A new sculpture has been installed at The Aurora Highlands’ growing art collection on the east side of the Denver metro area.
“Ethereal Bliss,” a large-scale, stainless-steel sculpture, was installed in the roundabout at the Main Street and 46th Avenue in The Aurora Highlands.
Created by Hunter Brown, “Ethereal Bliss” features flowing stainless steel forms that give the impression of motion frozen in time.
The sculpture was developed using computational design and fabricated from more than 250 individually laser-cut components. Brown said the piece is connected by nearly 2,000 feet of welded seams.
The sculpture traveled more than 1,300 miles from Brown’s Innovative Sculpture Studio in Arkansas and was installed using two cranes.
“This piece was about capturing a moment of pure movement, something that feels organic and almost weightless despite its scale,” Brown said. “I wanted it to feel like a frozen burst of energy or a joyful exhale made permanent in steel. The name Ethereal Bliss reflects that sense of something otherworldly, paired with the feeling of joy and wonder that art can bring into everyday life.”
Ethereal Bliss marks Brown’s third installation within The Aurora Highlands, joining “Life Blood,” a ribbon-like steel sculpture located in the entry roundabout, and “Asclepius,” a sculpture inspired by the ancient Greek symbol of healing near the future medical campus.
These sculptures are all part of The Aurora Highlands’ free Art in the Park program, a growing collection of more than 20 permanent works.
Highlights include “Liberty,” a 58-foot modern interpretation of The Statue of Liberty by Michael Benisty, as well as “Umi” by Daniel Popper, another widely recognized piece. The Aurora Highlands said it expects to grow to more than 30 permanent installations over time.
“At The Aurora Highlands, we’ve always believed public art should be part of everyday life,” said Carla Ferreira, CEO of The Aurora Highlands. “Each piece is selected with intention, to create moments of connection, spark curiosity and give people a reason to explore. Ethereal Bliss is a beautiful addition to the community and another step in building something truly unique for Aurora and Colorado as a whole.”
