Volunteerism
Boulder Artists Build Community Around Library Gardens
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troll out of the Boulder Public Library’s Canyon Gallery at 1001 Arapahoe Avenue and walk into a world of wonder. Since 2005, the Eccentric Artist Gardens has bordered the walkway to the gallery. Take a few steps and within moments, you forget that you are next to one of Boulder’s busiest roads and are transported to a peaceful place full of creativity and expression. You are in the Eccentric Artist Gardens. These two flower beds sitting in front of the library, however, weren’t always so welcoming. Following a 2002 drought accompanied by a cut in funding for the annual flower program, the beds were empty and covered with mulch for several years. That changed when an upcoming Garden Art Tour was scheduled in conjunction with an artist exhibit at the Canyon Gallery. An idea blossomed for Boulder artists, Elizabeth Black, Cha Cha Hertz and Rebecca DiDomenico, to adopt the flower beds and create awareness for the 2006 Garden Tour. The Eccentric Artist Gardens bloomed. The Eccentric Artist Gardens members are a close-knit group of 15 active volunteers from the artist community lead and organized by Elizabeth and Cha Cha. Through generous donations of services, plants and materials from area businesses, the city and several Garden Art Tour properties, the Eccentric Artist Gardens were put together by volunteers from the artist community. For the past 11 years since then, the group has cared for and maintained the gardens. Using flowers and plants as her canvas, Rebecca DiDomenico designed each garden to be both drought tolerant and a haven for pollinators by using butterfly and hummingbird attracting plants, succulents and xeric plant materials. “Grouping plants in this way creates shape and form and adds vibrant color that enhances the beauty of the area,” explains Rebecca DiDomenico. The South Garden contains several rose bushes surrounded by a colorful array of yarrows, hollyhocks and allium flowers with a border of several varieties of sedum. The North Garden is filled with the delights of shasta daisies, different varieties of salvia, echinacea and sedum among other plant species. Interspersed among the plants are elements that catch the eye. You’ll find a
balancing rock sculpture and topiary tree in the North Garden. In the South Garden, take note of the Jupiter’s beard and a sturdy Rose tree. Additionally, there is a permanent sculpture base installed to exhibit a revolving cast of sculptures created by local artists. “It is so much fun working with a group that make art in Boulder,” said Elizabeth Black. “While working in the gardens, we get a lot of thanks from the public and even the homeless will volunteer to join us.” Additionally, a secret garden was created by placing ornamental bugs, spiders and snakes that members found at yard sales into the garden. Treasures only children would be able to see from their point of view. The engraved bricks that line the gardens’ path honor those who made this dream a reality. “As artists, we generally work in solitude and it is empowering and fun to be able to come together as a group to give back and create beauty that is an inspiration to others,” said Cha Cha Hertz.” The Eccentric Artists Gardens will be going through another transformation this fall with the beginning of Phase I construction of the new civic area. Looking to the future, the city anticipates creating new opportunities for community collaborations such as this to continue in the downtown corridor and throughout the entire city. The Eccentric Artist Group has been a huge asset to our community and the city is very fortunate for their creative endeavors at the gardens. This wonderful and talented group of artists, volunteers, and passionate community members who have contributed to making Boulder such a special place to live deserve much thanks. For more information about adoption programs and community engagement opportunities, please visit bprvolunteer.org.
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