The "Outside the Box" public art program began as a way to combat graffiti. Public art can help discourage graffiti and other acts of vandalism by filling "blank" spaces with attractive, engaging art. This project was funded in part by a grant from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District ("SCFD").

"Outside the Box" was a collaboration between the City of Thornton Arts and Culture and Traffic Engineering Compliance Divisions and the Thornton Arts, Sciences, and Humanities Council ("TASHCO").

Public art that also serves as a place to sit, rest, and enjoy your surroundings.

Small, 2-D pieces of art selected by the Thornton Arts, Sciences, and Humanities Council ("TASHCO").

Indoor and outdoor paintings in City-owned spaces.

There are other murals on private properties and businesses in Thornton, but only murals that are on city-owned property are "public" art.

3-D works that were commissioned for parks, open spaces, and other public areas.