The Mandala Project: Philanthropy and Art at Belleview Station

The Mandala Project, courtesy of Faraci Art Consulting.
A Q&A with the artist, Elizabeth Faraci, and developer, Trey Warren
Elizabeth Faraci
Trey Warren

What is a mandala?

A mandala is a symbol of the universe in its ideal form, and its creation signifies the transformation of a universe of suffering into one of joy. Mandalas symbolize unity and harmony. The circular shape reflects the idea that life is never-ending, and everything is connected.

What is the Mandala Project at Belleview Station?

The Mandala Project, conceptualized and co-managed by Elizabeth Faraci of Faraci Art Consulting, and brought to life by Dark Moon Designs and Matik Metal, is Belleview Station’s way of involving public art in its community as a way to support the community as a whole by building a sense of place and belonging, encouraging participation, sparking delight, and exhibiting craftsmanship that is both fresh and new. It is also a way to welcome our visitors and guests who are experiencing Belleview Station for the first time, or many times.

How does the mandala represent Belleview Station?

The circular nature of the mandala represents Belleview Station in its ideal public form; a multitude of individual parts coming together as one. Each time a shape is added to the mandala, it signifies the collective commitment to building something larger than ourselves. 

How does art for the public differ from art for the private collector?

For Belleview Station, public art should involve and support the community, build a sense of place and belonging, encourage participation, spark delight, and exhibit craftsmanship that is both fresh and new.

Is it enough for public art to be well crafted, or does it need to include a social component to push the boundaries of our perception and beliefs?

A successful public art piece often combines several key elements:

  1. Community Engagement: It resonates with the local community, reflecting their culture, history, or values. Involving residents in the planning or creation process can foster a sense of ownership.
  2. Accessibility: The artwork is easily accessible to the public, both physically and in terms of understanding. It should invite interaction and contemplation.
  3. Aesthetic Appeal: Visual impact matters. The design should be striking and well-crafted, enhancing the environment rather than clashing with it.
  4. Contextual Relevance: It should be thoughtfully placed, considering the surrounding architecture, landscape, and existing narratives of the area.
  5. Durability: Given its public setting, materials and construction must withstand weather and wear, ensuring longevity.
  6. Innovation: Unique concepts or techniques can capture attention and provoke thought, sparking conversations among viewers.
  7. Emotional Connection: The piece should evoke feelings, whether joy, reflection, or contemplation, making it memorable for those who encounter it.

When these elements come together, public art can significantly enrich the community. The Mandala Project incorporates all of these components, making it a highly impactful piece of public art. 

Does “place” inform art, or does art inform “place?”  

Both. You cannot have one without the other. 

How would you describe the mandala artwork at Belleview Station?

The circular nature of the mandala represents our community in its ideal public form; a multitude of individual parts coming together as one. Each time a shape is added to the mandala, it signifies our collective commitment to building something larger than ourselves. The piece is oriented to the East, where the sun rises, and as the sun sets in the west, the Mandala will glow with life.

How can people participate in the philanthropic efforts inspired by the mandala at Belleview Station?

The colored shapes, each individually cast in translucent rubber, can be acquired via donation, and then personally installed into the mandala. Once all the shapes have been filled, the mandala will be complete and 100% of the donations will go directly to a charitable organization selected by Belleview Station. For this first panel, we will be partnering with Denver Children’s Home.  We hope that you will join us in the making of The Mandala Project!

Owner/Principal Elizabeth Faraci brings decades of art experience to Faraci Art Consulting. As an artist herself, she is adamant about exploring and presenting a wide range of artists, mediums and concepts to her clients. She holds a BFA from Pitzer College and a master’s degree from Pratt Institute. Her background includes work in art therapy, advertising, XL print graphics, creative direction, and placemaking. Elizabeth selects and curates art for commercial and residential projects throughout the US. She’s a member of CBCA, serves on the board of NEWH, and is a RiNo art district artist. She has an innate understanding of composition, color, texture and weight, and how to mold these elements in a way that when fused with branding, narrative, and subtext, an unparalleled, nuanced visual story emerges. Every project, every collection, is entirely one of a kind.

Mr. Robert E. Warren III (Trey) AIA, a practicing architect, is currently the vice president of Front Range Land and Development; the master development entity for Belleview Station in Denver. Belleview Station is a mixed-use vibrant community offering exceptional accessibility to all modes of transportation. Belleview Station has been a long-term vision, one that captures the essence of Colorado by offering top-tier living options, Class A office space, and a rich array of Denver’s best local shops and restaurants. Mr. Warren supervises the ongoing master planning and visioning efforts that consistently evolve with the market. 

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