Colfax Avenue has a history as old as the Denver Metro area, and a future that continually looks brighter, and the 40 West Arts district has captured that spirit in its “Traveling Route 40” photo exhibit.

This is the art district’s, 1560 Teller St., first photography only exhibit, and will be on display from March 1 through April 29.

‘”We couldn’t be more excited about this show,” said Bill Marino, executive director of the Lakewood-West Colfax Business Improvement District. “Our juror (Boulder photographer Richard Van Pelt) carefully went through all the images that were submitted, and everyone who submitted work has at least one photo in the show.”

“Traveling Route 40” will do just that, and be on display at seven different locations during that time, following the street it is honoring.

After opening at 40 West, half the show will go on a tour of different locations — including the Golden Hill Office Center, Confluence Ministries and The Collection Gallery in Aurora.

“This is great because it’s showing how 40 West can have an impact on working with partners,” Marino said. “We’re open to collaborating with other districts, so this is a great way to start.”

The other half of the exhibit will be on display at the McNichols Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave., through April 21.

Julie Byerlein, a member of the board for the district and a volunteer with its champion group, has been working with partners to get the traveling exhibit set-up. She said that the idea for the exhibit came from wanting to participate in the Month of Photography in Denver, and grew into the collaboration it became.

“The photos are a nice mix between rural routes and historical places and more contemporary-feeling architecture and business,” Byerlein said. “It’s also features some of the interesting characters of Colfax.”

Byerlein said that the exhibit will be a great conversation starter for people who are interested in discussing Colfax’s 150-year history.

“Colfax is a fascinating place, and there’s a lot of excitement around it right now,” she said. “I think the show is a great way to inspire discussions about the best things on Colfax.”

For Marino, there is no doubt that Colfax is the star of the show.

“Whether characterized as the longest continuous main street in the United States or the gateway to the Rockies, Colfax Avenue has been at the epicenter of entrepreneurial and cultural activities in the metro area for 150 years,” he said. “This show is a tribute to the Avenue’s rich history, its present personality and its possibilities for the future.”

For more information, including tour dates, visit www.40westarts.org/Colfax_Photo.html.