Last March, the Denver Theatre District (DTD) solicited nominations for a first-of-its-kind art project to highlight the many individuals behind the scenes who make our arts community thrive.

In collaboration with renowned artist Jann Haworth, DTD has created a group portrait entitled “Catalysts” featuring more than 34 stenciled portraits representing individuals who contribute to the vibrancy of Denver’s arts scene. This “Unsung Heroes” project has been unveiled on the side of the Buell Theatre will be displayed for two years.

“Behind every successful arts organization, there are countless individuals who work tirelessly yet remain unrecognized,” said Annie Geimer, Director of Special Projects and Curator at the Denver Theatre District. “These individuals may not be in leadership positions, but their contributions are invaluable in making the operations run smoothly and effectively.

“We believe it’s time to shine a spotlight on these individuals and celebrate their dedication and hard work.”

The winners were notified last spring and began to work with Haworth in a series of community workshops to create the piece. The honorees were announced February 11, and each individual “embodies the spirit of selflessness and dedication with a legacy of service,” said Geimer. The Catalysts website features stories of the 34 featured individuals, who include:

Bill Marino of 40 West Arts, Rebecca Petty of Access Gallery, Judy Weaver of Art District on Santa Fe, Cipriano Ortega of Art from Ashes, Stella Yu of Arts Street, Emily Grace King of the Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities, Dalia Dorta de González of Biennial of the Americas, Angela Garcia of BirdSeed Collective, Carla Padilla of BirdSeed Collective, Graham Eschen of Black Cube Nomadic Museum, Rian Kerrane of CU Denver, Dan Prather of Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, Ann Bowar of Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, Zach Heil of Dairy Arts Center, Quentin Crump of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Brandon Vargas of Denver Digerati, Hasti Soltani of Denver Digerati, Kalen Jesse Acquisto of Denver Fringe Festival, Jari Majewski Price of Feel the Beat, Alix Corboy of Friends of Chamber Music, Brianna Benevides of Heart & Hand Center, Celia Bell of History Colorado Center, Lonnie Hanzon of Immersive Denver, Joyce Yuriko Cole of Japanese Arts Network, Chris & Denise Cameron of Phamaly Theatre Company, Beth Moyski of Platte Forum, Chloe Duplessis of RiNo Art District, Deepali Lindblom of Roshni, Teri Westerman-Wagner of Spoke N Motion, Sheila Sears of Think 360 Arts for Learning, Jeff Lambson of Tilt West, Claire McDonnell of Union Hall, Sarah Tallman of Wonderbound, and Andrea Viarrial-Murphy of Youth on Record.

Among those recognized is Quentin Crump, Director of Safety & Security at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. A graduate of the DCPA’s former National Theatre Conservatory, he graduated in 2011 with a Masters in Acting, giving him keen insight into the nuances required to keep actors, audiences, students and staff safe when visiting the four-block, 12-acre Arts Complex. Over time, he turned his attention away from being onstage himself to nurturing and protecting those who are. In September 2015, he became a Security Specialist growing in responsibility to be a lead then manager and, ultimately, Director of Safety & Security in October 2023.

Quentin now leads a team of 16 individuals who ensure that the DCPA’s programs are safe, secure and seamless. “Quentin’s knowledge, passion, and preparedness are central to our operations,” said Glen Lucero, Vice President of Venue Operations. “He is an empowering leader, demonstrating trust, fostering staff development, and easily striking a balance between enforcing security and creating a welcoming atmosphere.”

“Quentin is adaptable and customizes the needs, wants and desires of our programming lines and partners to ensure they have the best possible experience,” said Janice Sinden, DCPA President & CEO. “We welcome nearly 1 million patrons annually and ensuring that our organization is inclusive and accessible is top of mind every day for Quentin and his Security Team. From ensuring security is partnering with Patron Experience to Education & Community Engagement, Quentin is tailoring the ‘welcome’ for every patron, student and guest at the DCPA.”

The public is invited to view the Unsung Heroes public art project from now through early 2027 on Champa between 13^th & 14^th streets.

ABOUT

Jann Haworth pioneered soft sculpture and feminist approaches to 60s Pop Art in the UK. Her work is in collections around the world including the Tate Britain, Smithsonian Institution, and the Walker Art Center.

The Denver Theatre District is a public-private partnership that manages outdoor spaces to support downtown activity and bring exciting unique urban experiences to the public.