Art on the Corner: 37 Years and Counting

Art on the Corner began with a simple idea, revitalize a downtown community that was struggling through the economic depression created by Exxon Oil pulling its operations from the Grand Valley in the early 1980’s.

AOTC Founder Dave Davis, and 10 other local artists came together with this wild idea of placing their artwork on Main Street. Davis approached the downtown business community and Grand Junction City Council for approval to install. Then, artists stealthily installed 26 pieces on Sunday, August 5, 1984 at 2 a.m.

One of the most iconic pieces in the collection, the beloved buffalo, known formally as “Chrome on the Range II” by Lou Wille, was the first piece the community purchased for the permanent collection. The buffalo was originally part of the temporary exhibit in 1987. When it was sold to a collector, the community rallied to return the piece to Downtown Grand Junction. A group of citizens fundraised $40,000 through efforts with United Bank of Grand Junction, arts & crafts fair, polaroid photos w/buffalo, a golf tournament, a mile-long race, sales of merchandise, and even a buffalo wooden nickel raffle.

The community embraced the idea of the artwork on Main Street and rallied to keep the program alive. Through the many hours of volunteerism and fundraising, Art on the Corner has thrived for over 37 years, and grown the collection to over 100 permanent pieces of outdoor public art.

Since 1984, Art on the Corner has provided the opportunity for local and national artists to exhibit their work. Each year the program grants 15-18 artists a one-year contract to showcase their talents in our beautiful Main Street corridor. This year is no exception. 

Downtown Grand Junction is seeking a new group of sculptures to enliven our vibrant community. Submit now to be part of the 2021 Art on the Corner temporary exhibit. The call for art closes August 2, 2021.