The Art of Politics: A New Portrait and a Neighborhood's Battle
July 2, 2025, 5:56 pm
In the heart of Colorado, a portrait hangs in the state Capitol. It’s not just any portrait; it’s a reflection of a presidency, a community, and the intricate dance of politics. The unveiling of a new portrait of Donald Trump comes on the heels of controversy. The old portrait was taken down after Trump’s complaints. This act was more than a simple change of art; it was a statement, a ripple in the political pond.
The artist, Vanessa Horabuena, is a Christian worship artist from Tempe, Arizona. Her work is described as patriotic and religious. The new portrait is framed and ready for display, but the timeline for its unveiling remains uncertain. This uncertainty mirrors the political landscape—ever-changing and unpredictable.
The previous portrait was painted by an artist who aimed to keep her work apolitical. Yet, in the world of politics, neutrality is often a mirage. Trump’s criticisms led to swift action. The portrait was removed almost overnight, highlighting the fragility of artistic expression in a politically charged environment. The artist, Boardman, expressed concern for her business, which now hangs in the balance.
Art and politics are intertwined. A portrait can evoke pride, anger, or indifference. It can be a symbol of power or a reminder of failure. In this case, it’s a reflection of a divided nation. The act of replacing a portrait is akin to rewriting history. It’s a reminder that the past is never truly gone; it lingers, waiting to be revisited.
Meanwhile, in another part of Colorado, a different battle unfolds. The La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood faces the potential construction of a new Broncos stadium. This community, rich in history and culture, is on edge. The Broncos organization has been acquiring properties around Burnham Yard, raising concerns among residents.
For many, the neighborhood is home. It’s a tapestry woven with stories of generational families and newcomers. The area has a legacy of activism, rooted in the Chicano movement. Residents fear that a new stadium could erase their history, much like the Auraria neighborhood was erased in the 1970s.
The neighborhood association president, Nolan Hahn, acknowledges the mixed feelings. Excitement for potential development clashes with fears of displacement. The community has fought hard for recognition, achieving a historic cultural district designation in 2021. This designation honors their past, but the future feels uncertain.
Residents like Connie Buckley, who has lived in the area for 30 years, voice their frustrations. They feel overlooked, as if their needs are secondary to corporate interests. The fear of being “victimized by progress” looms large. The potential for rising housing costs and displacement is a bitter pill to swallow.
Jason Torrez, from the Denver Inner City Parish, sees the impact of gentrification firsthand. Families are pushed out as housing becomes unaffordable. The community’s fabric is at risk of unraveling. The proposed stadium could exacerbate these issues, forcing more families to leave their homes.
Yet, there is hope. Hahn and other community leaders strive to engage with the Broncos organization. They seek to ensure that the development aligns with the neighborhood’s needs. The goal is to create a partnership, not a takeover. They want to avoid the mistakes of the past, where neighborhoods were erased in the name of progress.
City Councilwoman Jamie Torres is also involved. She emphasizes the importance of community participation. She wants to ensure that residents have a voice in the conversation. The goal is to preserve the neighborhood’s identity while accommodating growth.
As the portrait of Trump prepares for its debut, the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood grapples with its own identity crisis. Both stories reflect a larger narrative—one of change, resistance, and the quest for recognition.
Art and community are powerful forces. They shape our identities and influence our futures. The new portrait may hang in the Capitol, but it’s the stories of neighborhoods like La Alma that truly matter. They remind us that progress should not come at the expense of history.
In the end, both the portrait and the stadium represent more than just physical structures. They symbolize the ongoing struggle for identity and belonging in a rapidly changing world. The challenge lies in finding a balance—honoring the past while embracing the future.
As Colorado navigates these waters, one thing is clear: the voices of its people will not be silenced. Whether through art or activism, the spirit of community will continue to shine. The new portrait may be a reflection of a presidency, but the heart of Colorado beats in its neighborhoods. And that heart is resilient.
The artist, Vanessa Horabuena, is a Christian worship artist from Tempe, Arizona. Her work is described as patriotic and religious. The new portrait is framed and ready for display, but the timeline for its unveiling remains uncertain. This uncertainty mirrors the political landscape—ever-changing and unpredictable.
The previous portrait was painted by an artist who aimed to keep her work apolitical. Yet, in the world of politics, neutrality is often a mirage. Trump’s criticisms led to swift action. The portrait was removed almost overnight, highlighting the fragility of artistic expression in a politically charged environment. The artist, Boardman, expressed concern for her business, which now hangs in the balance.
Art and politics are intertwined. A portrait can evoke pride, anger, or indifference. It can be a symbol of power or a reminder of failure. In this case, it’s a reflection of a divided nation. The act of replacing a portrait is akin to rewriting history. It’s a reminder that the past is never truly gone; it lingers, waiting to be revisited.
Meanwhile, in another part of Colorado, a different battle unfolds. The La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood faces the potential construction of a new Broncos stadium. This community, rich in history and culture, is on edge. The Broncos organization has been acquiring properties around Burnham Yard, raising concerns among residents.
For many, the neighborhood is home. It’s a tapestry woven with stories of generational families and newcomers. The area has a legacy of activism, rooted in the Chicano movement. Residents fear that a new stadium could erase their history, much like the Auraria neighborhood was erased in the 1970s.
The neighborhood association president, Nolan Hahn, acknowledges the mixed feelings. Excitement for potential development clashes with fears of displacement. The community has fought hard for recognition, achieving a historic cultural district designation in 2021. This designation honors their past, but the future feels uncertain.
Residents like Connie Buckley, who has lived in the area for 30 years, voice their frustrations. They feel overlooked, as if their needs are secondary to corporate interests. The fear of being “victimized by progress” looms large. The potential for rising housing costs and displacement is a bitter pill to swallow.
Jason Torrez, from the Denver Inner City Parish, sees the impact of gentrification firsthand. Families are pushed out as housing becomes unaffordable. The community’s fabric is at risk of unraveling. The proposed stadium could exacerbate these issues, forcing more families to leave their homes.
Yet, there is hope. Hahn and other community leaders strive to engage with the Broncos organization. They seek to ensure that the development aligns with the neighborhood’s needs. The goal is to create a partnership, not a takeover. They want to avoid the mistakes of the past, where neighborhoods were erased in the name of progress.
City Councilwoman Jamie Torres is also involved. She emphasizes the importance of community participation. She wants to ensure that residents have a voice in the conversation. The goal is to preserve the neighborhood’s identity while accommodating growth.
As the portrait of Trump prepares for its debut, the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood grapples with its own identity crisis. Both stories reflect a larger narrative—one of change, resistance, and the quest for recognition.
Art and community are powerful forces. They shape our identities and influence our futures. The new portrait may hang in the Capitol, but it’s the stories of neighborhoods like La Alma that truly matter. They remind us that progress should not come at the expense of history.
In the end, both the portrait and the stadium represent more than just physical structures. They symbolize the ongoing struggle for identity and belonging in a rapidly changing world. The challenge lies in finding a balance—honoring the past while embracing the future.
As Colorado navigates these waters, one thing is clear: the voices of its people will not be silenced. Whether through art or activism, the spirit of community will continue to shine. The new portrait may be a reflection of a presidency, but the heart of Colorado beats in its neighborhoods. And that heart is resilient.