Centennial Traffic Box Wrap Project winners

In 2021, Centennial began installing murals on traffic boxes across the city. These boxes reflected the city's values: neighborhoods matter, education is embraced, businesses are valued and innovation absolute. In March 2023, the Centennial Arts and Cultural Foundation (CACF) partnered with the city to create a “Call

For Artists” to participate in the Traffic Box Wrap project. This marks the first opportunity for CACF to work with the City of

Smoky Hill Road

Jaclyn Garrett, Strasburg

Centennial to bring art to public places, include local artists in the process and have Centennial residents play a part in selecting the winners. In April, CACF reached out to the community looking for volunteers to be on the selection committee to review and rank the entries. 25 artists submitted entries for this Traffic Box Wrap project. Artists

The winning artists for the 2023 Centennial Traffic Box Wrap project were to create six proposed art wraps for three different locations: Smoky Hill Road, the intersection area at Dry Creek and Chester and Colorado Blvd from Arapahoe Road to Dry Creek Road. In June, all entries were submitted and reviewed by the selection committee made up of 17 volunteers from the community. The winners were announced at the Centennial Under The Stars event on August 12, 2023. The Traffic Box Wraps are expected to be installed in the fall. It is anticipated that this will be an annual event for the City of Centennial.

Annual Centennial Under the Stars

A community favorite for the past 17 years, Centennial Under the Stars had all the makings of a memorable summer celebration for the whole family. The event brought vendors, musicians and community organizations to Centennial Center Park’s award-winning amphitheater—kicking off with live tunes from Libelula The Band featuring Wrenn and Ian, performing a mix of funk and groove with R&B and jazz, followed by 6 Million Dollar Band, the event’s headliner and Colorado’s premier 80s dance band.

Jaclyn Garrett

“This project is a fun way to add art to the community where I grew up. My favorite memories have had the beautiful mountains and Colorado scenery in the background, so I used that as an inspiration. I earned my Art Degree from Metro State but have been an artist since childhood and love sharing it, especially with kids and my own bright and creative daughters. This has been an amazing opportunity. I am honored to have my work selected to be a part of a city that has given so much to me.” -

Colorado Blvd

Steve Riecks, Highlands Ranch

Steve Riecks has lived all over the world sharing his artistic talent. It was when he moved to Colorado that he fell in love with the wildlife and beauty of the Rocky Mountains. He studied fine art and graphic design at Colorado State University and graduated with a Fine Arts degree. “As a wild life artist, I like to capture a glimpse of the constantly changing world and illustrate a moment in time through my paintings. I hope to show people the beauty I see in God’s creation.”

Dry Creek and Chester

Liz Cunningham, Lone Tree

Families and friends didn’t run out of things to enjoy throughout the evening, with the variety of family activities available, including free face painting, Ninja Nation’s obstacle course and more. Food and beverages were available for purchase. It was a wonderful event that wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our event sponsors: Jacobs, Arapahoe County, Centennial Hospital, Southmoor Pediatric Dentistry, and Centennial Center Park Wifi Partner, Ting.

ABOVE: Jaclyn Garrett, City Council Woman, Tammy Maurer, Mrs. Colorado 2022 Natalie Oliver-Atherton, Mayor Stephanie Piko, former City Council Woman, Kathy Turley, winner, Steve Riecks, Rob Johnston, President of Centennial Rotary

LEFT: Mayor Stephanie Piko, and winner, Jaclyn Garrett direct client care to provide custom wheelchair seating. This process involves plaster work

Liz is a seating technician thermoforming. Being able to help someone in need is a constant inspiration. “I am so thrilled to have my work seen by the public! May we all continue to explore during the day and the night. How lucky we are that get to do all of these with the mountains in sight.”

Dentistry,

Centennial Center Park Wifi Partner, Ting