Recent History of Public Art in Thornton: Several years ago, public art was selected and placed by City Council. For a number of years, the city budgeted $50,000 per year for Public Art and the expenditures were made for some smaller pieces of bronze that have been placed in several parks and civic sites. City Council made the determination that the selection and placement of art would be better served by a citizen committee and re-created the Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO) to select and place public art in the community. TASHCO prepared a Master Plan for the city and determined that a signature piece of art should be placed at a very visible location in the community. For a number of years, TASHCO did not purchase any public art and set aside the funding to purchase a larger signature piece. After touring the city and considering various sites, the front of the Civic Center was selected as the location for the signature piece. After doing a call for art, several proposals were considered by the TASHCO Board and ultimately DiAnne Cooper was selected with her entry “Communis.”
The Name: Communis is Latin for common, general, universal or public.
The Meaning: "Communis emphasizes the dual message that humanity is enriched by its diversity and strengthened by its universal similarities," says Communis artist DiAnne Cooper. "A City is a reflection of its people. No other symbol used in art, throughout history, has had more power than that of the human form. It represents us. It represents the individual. It represents all humanity."
Communis celebrates the individuals of the City of Thornton and the limitless possibilities that can be achieved by a dynamic and united community.
The Icons: The icons embedded on the Communis statue narrate a story. The icons represent the Civil, Environmental and Cultural aspects of the City. These representations include:
- The City of Thornton
- Patriotism and the American Spirit
- Justice
- Nurturing of our Youth
- Prosperity
- Arts and Humanities
- Plains and Grasslands
- Industry
- Wetlands
- Lakes and Rivers
- Wildlife
Dimensions: 20’ High X 24’ Wide
Material: Investment cast bronze with matured copper and silver patinas.
The Location: Communis is both a tribute to its citizens and a symbolic gateway to the City. The sculpture base is enhanced with paths and seating areas to enjoy the incredible views that surround the Thornton Civic Center. Plant beds have been incorporated into the design featuring xeriscaping with low maintenance native Colorado grasses.
The Artist: DiAnne Cooper is a 1979 graduate of Thornton’s Highland High School (currently Skyview High School). At the age of seventeen, she began her career as a professional artist when she was commissioned to paint a mural for the Spanish Royal Navy.
After serving eleven years in the U.S. Navy, DiAnne completed her studies in film production and an internship with the Academy Award winning producer Danna Dewey. During her time in Los Angeles, she put her creative energies to work in television and feature film production. While working as a sculptor in the special effects industry she helped to develop and refine characters for Walt Disney Pictures’ animated film Hercules.
Funding: The Communis statue was secured from Cash in Lieu funding which was specifically designated for parks and public art. The total cost of the sculpture was $142,542 for production, site engineering, concrete, delivery and installation of the piece.
The unveiling ceremony and celebration was paid for through grant operating funds awarded to the Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO) from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Visit our facebook page for more pictures.