Color turning underpasses from shabby to sophisticated along Riverfront Trail

A splash of color to the outdoors is the goal of a new mural program to create art on the Riverfront Trail.

The Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture is now accepting artist applications for the mural program.

With the goal of creating a more vibrant environment, many locals are looking forward to the extra color.

"To bring culture to Grand Junction, why not express all of our amazing and creative members of this society. It gives something for the kids to walk around and look at and always remember. It’s already a beautiful trail so why not take an opportunity to amplify that," said Victoria Johnson, who takes her kid along the trail.

The group is hoping to spruce up five areas including Redlands Parkway Underpass, Lower No Thoroughfare Underpass, Hwy 340 – Riverside Underpass, and Hwy 50 – 5th Street Bridge Underpass.

Upon completion of the project a total of 14 paintable spots will spruce up usually shabby parts of the city.

“This area sometimes gets a bad reputation about community members camping out down here,” Johnson said. “To make that a more positive experience by making families feel more confident about coming out here, that we are taking care of our trails, and that we are doing things to beautify the city.”

The community will be invited to watch as the murals are painted as part of the Downtown Arts Festival.

Artists can apply now for their artwork to be chosen. Artists are responsible for the cost of their own mural but donations can be made to artists individually. For more information on how to apply and the guidelines of the murals go to: gjarts.org.