The Town of Breckenridge has selected local artist Ryan “Rutherford” Sowers to create a mural at the Coyne Valley Road recreation path underpass, with installation planned for late this summer.
The mural will cover the north and south entrance facades as well as the interior of the underpass tunnel, creating a colorful gateway along one of the town’s busiest pedestrian and cycling routes. Town officials expect the artwork to remain in place for at least three to five years, depending on its condition and maintenance needs.
Breck Create partnered with the town to solicit artist proposals, receiving 12 total submissions. Along with a Leadership Challenge Program team, the organizers narrowed the field to three finalists before the Breckenridge Public Arts Commission unanimously chose Sowers’ design. Breckenridge Town Council also approved the selection at a meeting Tuesday, July 14.
Sowers’ proposal features a winter landscape on the north entrance, a summer scene on the south entrance and an abstract gradient of fall leaves transitioning from yellow to deep orange inside the underpass. Summit High School student artists will have the chance to assist with the installation through a partnership with Breck Create.
$20,000 of the town’s streets and parks budget has been allocated for the project.
The mural grew out of a 2024 Leadership Challenge Program project that examined how public art can help deter graffiti. The Coyne Valley Road underpass was chosen as an ideal location after experiencing repeated graffiti over several years and because it serves as a highly visible connection between downtown Breckenridge, nearby neighborhoods and open space.
Installation of the mural is likely to conclude by the end of September, which should allow the paint to properly cure before colder weather arrives.
For more information or questions about the project, residents can reach out to Breckenridge Public Works at pwadmin@townofbreckenridge.com.
Another rendering by Ryan “Rutherford” Sowers shows his plans to design the inside of the underpass tunnel, with materials and colors meant to mimic changing fall foliage.Town of Breckenridge/Courtesy rendering
The Blue River Rec Path passing under Coyne Valley Road in Breckenridge is pictured on Thursday, April 2. Matt Hutcheson/Summit Daily News