Canal Builders
- Artist
- James Lynxwiler
- Year
- 2024
- Location
- Laporte Ave., east of Taft Hill Rd. and west of Grandview Ave.
- Description
-
Fort Collins artist James Lynxwiler designed concrete art panels for the eight columns on two canal bridges from ~1930 that were replaced as part of pedestrian and bike improvements along Laporte Ave., east of Taft Hill Rd. and west of Grandview Ave. The new bridges are modeled after stonework from City Park and will look very similar to the S. Bryan Ave. bridge over the Larimer County Canal No. 2.
The canal at this site was hand dug by early settlers over 120 years ago. This art project recognizes these early pioneers and illustrates their efforts to develop the land and bring water into Fort Collins. The artwork highlights and provides a visual connection to the site’s rich history as well as the natural environment that has evolved along Laporte Ave., featuring the birds that currently call the area home.
Photos
Detail of a concrete art panel featuring an owl.
Detail of two concrete art panels featuring a historic image on the left and bird imagery on the right.
Detail of a concrete art panel showing early agriculture in the area
Installing the concrete panels on the columns
Bridge under construction