Jade Ertl's winning design captures the natural beauty and mountain spirit of Estes Park
An Estes Park High School senior's creative vision will soon grace the walls of Estes Park Storage, transforming a local business into a vibrant celebration of community and natural beauty. Jade Ertl's winning design, featuring majestic purple mountains, towering evergreens, and bold golden lettering, was selected as part of Looking for Storage's innovative initiative to engage local students and artists in beautifying properties across Colorado.
The partnership between Estes Park Storage and Estes Park High School represents more than just an art project. It's a meaningful collaboration that connects students' creativity with real-world opportunities while celebrating the unique character of the Estes Park community. The winning design will be professionally produced and permanently displayed at the facility, creating a lasting legacy for both the student artist and the business.
It was a great opportunity, and I'm honored that my art will be displayed in my hometown. Giving our students real-world opportunities to design is at the heart of our work.
The contest was part of Looking for Storage's ongoing initiative to engage local students and artists in beautifying its properties across Colorado. Looking for Storage operates several Colorado self-storage facilities, including Estes Park Storage, along with similar student mural collaborations in Crested Butte, Eagle, and Gunnison. This approach reflects a commitment to supporting local communities through creative partnerships.
Art teacher Angela Barberi emphasized how the project aligns perfectly with Estes Park School District's focus on providing students meaningful, hands-on experiences. The initiative gives students real-world opportunities to design work that extends far beyond the classroom, creating tangible connections between education and professional practice.
About the Initiative
Looking for Storage's community-focused approach includes:
- Engaging local students and emerging artists in meaningful projects
- Providing scholarship opportunities to support continued education
- Beautifying facilities while celebrating local character and natural beauty
- Creating lasting partnerships between businesses and educational institutions
- Fostering creativity and professional development opportunities for young artists
The winning design masterfully captures the essence of Estes Park, incorporating the community's iconic mountain landscapes and natural environment. The bold use of purple mountains against colorful skies, complemented by silhouetted evergreen trees, creates a striking visual that resonates with locals and visitors alike. The design emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, and community engagement, skills that will serve students well beyond the classroom.
This partnership connects students' creativity with the community in a lasting way. We're thrilled to showcase Jade's work as part of our commitment to local character and pride of place.
Jade Ertl will receive a $1,000 scholarship to support her continued education, and her design will be professionally produced and installed by Westwind Graphics LLC out of Loveland. The mural will serve as a permanent testament to the power of community collaboration and the incredible talent within Estes Park's student population.
This project exemplifies how local businesses can make meaningful investments in their communities while creating opportunities for young artists to showcase their talents and gain valuable professional experience. The mural will stand as a colorful reminder of what's possible when businesses, schools, and students work together toward a common creative vision.
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