Walk down Granby's Main Street and you'll notice some new additions: vibrant splashes of local art, featuring colorful summer scenes and whimsical critters by local artist Michaela “Mikey” Cross. The first set of street banners are part of a new, collaborative project spearheaded by Destination Granby.
Art with Purpose: A Town's Canvas
The initiative is designed to be a rotating showcase of local talent. Following Cross’s art, upcoming banner sets will feature the art of Wendy Carmichael, ranch and agricultural photography by Jay Stewart, and design and printing by Jeremy Hydle.
"This project perfectly aligns with Destination Granby's core mission," says Sarah Cichon, Executive "We're not just beautifying Main Street; we're actively supporting our local creatives and engaging in placemaking that enhances Granby."
Mikey Cross's Granby: A Whimsical World
Installed in June, the initial set of banners features Cross’s signature whimsical style. Her fun-loving, cartoon-like critters bring Granby's summer activities to life: a raccoon paddleboarding on Lake Granby, an elk serenading at Music & Market, a bear exploring the Moffat Road Railroad Museum, a fox painting at Art in the Park, and a horse at the 4th of July Flying Heels Rodeo.
Cross, a Granby resident, discovered her artistic passion for painting in college, where she honed her artistic style. Known for her vibrant, often humorous depictions of animals in unexpected situations, Cross aims to bring a smile to viewers' faces. When not creating from her home studio or enjoying the outdoors, Cross finds inspiration in her beloved pug, Frank, who is also featured in her illustrated book, "Yoga is a Four-Legged Word."
"For me, it's a huge honor to be a part of this project." Cross explains. “I have loved watching Granby evolve as I've grown up here. It’s been amazing watching the local artists blossom in our county and get embraced by the community over the years.”
Bringing Business Home
The street flags were proudly manufactured in the USA by HookFish MFG — a creative manufacturing studio located in Denver, CO, that Granby resident Jeremy Hydle co-founded in 2011. HookFish specializes in high-quality, American-made apparel and signage.
For Hydle, this project holds a special significance. "It feels truly special to be working on such a local level," Jeremy shares. "Most of our business at HookFish is national, so it was incredibly awesome to bring a project like this home to Granby.”
Granby: A Model Main Street Community
The current summer banners are just the beginning of Main Street's evolving artistic story. Look for the next set of banners to be installed later this year, which will continue to showcase Granby's identity and history through new artistic perspectives.
This project was funded by a Colorado Main Street Mini-Grant, awarded to Destination Granby as an "Excelling" level program, with funding from the Energy and Mineral Impact Fund (DOLA) requiring a 25% municipal match.
As an accredited Main Street America™ program, Destination Granby stands out within a national network dedicated to fostering vibrant places and strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development. Notably, Granby is the sole Designated Colorado Main Street in Grand County. This recognition provides invaluable access to resources, expert guidance, financial assistance, and a collaborative network, all of which support the revitalization of traditional downtowns by leveraging unique local assets.
