The First Art Patrol Car Unveiled in Sun Valley
The unveiling of the first artistic and completely reflective patrol car took place on this morning at the home of Ink Monstr Graphic Design and Print. As a collaborative effort between the Denver Police Department, Ink Monstr and the youth of Sun Valley, the first art patrol car has the artistic creativity of all Sun Valley and was brought to life by Ink Monstr graphic designer, Scorpio Steele. Including elements that truly exemplify the neighborhood, the culture and the history- this car is sure to put Denver’s hidden neighborhood on the map.
“Our goal was for the wrap to have a design that would positively reflect the unique character of the Sun Valley neighborhood, while stressing its diversity and highlighting its exciting, hopeful future and positive relationship with the Denver PD. We also wanted the vehicle to be highly visible, interesting and a magnet to draw people to the police,” according to Sergeant Mark Novotny. Ink Monstr donated graphic design, labor and, through a strong partnership with 3M, the printable-reflective and vinyl which the entire vehicle is wrapped in so it can shine in the night. “I am honored to have the opportunity to create the first Denver Police Department ‘Art Car’. I think this will help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community. We have a chance to work together and bring a unique, positive, and vibrant energy to this neighborhood. This Police car is a symbol of that,” Reed Silberman, owner and founder of Ink Monstr.
Tying multiple artistic influences together can be a challenge; between the officers, the Sun Valley youth and Steele there were over 40 influences on this vehicle. “The children were polled about what colors they wanted on the car, and the answer was yellow and green. Rather than make the vehicle look like a taxi, the solution was the yellow and green of sunflowers,” stated Steele. “The falcon silhouette represents both Fairview Elementary School mascot, as well as fact that the falcon was an ancient Egyptian symbol of the sun.”
Ink Monstr would like to thank Commander Paul Pazen, Kris Rollerson of the Sun Valley Youth Center, all the children of the Youth Center who participated and drove the ideas for the car, Sergeant Mark Novotny, Officer Bob Anderson, Officer Robert Gibbs, the Sun Valley Community Coalition and our partner, 3M Graphics.
