Committee accepts Colorado 150 tapestry for display at State Capitol

The Capital Building Advisory Committee voted to accept a donated Colorado 150 tapestry and moved to place it in the State Capitol if the application and transfer paperwork are completed.

Presenters from the Colorado 150 Tapestry Project described the artwork and its public-engagement work. "The Colorado 150 tapestry project goals are to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood," said Castle Circe of HEYHU art consultants. Presenters said an artist (Elna Jovanni, assistant professor of fiber arts at Colorado State University) has been selected and that fabrication will continue through mid-January, with framing and an initial Capitol installation planned for February and a dedication possible on Colorado Day 2027 (July 30).

Committee members heard details about materials and display. Presenters said the piece will use archival cotton, embroidery and beadwork and that museum-standard framing with museum plexiglass will provide UV protection and anti-glare properties. To avoid drilling into historic walls and floors, the project team proposed a freestanding, movable mounting system so the tapestry can be toured to each of the state’s eight tourism/creative regions for one-to-two week exhibitions before being installed permanently.

Jeanette Chapman, legislative council staff, told the committee there are two remaining administrative steps: a legal application transferring title to the state and a committee vote to accept placement at the Capitol as proposed. The chair asked for a motion; a committee member moved to accept the donation, and the committee recorded no objections. The project team said they will provide signage, an exhibit catalog and an audio guide as part of the donation package.