#1 Properties Newsletter - January 2023

at home

Thanks to the Downtown Cheyenne Mural Project and the Paint Slingers from 2015 to today, there are over 50 and counting gorgeous, creative and captivating murals by a variety of artists throughout Cheyenne. Many of these gems are hidden in Cheyenne’s downtown alleys, while others are out on full display for all to see throughout the city. With businesses willing to participate, these artists have brought old walls to life again, helped revitalizing forgotten spaces, and added to the beautification of Cheyenne.

There's Only One #1

In the Cheyenne region, #1 Properties is the finest example of a locally owned and operated business there is. Not only are they the best, they give back to the community through many different sponsorships. Guess that builds good karma, that makes them #1 in this region, way to go #1 Properties! –T/SG

Cheyenne's Hidden Gems Street Art

Over the years, the perception of street art has been transforming from one of undesirable graffiti or vandalism, to sanctioned public works of art that provided civic pride while celebrating local artists and creativity. For a long time, many large cities have been commissioning murals to help give insights into a city’s culture, identity, and neighborhood history. Not only do these murals help with the beautification of a city, it has been shown that murals help boost economic activity by attracting tourists, improving mental health, and instilling a sense of public safety.

In 2015 the Downtown Development Authority in Cheyenne realized the importance and positive impact these murals had on communities. From this understanding, The Downtown Cheyenne Mural Project was created to help improve the walk-ability and appeal of downtown.

The first mural commissioned by the Cheyenne Mural Project was awarded to Jordan Dean of Cheyenne to be painted on the back of the Historic Plains Hotel, 1600 Central Avenue. After 14 days, a 60-foot blue bison playing a guitar was dancing across the wall with a banjo playing golden eagle soaring overhead. There is also a snake, a fish wearing glasses and of course it wouldn’t be complete without a Cowboy hat.

Dan Toro of Laramie was selected to paint the second mural for the Cheyenne Mural Project called “On Stage”, which is also located behind the Plains Hotel. This very fun mural gives a glimpse into what it looks like to be back stage of a performing arts theatre. The curtains are drawn showing a Grand Piano waiting to be played, as the musicians get ready to perform behind the ‘Band’ door.

It is definitely worth going on a scavenger hunt to find these wonderful pieces of art. To help in your endeavor download the Cheyenne Art app. It is free and offers locations to many of the Murals, Bronzes and Boots that adorn our city.

Bria

Hammock

Bria is a contemporary wilderness painter, muralist and graphic designer. She loves to create art that is bold, colorful and full of joy. She uses unexpected color combinations against a heavy contrast of dark underpainting to create her unique works of art.

“Amelia The Dreamer” can be seen at Hammock’s West Edge studio in Cheyenne. Amelia the bison is a reminder to keep us dreaming, believing and looking ahead. “... If you weren’t born with wings, figure out how to fly anyways” states Hammock.

Another colorful and fun mural by Hammock is “Of Fur and Feather” (featured on the cover) located at 18th and Bent Avenue. This 3,000 Sq. ft. mural was completed in one week, and depicts Wyoming wildlife. Her goal for this piece was to “depict the harmoniousness and uniqueness of mother nature who implores all of her creatures, regardless of race, gender, creed and species, to exist in harmony.”

Pedestrian Overpass at Central & 7th St.

JordanDean

Since his first mural “Big Bison” back in 2015, Jordan Dean has continued to paint some very eyecatching murals all over town. Dean is the Creative Director for Warehouse 21, and sees himself as a designer, illustrator, and artist. With each mural, Dean continues to learn new techniques and ways to improve as an artist. He has transitioned from using rollers and brushes to preferring to use spray paint.

One of Dean’s favorite murals is ‘The Kraken’ located on the corner of Central Avenue and E. 20th Street. “I like it because it’s fun,” Dean said. It's a beautiful and vibrant piece of art showcasing an underwater ocean scene with a purple and orange Kraken as the focal point. Stunning fish, and a swimming cowgirl add to the delight of this larger-than-life piece of art. It took Dean just six days to complete.

Dean's “Howdy From Cheyenne Wyoming” mural (featured on the cover) is a great example of how murals attract tourists. On his way to and from work he enjoys watching people pose in front of this mural to take keepsake pictures. When describing his murals “I wanted them to be something that a lot of Cheyenne people could be proud of.”

“Voices of Spirit” won 1st Place for the Paint Slingers' Community Choice Award in 2021. This stunning mural is a collective effort of Aiko Szymczak and Corniie Bee Bop, known as Koco Collab out of Denver, CO. “This is about our inborn connection we inherit from the stars and pass on to one another through our daily lives, and relationships. In Native American culture the braid tied together represents the spiritual connection usually between man and wife but here we depicted it with two women, the basket weavers of the universe and the pillars of creation” stated Koco Collab.

what’s Happening

January

20th /SYMPHONY UNDERGROUND W/ TEN CENT STRANGER

The Lincoln, 8:00pm www.cheyennesymphony.org

21st /MOVIE MUSIC MATINEE

Cheyenne Civic Center, 2:30pm www.cheyennesymphony.org

26th /JANUARY COMMUNITY PINT NIGHT

Black Tooth Brewery- 3pm-8pm

27th - 28th /WOMEN OF BROADWAY

Cheyenne Little Theatre Players7pm - 10pm www.cheyennelittletheatre.org

February

4th/FAMILY DAY: WYOMING WINTER

WY. State Museum, 10am - 2pm www.wyomuseum.wyo.gov

10th - 26th /ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

Cheyenne Little Theatre Players www.cheyennelittletheatre.org

10th /SUGARHILL GANG

The Lincoln, 7:00pm www.thelincolncheyenne.com

14th/VALENTINE'S DAY

17th/LESPECIAL

The Lincoln, 8:00pm www.thelincolncheyenne.com

25th /RODNEY

CARRINGTON

Cheyenne Civic Center - 7:00pm www.cheyennepresents.com

25th /TANNER USREY

Outlaw Saloon, 8:00pm www.cheyenneoutlawsaloon.com

Photos by Shutter-Vision