Each month we will be featuring a mural from the Westwood Creative District on Morrison Road. We will be introducing you to the artist, the mural and where it is located in hopes that you can visit in person or simply learn about the artists that created them.
Santiago Jaramillo is a third generation Westwood resident, business owner and self- taught artist.
His art is inspired by his culture, neighborhood, life experience and expression of self. He has been painting for 30+ years and has been in numerous gallery showings, taught classes, is a Traditional Mexica/Aztec dance teacher, and muralist.
Jaramillo opened Black Vulture Tattoo and Art Gallery on Morrison Road in 2013. The block where he had his shop, has been sold and renovated into several new small businesses. He has plans to open another shop, when the right opportunity presents itself.
Santiago is credited with several of the colorful, cultural, vibrant public art pieces that include murals, electrical boxes, paleta carts and more, that make up the artistic fabric of Westwood.
He is a co-founder of D3-Arts, and was co-creator of the Frida Kahlo Exhibit, that take place very year in Westwood. The past year, was the 6th year celebrating the life of Frida Kahlo. He has also been instrumental in bringing artists, and various art shows to Westwood.
Westwood Artist
Santiago Jaramillo
Santiago Jaramillo
The green pyramid border represents the earth and the symbol of duality and the number 3. The two Mayan symbols on each side are earth protectors.
The symbol in the middle is the tree of life and the primordial sea and all the elements. The symbol to the left is Tonatiuh, the sun symbol.
The symbol to the right is Chalciuhtlicue, the symbol of water. Together they make the symbol of the Altachinoli that symbolizes steam and the breath of life.
The overall meaning of the mural is the sacredness of the earth and our relationship to it and protecting it. This mural was completed with collaborative funding from Denver Urban Arts Fund, The Trust for Public Land and BuCu West. The Via Verde Mural is located behind La Casita at 3790 Morrison Road.
To read a detailed write-up visit a blog posting by JoAnna Cintron at Re:Vision:
https://www.revision.coop/rewrite/2018/3/30/the-season-of-creation
2022 Upcoming Events
“Fotos Del Corazon”
A Solo Art Exhibit by Joe N Martinez Photography
Opening Reception Friday, August 23rd 5:30pm-7:30pm
at BuCu West 4200 Morrison Rd. Unit 3
Show Remains Open Through Mid October
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“My photos are a serenity for me with a spiritual meaning.”
– Joe N Martinez
Mark Your Calendars
“Frida Kahlo: A Celebration of Life and Resistance“
Save the date: July 9th, 2022
2pm-8pm
At 3735 Morrison Road Denver, CO 80219
For more information!
The Annual Westwood Chile Fest
Save the Date: September 10, 2022
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Vendor Applications now available!
Frida Kahlo
A Celebration of Life
July 2017
Photo Credit @actualflair
Westwood Chile Fest
7th Annual Event
September 16, 2017
Visit www.bucuwestchilefest.com for more information!
2017 Mural Project
Completed seven murals along Morrison Road with a grant from Urban Arts Funds – Denver Arts and Venues.
Metal Invitational Exhibit
Several Local Metal Artists were on exhibit
Nicho Public Art Project
In partnership with Denver Botanic Gardens and Alamo Draft House, 4 Nichos were painted and decorated by local artists.
Climate Safe Cities: Westwood Exhibit
Exhibit at McNichol’s Civic Center Building
In Partnership with The Trust For Public Land
Murals, Story Boards and Paleta Carts about the Community of Westwood
Dia de Los Muertos Exhibit
A Cultural Celebration with Music, Dancing, Vendors and Art Gallery
Cultural Arts Programming
Partnering with Art Students League of Denver
Held art programming for children and Seniors of Westwood.
Support for start up and small businesses sponsored by:
