Douglas County Art Encounters is a year-long outdoor exhibit that showcases a number of sculptures, in various media and styles, displayed in highly visible areas in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker and Roxborough. The project is designed to promote public interest in art, develop community pride and draw visitors to the retail or civic areas where they are displayed. All art is for sale.

Selection process 

A Public Art Advisory Committee with representatives from throughout Douglas County selects the artwork from applications submitted for this program. The Committee functions under the direction of the Douglas County Cultural Council. The Public Art Advisory Committee selects the art and determines which art goes in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree and Parker. The displayed work is identified with the artist name, title of piece, year and the Art Encounters logo.

Awards

There are two opportunities for artists to win a $1,000 award. One is through the People’s Choice Award, which is voted for by the public. 

Residents and visitors can visit the Art Encounters website and vote on their favorite sculpture, each program year for a specified duration. Once the voting is closed, a winner is announced. 

The second opportunity to win an award is through the Judge’s Choice Award. Each year, the Public Art Advisory Committee selects a judge who is well-versed in the public art arena. The judge reviews each sculpture and selects a winner.

Self-guided tour

Use the free Otocast mobile app to hear commentary from the artists themselves! Download the app from iTunes or Google Play for a mobile audio tour of the Douglas County Art Encounters exhibit in Castle Rock. The app also provides users with a map and navigation to each of the sculptures.

Castle Rock's 2022-2023 Art Encounters sculptures

Corazon Del Desierto Artist: Suzanne Kane Location: East Plum Creek Trail Price: $6,000
Farmers Moon II Artist: Reven Marie Swanson Location: Festival Park Price $8,000
Gravity in Motion Artist: Terry Malesky Location: Third and Perry streets intersection Price: $5,500
On the Inside Artist: Charlotte Zink Location: Miller Activity Complex Price: $9,000
Xeriscape Globe Artist: Suzanne Kane Location: Triangle Park Price: $6,000