People passing by the Lone Tree Arts Center may find themselves covered in a colorful reflection of light and hearing the sound of bells thanks to a new interactive, outdoor art installation built in the center’s front plaza.

Lone Tree leaders and community members gathered the evening of Aug. 30 to celebrate the creation of the temporary art exhibition, which city spokesperson Nate Jones said will be around for about 60 days. 

The art exhibition is made up of three large wooden structures with a variety of colorful shapes, allowing light to escape through and decorate the surrounding area with color. 

The outdoor art installation at the Lone Tree Arts Center, which opened Aug. 30, 2023, is temporary and will be around for about 60 days.

In the center of the structures are large bells, making sounds due to the wind and people pushing the pendulums. 

“I want to thank the City of Lone Tree and the art center, here, and everyone here that made this possible,” said artist Graham Carraway. “This was a really incredible thing to get to make.” 

Carraway said the initial idea was to create a stained glass art piece with a sound element of some sort, which ended up being the bells. 

He said he wanted the bells to be large so that people can hear them from a distance, acting like a giant wind chime. 

“Somebody came down this morning while I was finishing up a few pieces … and they said they could hear it and they enjoyed listening to it already,” he said. 

Artist Graham Carraway speaking at the Aug. 30, 2023, celebration at the Lone Tree Arts Center.

Carraway moved to Colorado from Mississippi about eight months ago, and he said this project was his first Colorado commission with any city. 

“I will forever have a place for Lone Tree for this, so thank you guys so much,” he said. 

Michelle Béchamps, the vice chair of the Lone Tree Arts Commission, said the commission hopes this interactive art project will bring joy to the community.

Michelle Béchamps, the vice chair of the Lone Tree Arts Commission, speaking during the Aug. 30, 2023, celebration at the Lone Tree Arts Center.

She highlighted how the art piece evokes different senses, from the sight of the colors to the sound of the bells.

“Also, what was great about it was it brought together nature as well,” she said. “The sounds and the sunlight and the wind all creating this magical experience that hopefully everyone in our community will be enjoying.” 

Lone Tree City Councilmember Marissa Harmon said she thinks the art exhibition is the perfect addition to the arts center. 

“My hope and my dream when I came on council is (that) we are placing art in spaces that will bring community together, of all ages and abilities,” Harmon said. “I hope that they will come here to enjoy the space and really gather and be able to meet different members of their community.”