Thank YOU!

It was such an honor to celebrate with you at our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on September 24, 2025 🎉

(Photos soon)

If you'd like to continue supporting the artist, funds will go towards the maintanence of this mural as well as supplies and labor for Tif's upcoming public art projects! We are so thankful for your continued support!

Organized by Tif Choate, artist
I’m thrilled to introduce the “Waneka Lake Treasures” mural project in Lafayette, CO 80026—a place that feels like home and celebrates individuality, creativity, and a love of nature. As a public-art muralist and founder of Snail Candy Art & Design, I pour my energy into joyful, colorful, and whimsical murals across the Front Range. Lafayette’s artistic spirit, eclectic charm, and community embrace make it an especially meaningful canvas for me.

This latest work—painted on the pump house at 1600 Caria Dr (just east of the Boathouse)—was self-funded and brought to life through generous support from you, local residents, enthusiastic visitors, and special donors including Morrell Printing Solutions, JAX Hardware, and Lowe’s.

The mural celebrates the rich biodiversity of Waneka Lake and the Greenlee Wildlife Preserve, weaving both above-water and underwater ecosystems into a free educational tool, a visual invitation to environmental stewardship. Over 30 local species are depicted, with names—a conversation starter for families, school groups, and park visitors alike.

We’re honored to have support from Lafayette’s Public Art Committee (with grants in 2024 and 2025), the Open Space Department, Parks and Recreation, and the Public Works Department, which owns the pump house and has embraced the mural enthusiastically.

Current funding covers materials, artist labor, maintenance, and educational programming, helping ensure this mural becomes a lasting and inspiring legacy. If you’d like to contribute or get involved, I’d love to connect at tif@snailcandy.com—let’s paint a brighter, more connected future for our community together.

With heartfelt thanks,
Tif Choate and the Team @ Snail Candy Arts, Lafayette, CO

Why did we do it?

The critical environmental challenges the wildlife confronts as our human populations expand and grow remain largely unnoticed and unheard.
Nestled in the heart of Lafayette, these wellsprings of life are jewels of natural beauty we are privileged to share space with.
We aim to bring these stories to the forefront, fostering a deeper connection between the community and its natural surroundings and awareness of our fur and feathered neighbors.

Our Vision: A Canvas of Connection and Conservation

Each side of the pump house is adorned with intricate artwork showcasing both the rich underwater life and surrounding habitat of Waneka Lake and neighboring Greenlee Wildlife Preserve, in a continuous loop.
Brings awareness to the importance of maintaining the balance between human systems and Earth's living systems - local and global.

The Impact: Beyond Art

This serves as a free educational tool, a conversation starter, and a call to action.
We envision school groups and community members gathering here, learning about the significance of each species depicted.
Artwork helps to highlight the beautiful, yet fragile of wildlife habitats, and leaving with a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship.

@Snail.Candy.Arts Instagram Tif's website SnailCandy.com

Come see the newly installed "Waneka Lake Treasures" mural 2025

By Snail Candy Arts / Tif Choate, artist

Come see the newly installed "Waneka Lake Treasures" mural 2025

A 360 ˚ wildlife mural representing our wonderful Waneka Lake & Greenlee Preserve in Lafayette, CO 80026