Casey Kawaguchi is Arapahoe Libraries’ 2023 featured artist

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When Casey Kawaguchi puts down the spray paint can, takes a step back from his mural and sees strangers passing by and commenting on his work, he feels a satisfying sense of purpose.

“Like I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing,” he said. “Makes all of it worth it. at, and just getting to see it brought to life — what was just a vision.”

Kawaguchi’s artistic visions have come to life in a variety of murals decorating the metro Denver area.

His talents led to him becoming the Arapahoe Libraries’ featured artist for 2023, which community members celebrated during a May reception at Smoky Hill Library in Centennial.

“ e Arapahoe Libraries’ featured artists programs showcase the work of a local artist who uses their art to shed light on diverse communities, discuss their culture, history, or social justice, and spark important community conversations,” said Nicole Dumville, the volunteer services and art galleries coordinator for Arapahoe Libraries.

“Our featured artist, Casey Kawa- guchi, exempli es all of these things,” Dumville said. “We’re so excited to say that we have his solo exhibition, ‘Unmei,’ here at Smoky Hill Library for the next month, which is also Asian American and Paci c Islander Heritage Month.”

Kawaguchi, a Japanese American artist based in Denver, is a selftaught artist whose work often draws from his heritage.

People who see his murals may notice a similar looking character — a woman — in each of them.

“I do paint a repetitive character