Public invited to help paint massive mural at downtown Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The "biggest mural in Colorado Springs" is being painted this week, and residents across the city are invited to help out with the huge artwork.

Mauricio Ramirez is working on a 320-foot mural to highlight the history of the Conejos neighborhood, which is where America the Beautiful Park now occupies.

The mural is going along the underpass at Colorado Ave. underneath Interstate 25, and it's going to serve as another entryway to the downtown area from the west side of Colorado Springs.

The mural is part of the Downtown Development Authority's Gateways Initiative in partnership with the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum.

If you want to help out, head to one of the community days in August and you can leave your mark on the city. Community paint days are happening Aug. 18, 19, 28 & 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ramirez, who has had artwork displayed in Colorado Springs and even won the Junior Award First Place in the 2019 Art on the Streets exhibit. His 70-foot display Fire in my Sol is on permanent display at Penrose Library.

Ramirez says, “I create artwork that crosses borders and boundaries … My more personal artwork is a contribution to the community; frequently a cultural icon that transcends rich intersecting historical and popular culture references that speak to the complex diaspora of the United States. I wholeheartedly believe in the importance of how the visibility of culture can lead to not only the growth of confidence, but also care within our communities.”

The mural design will feature black and white portraits of former Conejos residents and landmarks on one side, with full-color portraits on the other side showing the city's contemporary Hispanic community.