Join us for First Friday in RiNo, featuring Joe Murray
Static
2632 Blake St #102
6.6.2025, 6-9pm
Meet Joe Murray
In 2020, Murray started taking on art commissions in exchange for COVID relief fund donations, eventually starting his design business Auberon Design. He has hosted fundraisers for various causes including the Colorado Freedom Fund and The Lilith Fund. Creating works for over 75 musicians, both local and international, his work has often focused on growth, nature, and self-worth or the lack thereof. Currently, Murray works in public arts administration for Adams County, Colorado.
While I often think of my work as a reflection of myself, I hope you see yourself reflected too. You have something to bring to this world and it is big, bright, and beautiful.
Learn more about Joe in our Q+A!
How did your business come to exist?
In March of 2020 when things shut down, I started drawing portraits of friends and family in exchange for donations to COVID relief funds. After doing that for a while, I began dedicating all of my free time to illustration and connecting with other local artists and musicians. Over time, I reached a point where I was working with so many musicians on album art, posters, and other promotional materials, I was able to move my business, Auberon Design, into a full-time position.
What was the best day at work you've had in the past three months?
Recently, I've taken a break from making art full-time, but I've had the opportunity to create two pieces of cover art for my good friend Martîn Better Longo's band Fruta Brutal. Collaborating with musicians is where my passion lies, so creating these works with him has been wonderful.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration from music, bright color, and in the vulnerability of others putting their own creative works into the world. Earlier in my career, I only drew other artists as a way of celebrating their work. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there, and it's something I admire so much in others that it has inspired a lot of my work.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever gotten?
"Mangia"
What are your thoughts about your city's creative scene for artists, designers, crafters, makers, and/or small businesses?
To be frank, it is challenging to be an artist or small businesses in Denver. In a city with rising costs of living and constant displacement, it is not an easy terrain. Art spaces are disappearing, like the recent closure of the Evans School artist studios. Denver has an immense amount of talent, from musicians to visual artists, but support for the arts and lack of protected art spaces has me fearful for the city's creative scene long term. If we can't support artists and foster the growth of young artists, the city's vibrance and diversity will suffer.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to cook, run, and read.
What is your dream project?
I would love to create stage sets for live music. As I look ahead in my art career, I want to move away from illustration and painting into more 3D works. Designing sets for concerts would be a dream.
Get in touch with Joe Murray
Email: joe@auberondesign.com
Website: auberondesign.com
Instagram: @auberondesign
If you are a local artist/crafter/maker/indie business owner and would like to be featured on our blog, please fill out this form or contact Ashley at ashley@westandmainhomes.com with questions...we can't wait to learn all about you!
