Wistfully peering into the Colorado Convention Center, the 40-foot bear sculpture that stands outside of the building has come to serve as a new icon for Denver, Colorado. Officially known as “I See What You Mean,” the piece has provided an identity for the convention center while becoming the newest attraction for the surrounding community, drawing the attention of residents and visitors for very different reasons.
A Sense of Wonder
In December of 2004 the Colorado Convention Center completed its expansion effort. To finalize the project, the team needed to install an artwork that both reflected and embodied a sense of Colorado. Artist Lawrence Argent and Anne Argent came up with the idea of a bear peering into the building to get a better sense of the many happenings that take place in the space throughout the year.
Installed in 2005, “I See What You Mean” doesn’t conflict with the essence of the design or stature of the building, which was a conscious effort on Argent’s part. He mentioned that he was inspired to create the form of the bear after seeing a photograph of a bear peeking inside the home of a Colorado resident with the same sense of wonder that someone might look into the convention center. A small toy bear was scanned with a 3D laser scanner which converted the shape into a CAD computer file. The final bear is made up of approximately 4,000 triangles on the surface.
An instant hit with residents, the Big Blue Bear’s color represents the Colorado sky but is specifically lapis lazuli, which is a rare stone found in Colorado. It is lit up in spectacular fashion at night, highlighting this distinctive blue color. These details along with the massive size and unique form have allowed it to resonate with visitors.
As a source of direct revenue, the Big Blue Bear Store features various items for sale, ranging from figurines to keychains, with a number of other products for sale in the convention center. It is also a means of identity across the site, as the Blue Bear Farm yields a crop of farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and beehives.
Recognized as an iconic symbol of the Colorado Convention Center and featured in maps and guides to the city, “I See What You Mean” highlights what the creation of an icon can do for stakeholders and an entire community on multiple levels.
The Interests and Curiosities
Inspired by the same desire that many passersby have when it comes to knowing what’s going on in the Denver Convention Center, “I See What You Mean” is connected to the interests and curiosities of residents and visitors. This connection along with the size, scope and color of the piece has ensured it will be impossible to ignore, cultivating attention in the hearts and minds of audiences across the eras.
