Pollinator Path

By Charlotte Ricker and Community Members | Located at W. 17th & Pierce

The Pollinator Path ground mural was designed by Charlotte Ricker, who also led volunteers from the community and the Xcel Energy Foundation in painting the mural. Pollinator Path creates a sensory experience for visitors who are passing through the area. Bold-colored flowers that are native to Colorado line the sidewalk, painted in exaggerated three-point perspective to give the illusion of walking through a garden of vibrantly colored flowers, surrounded by bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The green path of the ArtLine carries through the site, swirling and twirling as it follows the path of the hovering hummingbirds, flying bumblebees and marching ants. These charismatic pollinators help guide people through the intersection and the green line serves as a convenient wayfinding tool. The petals of the Mariposa Lily at the east side of the crosswalk form arrow shapes to guide the pedestrians across the street. The plants appear to grow out of the grasses along the edges of the sidewalk and hidden critters such as caterpillars, ants and other insects allow for an additional layer of discovery. The dandelion appears to grow up through the crack in the sidewalk like it would in real life. The mural is meant to make this corner interactive, allowing visitors to choose their path through the imaginary garden. Photo credits to Gary Reed, Reed Art & Imaging, and City of Lakewood.