Twin Silo Park: A Public Art Project Born from Community Spirit

Located on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins, Colorado, Twin Silo Park is an innovative public art project that brings together community members from all walks of life to create a vibrant and inclusive space. The park's transformation began on July 1, 2007, when local organizations, including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, AARP, youth groups, and senior cooperatives, were invited to paint murals on the silos' interior walls.

The true essence of Twin Silo Park lies in its participatory nature. Judith Baca, a renowned artist, envisioned this project as an opportunity for all age groups and abilities – from children to community leaders, professional artists to anonymous passersby, school students to prisoners and senior citizens, and youth – to come together and express themselves creatively.

The inspiration behind Twin Silo Park dates back to Judith Baca's childhood in East Los Angeles. Her mother took her to a local park designed by the famous Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros, which sparked her passion for public art. Baca aimed to create a similar environment where community organizations could not only showcase their artistic talents but also raise awareness about the vital services they provide within their neighborhoods.

Twin Silo Park features two cylindrical concrete silos, each with a diameter of and a height of, which were originally built as grain storage facilities in 1931 by Emery-Waterhouse Grain Company. In 1994, these structures were listed as historically significant by the city of Fort Collins.

The park's transformation involved more than 5,000 participants from 240 community organizations who contributed their unique art talents towards its realization. The result is a colorful and playful environment that stimulates imagination and celebrates cultural diversity.

For Judith Baca, Twin Silo Park represents a way to give worldwide visibility to neighborhood groups that have been hidden in plain sight for decades. Her vision has created a space where 'invisible' individuals can perform vital services within their communities and contribute more widely.

Twin Silo Park is not just a public art project but also a testament to the power of community engagement. It serves as an inspiration for others to create similar projects that bring people together and promote social change.

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