Bottoms Up

Some call it vandalism. Others refer to it as street art. Whichever nomenclature you prefer, this form of renegade public art is slowly bubbling up through the cracks of our tiny Southwest community. Typically practiced in inner-city environs, street artists operate anonymously, using a common theme, character or psuedonym to help onlookers identify the creator. Traditionally, graffiti artists have embraced aerosol paints as their primary medium, but these days street art encompasses an unlimited variety of medias such as sculpture, mosiac tiling,  stencils, wheatpasting and installations. Here’s a look at a few familiar ’round town pop-ups. No buildings were harmed in the making of this spread.
  • Day in the Life
    Stencils mock the media.
  • Day in the Life
    In case you needed a reminder
  • Day in the Life
    This familiar tubby has survived mutliple seasons being submerged by spring runoff.
  • Day in the Life
    The much-utilized aerosol can.
  • Day in the Life
    A Southside rooftop showdown.
  • Day in the Life
    A psychedelic frog takes the plunge

In this week's issue...

December 18, 2025
Let it snow

Although ski areas across the West have taken a hit, there’s still hope 

December 18, 2025
Look, but don't take

Lessons in pottery theft – and remorse – from SW Colorado

December 11, 2025
Big plans

Whole Foods, 270 apartments could be coming to Durango Mall parcel