Art has consumed Megan Carlson ever since she was a little girl. The Denver native and Park Hill resident spent middle school in the Denver School of the Arts, and now is startling her instructors at East High School.
It’s not just teachers she’s wowing. As part of its “Passion for Parks” program, Starbucks Coffee Co. sponsored a contest to design the reflective bottom of a fountain being restored in City Park’s historic Sopris Garden. Carlson, 16, a sophomore, walked away with the $250 prize and the honor of seeing her design implemented in Denver’s grand, old park.
Her design shimmers with mirrors and aqua tiles.
We chatted with Carlson about art and the award.
Is this exciting?
I think it’s crazy. Like when my mom called, and she was telling me how I could take my grandkids there. It’s such a hard concept to grasp. I’m totally honored. It’s overwhelming.
What was your inspiration?
A lot of things went into it. I knew it was going to be a fountain, so I wanted it to have something to do with water. Then I thought about the reflective quality of water, and I thought it would be cool if I could work that in. That’s how I came up with the whole broken-mirror idea. People could look into it and see themselves, and that way they could all be part of the park.
How long did it take you?
It took me mostly a weekend. It started out as a sketch, a drawing in my sketch book. And a written description of what it was.
Are you finished with it?
I’ve been contacted by (somebody associated with the City Park renovations) who has gotten my input on the materials I want to use, and she’s been e-mailing me (pictures of) tiles.
What will the final product look like?
From far away the broken mirror and the tile are all the same color blue because the broken mirror will reflect the sky. When you get up close to it you see yourself and the surroundings, as well as the tile.
Was there much interest in entering the contest among East High School students?
I know it was open to all of the East art students. Two Starbucks representatives came in and presented it to the class. I know a lot of people entered, because every entrant got a free $20 Starbucks card.
Do you have a primary interest in art right now? Sculpture? Painting?
Right now I like exploring everything, trying to see what I can do.
DIG IN FOR PARKS
Starbucks Coffee has a passion for parks, and proved it in this year in Denver with a $100,000 grant and help recruiting volunteers to restore the historic Burns and Sopris Gardens in City Park. Starting Saturday at 8 a.m., community and Starbucks volunteers will help out with projects including constructing gravel and concrete walkways, planting trees, shrubs and flowers, and laying sod. They’ll work until about noon, when a community appreciation celebration gets going. If you’re up for taking a turn with a shovel, contact the Denver Parks and Recreation volunteer office at 303-964- 1043 or e-mail tina.romero@ci.denver.co.us. Each volunteer gets a T-shirt, free coffee and refreshments.
