Josh Comfort Public Art Memorial -- UPDATED

We are moving forward with a piece of public art in honor of Josh Comfort, architect, artist and lover of the arts, to be placed in Denver. Emmett Culligan, Kate and Josh's son, has designed a beautiful sculpture that, thanks to the kindness of Charlie Woolley, will be placed outside of the Tattered Cover bookstore on Colfax and Elizabeth.

Josh worked with Charlie on the redevelopment of this site in Denver over the years, an excellent example of the urban renewal that he was so passionate about. Emmett's sculpture will stand seven feet tall and be located in a grassy area that will encourage contemplation and appreciation for the sculpture, the building and of course Josh himself.

We are so excited to be moving forward to create this celebration of Josh. Please help us to make it a reality by contributing, and thank you so much to everyone who has donated to this point!

Emmett's Artists' Statement:

Josh Comfort was my step father but he was also a friend, role model and important member of the community. His unexpected passing left many of us contemplating our own mortality and has inspired a renewed urgency to become better people. I am honored to have the opportunity celebrate his life with the creation of a memorial sculpture entitled “Virtue”.

The proposed memorial will be composed of 8 individually inflated stainless steel forms, partially interlocking in a familial relationship. Together, on a 1’ tall red sandstone plinth, this art work will stand approximately 7’ in total and employ a polished surface to reflect Josh’s bright and loving disposition. The composition is at once dynamic yet logical, perfectly imperfect, humble yet proud, soft and pliable yet strong and sturdy.

The sculpture will be placed directly in front of the Tattered Cover Book Store in the landscaped area adjacent to the side walk on Colfax Avenue. This site was selected because Josh was instrumental in helping to facilitate the redevelopment of the greater Lowenstein Theater complex which is now home to several important landmark institutions and businesses. I would like to personally thank all those who have come together so far to help make this sculpture a reality. Josh made a real impact on all of those around him and therefore it makes sense that a monument be created to celebrate this kind and loving man. He is and always will be missed by all of us.