As artist Annette Coleman stood beside the grand staircase of the Colorado State Capitol, she humorously pondered the impact of the twelve newly unveiled portraits on female representation in the building, which has traditionally been adorned by murals of men. Her quip drew smiles and raised eyebrows from a gathering of female artists, all part of a historic initiative.
These women are members of the Women’s Caucus for Art Colorado Chapter (WCACO), who have spent four years preparing for the exhibition now displayed in the Capitol’s Rotunda Gallery. Their collective aim is clear: to recognize the significant contributions of women artists to Colorado’s history.
“We have 12 murals honoring Colorado artists—both historical figures and contemporary talents,” Coleman stated. “If we don’t share the stories of Colorado women artists, who will?”
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
Entitled “Living Tradition. Past. Present. Future. Colorado Women Artists,” the exhibition features twelve mobile murals, meticulously painted on canvas, alongside numerous additional artworks created by both the featured artists and their collaborators, displayed in the offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The exhibition is open to the public at no charge through March 2026 during regular visiting hours.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
The collaborative nature of the project has left a profound mark on the participating artists. Rebecca Gabriel, who joined WCACO and contributed to the mural creation, highlighted the magic of working together: “Our names aren’t on the murals, and that’s how it should be. We all did it together.”
The murals maintain a unified style with each portrait surrounded by images that reflect the artist’s work. “The murals are created by a collaborative committee,” explained Coleman. They even enlisted “Face Whisperers,” specialists in portrait finishing, to ensure each piece embodies the artist’s essence.
“I’ve always worked in a very solitary way,” Gabriel admitted. “This mural project shifted my perspective. There’s something about collaboration that is truly inspiring.”
Honoring Community Leaders
Coleman emphasized the strong community impact of the featured artists. For instance, Epiphana “Eppie” Archuleta, known for her skills in weaving and community involvement in La Jara, is profiled in one of the murals. Coleman explained, “She started a wool mill and trained many weavers, contributing significantly back to her community.” Archuleta’s legacy includes having her work displayed in the Smithsonian, underscoring her status as a prominent figure in Colorado’s artistic landscape.
Murals courtesy WCACO, photo art by Lauren Antonoff Hart/CPR News
Another notable figure highlighted is Carlotta Espinoza, a muralist active in Denver’s Chicano/a arts movement during the 1960s and 70s. Gabriel noted Espinoza’s immense talent and her impact through murals that celebrated Mexican culture, many of which have since been lost. “It’s important to elevate her legacy while she is still with us,” Gabriel stressed.
Redefining Histories
The WCACO intends to rectify historical omissions of women in the art narrative. Gabriel remarked, “Women have not been honored or adequately represented, but we’re not going to wait for museums. We’re taking this into our own hands, and it’s proven to be impactful.”
The murals will remain on view at the Colorado State Capitol until March 2026, providing an ongoing opportunity for the public to engage with and reflect on the contributions of Colorado women artists throughout history. Visitors can view the exhibition for free, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
