Beautiful liver stack Truly a classic. National treasure made my life feel fresh and new once more‼

What exactly is this thing? I don't think anyone really knows. I came during the daytime and could see a bunch of shiny red things in a huge pile. There doesn't seem to be any organization to their placements except to heap them up in a tapered manner. It is 20 feet tall. The red fiberglass sculpture sits on an aluminum base. This sculpture was installed in 2008. John McEnroe is the artist & sculptor. All these little bags were made using nylons filled with sand, then coated with resin. The sand was then drained out of the nylons and this is what you are left with, a "candy" shell. A hollowed sculpture. This process reminds me of Papier-mâché, in a way. Inside there are fluorescent lights. I should have gone at night to see what it looks like when it is lit up! You can see this from I-25 or walk across the Highland Street Bridge. I saw this thing twice, first time was intentional, the second time, I was going to the nearby doughnut shop. I walked on both parts of the Highland Bridge. I came to see it and left not knowing what I saw! Art is often abstract and thought provoking. I'm sure I'll inadvertently pass by this again in my ventures around Denver. read more

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We all love the Liver stack! Absolutely the greatest piece of art in Denver! Man it's the best!

Big, Red and Swollen...someone call a doctor already... This is a favorite and I love to share it with visitors to the city... read more

National Velvet - Public Art Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I stopped by here earlier today with my wife and her mom. We were out exploring Denver and walking down 16th street whenever we happened upon this statue. After looking at it for a bit, we began wondering what exactly it was. The vivid red color only brought up more questions and the name "National Velvet" didn't help either. Were they red sausages, water balloons or intestines? Looking it up online only told me that the artist said it was subjective which brought up more questions. The bottom line for me is that I wouldn't visit National Velvet again in the future. It might be worth a stop if you happen to pass by it but my wife and I both found it to be disgusting when thinking about it as intestines. read more

They say art is subjective. I say "The Beanis," as it has been dubbed, is just suggestive. The only emotion this sculpture produces is a craving for red jelly beans. Because, you know, it looks like some idiot left a pile of red jelly beans in the sun for far too long. Or water balloons. Or lazy hot dogs. This sculpture is the answer to the question "Do you ever feel like people get paid WAY too much for their artwork just because they can sell it better than other artists can?" I can imagine a child yelling "I need an adult" after walking past it. I'm sure it's been pepper sprayed by many a lady who felt it was being far too forward. I'm sure a couple Chads have even tried starting a fight with it because they felt as thought their manhood was being threatened. Seriously, this thing is the exact opposite of what National Velvet should look like. I want to rub my face on velvet. Trust me, I don't want to rub ANY of this thing on me. read more

Call it the "beanis" , the "sausage statue" , the "saggy red water balloons" or what what have you. The actual name is National Velvet, and no, it has nothing to do with the movie or book of the same name. This National Velvet was created by local Denver artist John McEnroe and I see this piece of "art" every time I use the Highlands bridge. I give the artist kudos for being different and original and usually public art is used to convey a message about the surround area its in but with this one, I either dont see it, or dont get it. but anyway, the beauty of this art is in the eye of the beholder, make of it what you will. read more

Im not sure what I love more: the fact that this exists or the comments people leave for it. Although not obviously sitting in the middle of plain sight, it still seems funny with all the bikers and walkers moving by it. Its even viewable from the freeway! I didnt get to see it lit up on night, but being up close is a real treat. The excess paint makes it look like its sweating. Although I cant recommend going completely out of your way to see this, its still worth checking out even if you are half a mile within radius. read more

I'm gonna have to agree with Jesse... Is it serenely beautiful? No. Is it uber-strange? Yes. Do I like it? I don't really know. Does it matter if I (your average art enthusiast) like it? Not one frickin' bit. Denver needs more art. WAAAY more art. Period. Thanks. read more

Really? Its official name is National Velvet? I've only heard it called "The Beanis." Even more surprising, John McEnroe is the artist! Yes, THAT John McEnroe! I love it when people have hidden talents. It's nice to see he's not wasting away his senior years touting Geritol. I'm looking at YOU, Ms. Goolagong. I have never touched the Beanis. Is it velvety? It doesn't appear to be. Also, it doesn't look anything like that horse from that movie. Or like Elizabeth Taylor, also from that movie. Well, maybe a bit like Miz Taylor... If you did an autopsy of the Washington Monument, you might find this inside. Velvet or not, THAT's a National treasure. read more

Apparently, this strange, kidney-riffic art installation is telepathic. I've read countless reviews of National Velvet on Yelp. I've viewed the photos and, having never seen it in person, wondered what on Earth the artist was thinking during its creation, and why it was installed somewhere in Denver. Albeit confusing and fairly unattractive, I admire this piece for these very facts - it makes the public consider it, without question. (Well, obviously they question the piece, but there's no question that Denver is talking about it). Anyway . . . my parents visited this past August and while on our way to explore Rocky Mountain National Park, we were discussing the Big Blue Horse at DIA. I brought up National Velvet, and as the words, "I have no idea where it's located" left my mouth, I looked out the passenger window to my right and THERE IT WAS. Right off 1-25. Had I mentioned it any sooner or later I'd still haven no idea where it was. Damn telepathic kidneys!! You get 4 stars for being so controversial and conversational, and a cherry on top for blowing my mind! read more

Yeah, I don't see the phallic thing... Y'all must be looking at some waaaay different peen's than I have ;) But I do see the pile of limp, glowing sausages, or tongues, and just the plain weirdness. And hey: Isn't that what art is about? Evoking a reaction? Reaction: Evoked. Mission: Accomplished. And yes, it's less creepy than that red, glowing eyed, evil horsie at the Airport. read more

I love that Denver is so committed to public art! But I do not like this piece. It's not that I hate it. If it evoked such a strong reaction it might be worthy of two stars, but instead it's just icky. You half expect it to pulse, because it looks like a big nasty pile of organs. I love the dancing aliens, the big red chair, the big blue bear, the sheriff, the rotund theater goers, but this just seems to be the worst thing a piece of art can be: pointless read more

Someone told me it was controversial because it looked like a penis. This does not look like any penis I've ever seen. I think it looks more like a pile of kidney beans. I don't like it, but it doesn't bother me. I think I prefer the horse with the red eyes next to the airport. However, it does give those morning news anchors something to talk about . read more

It's a giant red penis made out of hundreds of overly large red peni (more fun to say than penises). Nothing better than taking a date there then making out. Best public art in Denver. read more

I know art is in the eye of the beholder, but this is just weird It's not attractive, it looks like saggy bags of possibly goo or organs or ... It glows at night ugh. read more

You can't say it's not evocative. I saw a small, four foot replica of this sculpture in somebody's front yard on Colorado Blvd! Eeewwwww. read more

3 stars After 5 years, it is growing on me. But, only because I am very supportive of the 1% arts program. Not my thing. But, I like it better than the white aliens on Speer. Weird. But, not as creepy as that horse over the NWO HQ. read more

"Art is a selective re-creation of reality according to an artist's metaphysical value-judgments." - Ayn Rand. Quite honestly, I am not sure why the metaphysical value judgments of an "artist" who sees reality and, in response, produces a pile of red viscera/excreta, are worth anyone's consideration, much less public funds. read more

I have to comment a bit on Caroline C's review of National Velvet, particularly her attitude about knowing what's best for the public use of funds and the justification for public art in denver or any city for that matter. First of all, $50,000 may sound like a lot of money for a sculpture of any kind, but the reality is that it is very little for a major public work of art, particularly one of the size and medium that John has created for the Highlands bridge site. Anyone with any knowledge in this arena will attest that the artist couldn't possibly have made much income on the work, and in fact additional funds were sought to accomodate the lighting of the piece, something that also is not exactly cheap to do. What angers me the most from her review (besides depicting herself as a kitten) is the absurd comments that devalue public art as a cultural and economic tool of value to the city. The city continually has money budgeted for public art through various initiatives that don't go away because of an economic crisis, they are policies that reflect the cultural awareness of the government and the citizens that support them. "National Velvet" started as a brilliant idea from one of Colorado's most recognized and lauded artists, which managed to win over the selection committee asigned to this specific site and financial allocation for artwork. The budget, being quite low for a significant work of public art, would be seen as a challenge to any artist working in the public realm, and though McEnroe was awarded the commission, his initial idea had to be revised because of technical issues with the site and logistics that ultimately were deemed impossible to produce. He followed the proposal with an even better concept that ultimately became the work that was recently installed. This commission was awarded in 2007, and even though Caroline is a brilliant citizen and economist who foresaw the collapse of the world financial markets, most people were conducting their business as usual back then, including artists, city employees, and citizens of all kinds. I am not going to argue that everyone should appreciate or even like this particular work by McEnroe or any work of art in the cities collection, rather I'm going to stand up for the idea that public art and advancing cultural concepts in Denver is ultimately of great importance and lasting value. It is one of the reasons (among many) that people on the streets are claiming that Denver is one of the least effected cities in the country in the current economic crisis. Whether this is true or not, my belief is that denver has created a profile for itself that any other city around the country of its stature would welcome, and much of that is due to how Denver has embraced the value of the arts and supported it both publicly and privately. I willfully disclose that I represent John McEnroe at Plus Gallery in Denver. I also serve on the Mayors Commission for Cultural Affairs, which is a body of citizens that oversee the process and aproval of public art for the city and county of Denver. read more

Phallic, so very phallic....and red. And why does it glow at night? And the name-National Velvet?! Haha, it kinda just makes me laugh, so strange! Wow Denver, this is a good one. Who gets to decide on what artists are commissioned here for public art? I want a spot on that committee. read more

I am thrilled that people are reviewing this sculpture on yelp! I have such strong, yet deeply mixed emotions about it. It is hideous and disgusting, but I have become very fond of it. We call it the blood clots. It is very useful for identifying nearby Denver locations: "I'll meet you at that restaurant by the blood clots" or "he lives in those apartments by the blood clots." It makes me feel repulsed and offended and fascinated and entertained all at once. The other day we rode by at night and it was lit from within, so beautiful. And it was created by John McEnroe?!! You cannot be serious!! It's official, the blood clots are my favorite of all of Denver's ridiculous public art. read more

I heard National Velvet has a date with the DIA Blue Bronco tonight? Think they'll use Yelp to find their hot date spot ? read more

Kind of reminds me of a big pile of poo, especially since the last time I saw it, it was covered in dirt. Still, every time I go across the bridge and see National Velvet it makes me smile. read more

I guess the only upside is it doesn't need to be decorated for Halloween . . . .

first of all, to those who think it looks like a penis made of penises, there is something wrong with the penises you've been seeing. i think it's more like a pile of kidneys... or water balloons full of theatre blood. but who cares what i think? it's art and it's awesome. read more