Burrell Art Railings
Burrel Street Project
Denver, CO | Five Points Neighborhood
Completed 2024
about this project
In 2022, Jeff Shanahan approached Model Metal to fabricate an artistic railing installation representing the heritage of Denver's Five Points neighborhood on an affordable condominium project, featuring 152 unique panels depicting local Jazz legend Charles Burrell, completed in almost two years and standing as a testament to Denver's black community history and Model Metal’s commitment to public art.
In the summer of 2022, I was approached by Jeff Shanahan of Shanahan Development, who was planning a permanently affordable condominium project in River North Denver, with support from the Denver Land Trust and the Gates Foundation.
I was recommended by the RiNo Arts District as a fabricator that could build an enormous artistic railing installation on the 8 story building, as part of Denver’s 1% for Public Art Initiative.
We discussed how to represent the heritage of the Five Points neighborhood on the piece, and decided to create 152 unique panels with specifically cut circles of various sizes, which cover the facade of the building to feature the image of local Jazz legend Charles Burrell, along with the notes of his favorite song, Tea for Two by Doris Day.
Charles Burrell was born on October 4, 1920, in Toledo, Ohio, and began his musical journey at a young age. Growing up in a talented musical family, he learned to play the double bass and quickly developed a passion for jazz. Burrell's remarkable talent and dedication to his craft led him to become one of the most prominent bassists of his time.
In the 1940s, Burrell moved to Denver, Colorado, where he became an integral part of the city's thriving jazz scene. His exceptional skills on the double bass made him a sought-after musician, and he performed alongside renowned artists such as Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, and Dizzy Gillespie.
Beyond his contributions as a performer, Burrell also played a significant role in breaking racial barriers in the music industry. As an African-American musician during a time of racial segregation, he faced many challenges, but his exceptional talent transcended prejudice. Burrell's accomplishments paved the way for future generations of black musicians, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and shatter stereotypes.
Throughout his illustrious career, Burrell left an indelible mark on the jazz world. He performed with renowned orchestras, including the Denver Symphony Orchestra and the Denver Brass, showcasing his versatility and mastery of different musical styles. Burrell's contributions extended beyond the stage as he became a beloved music educator, teaching at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music for over two decades.
