gifting process, please contact us at 303-795-3954 or at arts@littletongov.org.
Sometimes public art has a lifespan. Whether due to degradation of materials, vandalism, or a change in ownership, some works cannot be kept forever. In this collection, we share images and information about public art pieces that are no longer in Littleton. As always, we appreciate documentary materials to help us tell the story of artworks that are gone, but not forgotten. Please call 303-795-3954 or email arts@littletongov.org to share more information.
In 1964, the Littleton City Council established the Littleton Fine Arts Board to advise the city in developing a fine arts collection, and to assist the city in the selection and purchase of public arts for installation in public buildings, parks, and open spaces. It also arranges periodic art shows, selects art and sculpture for the Littleton Center and reviews all art donations to the city.
The first logical step for the newly-formed committee was to contact the internationally-famous sculptor Edgar Britton, whose studio was located right on Main Street. Mr. Britton’s proposal was accepted, and the Fine Arts Board had its first piece of artwork for its collection, titled "Solar III". The sculpture is located in Gallup Gardens. In the years since this first acquisition was installed, the Fine Arts Board has collected over 200 works.
The Fine Arts Collection consists of artwork acquired for the City of Littleton's public art collection, or art portfolio. Acquisition can include transfers from other City of Littleton departments, purchases, and gifts to the Fine Arts Board. The collection includes permanent installations in City-owned public parks and buildings, as well as a large collection of rotating artworks which are only available for exhibition in City-owned buildings, such as the Littleton Center, Bemis Public Library, Littleton Court House, and the Littleton Museum. Artworks in the Rotating Collection are exhibited for short terms in order to avoid light damage, pest infestation, vandalism, etc., as well as to freshen up public spaces on occasion. When on display, the Rotating Collection artworks are located indoors and may not be accessible during evening or weekend hours. For more information about the Fine Arts Board collection of public art, acquisition, or maintenance, call 303-795-3954, or email arts@littletongov.org, or visit the "About" section of this site.
For over 50 years, the Littleton Museum has collected historic objects which illustrate the rich history of the community. This includes some donations of art with historic significance to Littleton and the surrounding area. Unlike the Fine Arts Board collection of rotating and installation artworks, these pieces are limited to display intermittently. Displaying them here expands access to online visitors from around the world. For more information about the Littleton Museum's collection of art, call 303-795-3954, or email history@littletongov.org.
Memorials and Monuments in Littleton City limits. Memorials to specific people or events. Monuments to specific groups. Historic plaques are also included.
Click on each piece to learn more about the artwork, owner/maintenance authority, etc.
Includes all murals within Littleton city limits, including on City of Littleton and private businesses. Click onto each piece for ownership, maintenance, and rights information.
What is a mural? It is a painting applied directly to a wall in a public space. For the purposes of this collection, a mural is generally located outdoors and is accessible for viewing by the public 24 hours a day. In a few instances, indoor murals are shown, as they are located in public buildings with greater access to visitors daily.
Have an idea for a mural within Littleton city limits? Call 303-795-3954, or email arts@littletongov.org for more information.
Collection of all outdoor public art sculptures within Littleton city limits. This includes all Fine Arts Board Collection sculptures, gifts to the City, sculptures in the collection of South Suburban Parks and Recreation District (SSPRD), and sculptural works at private locations like businesses, schools, etc. Sculptures must be accessible to the public on a daily basis.
For more information, call 303-795-3954, or email arts@littletongov.org for more information.
South Suburban Parks and Recreation District Public Art Collection
The South Suburban Public Art Committee (PAC) is an appointed volunteer body that offers an informed opinion to the elected South Suburban Park and Recreation District (SSPRD) Board of Directors regarding art in public places. The PAC consists of 7 - 9 at-large members plus one representative from a city art commission from within the boundaries of SSPRD. Currently, only the City of Littleton’s Fine Arts Board and the City of Lone Tree’s Art Commission are represented on the PAC. At-large members are selected through an application process. The SSPRD Board of Directors must act on the appointment all PAC members. For meeting notices, visit the South Suburban Board Docs page.
Interactive Art Map
The District has had a robust public art program for more than three decades. Currently, South Suburban Parks and Recreation is responsible for over 60 permanent public art displays. The Interactive Art map features SSPRD owned art, as well as select art from our local government partners.
NOTE: only artworks located within City of Littleton city limits are shown here. Please visit the SSPRD PAC page to view the entire collection and more information:
https://www.ssprd.org/About/Public-Committees/Public-Art-Committee
The City of Littleton (COL) partnered with Sudee Floyd of Outnumbered Gallery to create artwork. The artists submitted their applications to Floyd, which then went through an approval process by COL staff; boxes power washed by Public Works, and paint provided by COL. 10 traffic boxes were originally painted beginning 2016-17. Between the years 2016-2023, at least one box was damaged and not replaced.
In 2023, staff from Public Works and Littleton Museum departments, along with oversight by the Littleton Fine Arts Board, restarted the Traffic Box Painting program, with an initial three boxes to paint, located at Broadway and Powers, Broadway and Orchard, and Bowles and Coventry intersections. The program was restarted, with the idea that it would become an annual (summertime) project. For more information, visit https://www.museum.littletonco.gov/Public-Art/Opportunities-for-Artists for more information.
Traffic boxes are owned and maintained by the City of Littleton's Public Works Department.
