In 2023 Fort Collins was awarded a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative. With help from over 80 community volunteers and design by local artist Jess Bean, we created our largest Asphalt Art project yet — nearly 16,000 square feet of artwork at Canyon Avenue, Magnolia Street and Sherwood Street.
Why This Intersection?
Before this project, the intersection had:
- Long, confusing pedestrian crossings (up to 92 feet)
- Wide lanes that encouraged speeding
- Unclear right-of-way rules for drivers and pedestrians
What Changed?
The project added painted curb extensions and realigned crossings. Since installation in August 2024:
- Vehicle speeds on Canyon Avenue dropped 22%
- Perceived pedestrian safety rose 80%
- Crossing distances were cut from 92 feet to 40 feet
About the Artwork: Namesake
Artist: Jess Bean
This design honors Chief Friday (Warshinun) of the Arapaho Tribe (Hinono’eiteen) and explores the stories behind the street names:
- Feathers represent Chief Friday’s legacy and advocacy for Native rights
- Magnolias reflect settler impacts on Indigenous land
- Flowing blue lines evoke the Cache la Poudre River
The design was based on historical research from the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery archives.
In progress: The City's FC Moves Department is working closely with tribal representatives to update the art with more appropriate symbols sacred to the Arapaho people. More information will be shared soon.