Denver Group Launches GoFundMe to Outfit Iconic Statues in Giant Winter Coats
A Denver-based group, Giant Coats for Colorado Art (GCFCA), is on a mission to keep some of the city’s most recognizable outdoor statues warm this winter.
Led by founder Regina Davis, the group is raising funds through GoFundMe to have custom-made, enormous winter coats crafted for several Denver icons, including Denver International Airport’s Blucifer, the Big Blue Bear at the convention center, the Dancers statues in Sculpture Park, the Bronco at Empower Field, and a large Cowboy statue on Federal Boulevard.
“These sculptures face Colorado’s severe weather totally exposed. No one even talks about how inhumane that is,” Davis said. “Even art animals need love.” The initiative aims to raise enough to provide protective, weather-proof jackets for these beloved statues, promoting both preservation and public awareness. So far, the campaign has raised $11,000 but is aiming for $55,000 to fully fund the project.
The group has big plans for the jackets, hoping that outdoor apparel giants like Columbia or Eddie Bauer might get involved in creating these custom winter garments. Additionally, Davis revealed that GCFCA has reached out to Disney Imagineers, who have experience outfitting large-scale versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, for guidance on the project. “We hope to hear from actual coat makers,” said Davis. “We’ve been in touch with Disney because they understand the challenge of dressing oversized figures.”
However, GCFCA’s journey hasn’t been without controversy.
The group faced criticism for spending a portion of their funds on a research trip to Universal Studios Orlando. Regina defended the expenditure, explaining that they visited the team behind the King Kong animatronic to learn how they designed the massive gorilla suit, given that it’s about the same size as Denver’s Big Blue Bear.
“For a small donation, you can go to bed knowing Denver’s enormous artworks are warm and comfy too,” Davis urged. With winter fast approaching, GCFCA hopes the city’s residents and fans of Denver’s public art will step up to help these statues brave the cold in style.
