Meet Kim Polomka

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kim Polomka. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Kim with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

A disease of the boomers unfortunately, the work ethic gene. My architect father in Adelaide Australia was a work a holic, he loved his work…that certainly had an impact on my own intense creativity.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I create murals to which I feel passionate about. 3 examples that come to mind are the Ecumenical Social Ministries 2011 a mural honoring the homeless and down on their luck folks, another honouring the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth 2006 and lastly the Myron Stratton a great son of coloardo springs 2013. all 3 havw been destroyed. The artist was never contacted re the poposals…at the opening of the Stratton mural some trustees asked how long will it last. I only use the best prep foundation and exterior paints and 40 yrs plus would be an estimate and any restoration needed would be on me.
Downtown partnership decided it had had its day, even the the CEO was present at the opening and supported the project. It was a huge disapponment considering that Downtown partnershiip supports that arts.What replaced it was a mural of generic butterflies. The Mozart mural was earmarked for a background repaint but this was painted over in 2023 again the artist was never conatcted. This mural won an award for community partnership award. it was replaced by a graffitt mural that was a homage to an 11 year old that was murdered, yes it was very tragic but why pick on that wall. and the Gazette newspaper had open offices fronting the mural. lastly there is the Ecumenical Social Ministries mural completed in 2011. the artist used real people to display the magnificent work that ESM did for the community. This mural won the best in the springs. A Denver credit union was responsible for erasing that work. At least i have 4 murals remaining in coloardo springs, 2 that are on City property, so they will be secure.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

It was very advantageous to be an elected member of council. The skills I learned were orientated around the correct siting for public art and its impact on the streetscape. This certainly helped deciding the best locations for murals. A good understanding of materials and methods is imperative for a long lasting mural. attention to North facing is always a preferred choice. it appears that most tattooists transition into grafiiti muralists. They see it as a transitory experience. The old school has fast disappeared.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

I was very fortunate having a gifted well known architect as a father. I learned so many things especially having passion for the environment to which we live and an amazing work ethic. Both parents supported me emotionally and financially as they believed in my passion. The lack of judgment on their part was very evident.. i feel for talented artists who are held back or discouraged not to pursue their passion.

Contact Info:

• Other: My website is in the process of being totally retooled

Image Credits

Kim Polomka artist
Coloardo Springs Gazette