The History of Public Art in Littleton

Littleton Fine Arts Board history

In 1964, the Littleton City Council established the Littleton Fine Arts Board to advise the city in developing a fine arts collection, and to assist the city in the selection and purchase of public arts for installation in public buildings, parks, and open spaces. It also arranged periodic art shows at Bemis Public Library and Littleton Museum, selected art and sculpture for the Littleton Center and reviewed all art donations to the city.

The first logical step for the newly-formed committee was to contact the internationally-famous sculptor Edgar Britton, whose studio was located right on Main Street. Mr. Britton’s proposal was accepted, and the Fine Arts Board had its first piece of artwork for its collection, titled "Solar III". The sculpture is located in Gallup Gardens. In the years since this first acquisition was installed, the Fine Arts Board collected over 200 works.

Over time, the Fine Arts Board acquired works of art for the City of Littleton's public art collection, or art portfolio. The collection includes permanent sculptural installations in City-owned public parks and buildings, as well as a large collection of rotating artworks such as paintings and photographs, which are only available for exhibition in City-owned buildings. Artworks in the Rotating Collection are exhibited for short terms in order to avoid light damage, pest infestation, vandalism, etc., as well as to occasionally freshen up public spaces. When on display, the Rotating Collection artworks are located inside buildings such as the Littleton Center, Bemis Public Library, Littleton Court House, and the Littleton Museum, and may not be accessible during evening or weekend hours. For more information about the City of Littleton's collection of public art, acquisition, or maintenance, call 303-795-3954, or email arts@littletongov.org. 

In April 2024, the Arts & Culture Commission (ACC) was combined with the Fine Arts Board (FAB) and renamed the Arts & Culture Board. 

Public art can take many forms. Here are a couple ways to view both the Fine Arts Collection as well as all art in public places around the City: Public Art in Littleton, and Fine Arts Collection Tour.