Cheyenne, Wyoming is a city where the Old West meets modern art in a delightful blend of creativity. As you stroll through the streets, you'll be captivated by the colorful murals, mesmerized by the bronze statues, and charmed by the oversized cowboy boots that pepper the cityscape. Recently dubbed an “art mecca” by Forbes, read on to learn about the unique art scene of Cheyenne, where murals, bronze statues, and big boots tell the story of a city that cherishes its history and embraces contemporary artistic expression.
Murals: A Canvas on Every Wall
Cheyenne is adorned with a fascinating array of murals, each telling a story, depicting local history, or simply adding a touch of artistic magic to the urban landscape. Many murals were put up with private partnerships between building owners and artists, while many were created as part of the Paintslingers Initiative. Paint Slingers is an annual street art festival that is dedicated to the beautification and revitalization of Downtown Cheyenne. If you're ready to explore some of the public art in Cheyenne, here's a look at some notable murals to explore:
"Buffalo Mural" by Jordan Dean
This stunning mural is located behind the Paramount Café and is larger than life. It’s painted on the back of a five-story building and wows all that see it.
"Cheyenne" by Jordan Dean
This popular mural is located at Lincolnway and Pioneer and is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The postcard style makes it a great photo op! This mural was created as part of the Paintslingers Initiative.
"Women's Suffrage" by Chris Hoffmeister
Cheyenne is one of the most important places in the country in the story of Women's Suffrage in America. This mural honors the advocates who helped grant suffrage to the women of Wyoming - specifically being the first state granting women the right to vote. Located on the corner of 17th St. and Carey Ave., this art installation was the result of a partnership between the City of Cheyenne and Visit Cheyenne.
Bronze Statues: A Glimpse into Western Heritage
It’s hard not to notice the incredible amount of bronze statues in downtown Cheyenne. These have been installed as part of the Capitol Avenue Bronze Project, a project conceived by local gallerist and lifelong advocate for art in public spaces, Harvey Deselms. The project has been in the works for over a decade, and it is an impressive sight to see. On Capitol Avenue between the historic train depot and the Capitol Building, you will find almost every corner adorned with a bronze statue that depicts a part of Cheyenne history. It’s stunning to see every corner with a reminder of why we love this town so much!
You will also notice that on almost every corner of 17th Street, from Warren Avenue to Thomes Avenue, there are bronze statues of animals. The bronzes on 17th lead the way to the Cheyenne Childrens Museum. The museum has broken ground and will be a wonderful addition to our downtown, with a beautiful path of bronzes making it easy to find!
Big Boots: A Whimsical Twist on Art
One of the most notable large scale art projects in Cheyenne is the Big Boots. What started as a joint project between the Cheyenne Depot Museum Foundation and the Downtown Development Authority has turned into a local favorite art installation. You can find 30+ boots around Cheyenne. Some even make a scavenger hunt out of it! The collection of boots around town is constantly growing and is a fun way to explore town while seeing unique pieces of art! The artists from the original project are part of an audio tour where you can learn about them and the history of the boot. You can pick up a copy at the Visit Cheyenne Visitors Center in the Depot lobby!
Cheyenne, Wyoming, is a city that seamlessly weaves together the threads of history, artistic expression, and the unbridled spirit of the West. From captivating murals that narrate stories of the past to the bronze statues that pay homage to the region's rich heritage, and the whimsical big boots that add a touch of playfulness to the cityscape, Cheyenne's art scene is a testament to its unique character. So, next time you find yourself in Cheyenne, explore these artistic treasures that make the city a true gem of the American West.