The Colorado 150 Tapestry project is a large-scale textile commission for Colorado’s 150 years of statehood that reflects on the state’s past, present and future and the people, places and events that have shaped it. The project is one of many statewide events to mark America’s 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th anniversary.
Fort Collins-based artist, Elnaz Javani, was selected to create the handmade commission. Her design envisions Colorado as a place continually shaped by the people who arrive, stay, adapt and contribute across generations. The final work will celebrate the many individuals, cultures, histories, landscapes and shared efforts that continue to weave Colorado's evolving identity.
Community Events
Join the selected artist, Elnaz Javani, for one of three community fabric dyeing events. Dyed fabric will be used for the background of a large-scale, handmade tapestry that envisions Colorado as a place continually shaped by the people who arrive, stay, adapt and contribute across generations.
Participants will be asked what place in Colorado has shaped them before using safe, fabric-reactive dye to create a cotton fabric sample inspired by a place, memory, landscape or community that is meaningful to them. Participants may also create a bandana stamped with the Colorado 150 badge as a souvenir of the experience.
Colorado Day
August 1, 2026
10 am–2 pm
Colorado State Capitol
West entrance
Celebrate Colorado’s 150 years of statehood by dyeing a fabric swatch at the State Capitol.
August 2, 2026
10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Avenir Museum of Design & Manufacturing
Colorado State University
Dye a fabric swatch at CSU’s teaching collection of 20,000 artifacts of clothing and textiles.
Leadville Boom Days
August 9, 2026
9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Downtown Leadville
Add your contribution to the Colorado 150 Tapestry Project at Leadville Boom Days, a Colorado mountain festival and historical celebration of the Old West.