The New York Times Highlights Resident Alumni Thomas Evans "Detour"

RedLine Alumni Thomas Evans “Detour” Honors Denver Nuggets with Vibrant Mural

Thomas Evans (Detour), a local Denver artist and former RedLine Resident Artist, recently garnered attention by The New York Times for capturing the essence of Nikola Jokic, the elusive superstar of the Denver Nuggets, alongside his teammate Jamal Murray, in a vibrant mural.

Created at the start of the NBA finals, the artwork served as a symbol of inspiration for Denver's residents up through Monday night, when the Nuggets took home the championship trophy.

Timelapse of Detour painting Jokic and Murray mural.

Evans, a 38-year-old artist also known as Detour, is no stranger to the Denver art scene. As a former Resident Artist and current board member at RedLine Contemporary Art Center, Thomas has been involved in the growth of our city's thriving artistic community.

As a RedLine Resident Artist Alumni, Evans had the opportunity to work within a diverse community of fellow artists and engage with the public through exhibitions, workshops, and events.

Evans's artistic style and practice are distinct, often incorporating bold colors and imagery. He has gained recognition for his murals across Denver.

Through his art, Evans contributes to the cultural fabric of the city and helps create a sense of identity and pride among its residents.

His Nuggets mural, adorning a building near downtown Denver, showcases Jokic's stoic expression next to Murray's more emotive stance. It serves as a visual representation of Jokic's enigmatic personality, which resonates with the city's down-to-earth values.

I’m in the studio all day working on my artwork, and I’m not really front-facing as much as other artists may be...I don’t always want to be in front of the cameras. I don’t always want to be in magazines. I want to actually just do my work and let that speak for itself.
— - Thomas "Detour" Evans

In a city that values hard work and authenticity, Thomas Evans' mural stands as a testament to Jokic's quiet yet powerful presence.

As the city celebrates the championship win, Jokic's artistry on the court and Evans' artistry on the wall have captured the spirit of Denver, uniting the community behind their beloved and humble superstar.


Read the full New York Times article here >


Satellite Saturdays: Summer ArtPark Program

Ring in summer 2023 the right way!

Join us every month this summer at RiNo ArtPark for drop-in activities and to meet our satellite studio artists!

Enjoy tasty bites by local food trucks, music, live poetry performances by Slam Nuba, and interactive artist workshops! Free and family-friendly.