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Where did it all begin? Where is it now? As the university continues to grow and evolve, these are the questions asked in the "Then and Now" series. Through powerful images of both the past and present, the story of CU Boulder comes to life.

 

NOW November 2020

Graduate students and artists Alejandra Abad (MFA'21) and Romàn Anaya (MFA'21), known as Abad Anaya, created colorful art flags to inspire hope after the challenges of 2020. The duo hopes to change the perception of divisiveness often associated with flags as symbols.

 

Their flags contain uplifting phrases in multiple languages that were painted, printed, sewn or ironed on by members of the Boulder and Denver communities. Earlier this year, the flags were on display in Denver's Art District on Santa Fe and the Boulder One Plaza.

THEN Spring 2893

Though Pearl Street wasn't always so developed, it has been a Boulder hub since 1859. The thoroughfare began as a muddy road - patrons ambled down wooden sidewalks, and miners in wagon convoys paraded past storefronts on their way into the winding canyon.

 

Automobiles arrived in the early 1900s, and this popular street became the first paved road in Boulder. Though it has changed over the years, two things have remained: Pearl Street is the heartbeat of the city and has always held the same sweeping Flatirons views.

Photo by Alejandra Abad and courtesy of CU Museum, 40-XX110, RaD, University of Colorado Boulder Libraries.