Perry Ayers, founder and artistic director of the Colorado Black Arts Festival, has died at 71 of cancer in a Wheat Ridge hospice.
, Ayers demonstrated in his youth a natural flair for the arts, as well as leadership abilities. As children, Florence recalled her brother rallying “kids in the street doing a parade” in 100-plus degree heat to promote a carnival. The Ayers family moved to Denver in 1966.
As an adult, Ayers “brought art to life with his annual sculpture garden pieces,” Florence said. “He was a true visionary.” As part of the 2000 festival, an artistic and participatory feature included three doors visitors passed through to enter a village. “We call them the doors of hope, peace and love,” Ayers told the Denver Post at the time. “The three doors are symbolic of change. You write little things on the front of the doors and then work through the doors into the village. That experience is to get them thinking how they can make change, how they can improve their lives and their communities, and how we treat each other.”to the festival, taking the stage to say a few words and signing autographs for festivalgoers.
“What an outstanding and awesome man that lived a great inspirational life,” said Michael A. Williams,A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 6, at
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