Story by Ethan Clark

Photos by Giles Clasen

Art is one of the most meaningful parts of Denver’s identity. From the various art districts and museums to the sculptures at the Convention Center, art has defined how people see Denver almost as much as the mountains that serve as the city’s backdrop. While most of Denver’s art scene is confined to specific places that require people to go out of their way to see, one art form breaks the mold and brings color and life to even the most unimportant places: murals.

Murals are a unique medium, as they offer a degree of freedom that other art forms lack. They can be found on the sides of shops to attract customers, in schools to convey a warm, welcoming environment to students, and in businesses, neighborhoods, and communal spaces.

In an interview with Denver VOICE, Denver-based artists Andreas Kremer and Reina Luna, the co-founders of Bright Space Murals, discussed how they use art to bring the community together.

THE ARTISTS BEHIND BRIGHT SPACE MURALS

Andreas Kremer and Reina Luna, who are partners, created Bright Space Murals to bring art to businesses, schools, or anyone else interested in enhancing their surroundings. Kremer, originally from Maryland, moved to Colorado to pursue his love of snowboarding. He spent a winter working at Keystone Resort before moving to Denver to work for Never Summer, a popular snowboard brand. Reina Luna, who was born and raised in Denver, has been a massage therapist for over seven years and has had a passion for art for decades. She and Kremer met through a mutual friend after the COVID lockdowns ended and the world began to reopen.

Kremer became interested in painting murals after watching the YouTube channel Ten Hundred, and his job at Never Summer offered him the opportunity to paint one of his own.

According to Kremer, he was inspired to paint an ugly, rusting shipping container outside the Never Summer factory, wanting to make sure the first thing people entering the factory saw was more visually appealing. He said that he had never made anything like this before, but drafted a design to show the owners — who were impressed — and they gave him the chance to try.

Kremer said the project was difficult, but turned out to be a great success and launched his career as a muralist. Luna, who helped with Kremer’s first mural, was daunted by the challenge this project presented.

“I was way out of my comfort zone, and I had no idea how we were going to do this, but [I told him] if you want to do this, I will help you out,” Luna said. “It turned out really good, and I was really proud of the hard work.” 

“These murals are really not for us, they’re for either this space or this community, or the area where we’re leaving it,” Kremer said.

“The murals [are] an extension of us to the community, sharing our own creative effort in a space that’s public for everyone to enjoy and interpret in your own way,” Luna said.

Since creating their first mural, Kremer and Luna have continued painting murals for anyone interested in their art. They also host workshops with local high schools, including George Washington High School and Prep Academy. During these workshops, students design and make the mural with their guidance.