The goal of The Wellspring Project is to blend artistic expression with environmental advocacy for Fruita Middle School students. Hosted by the City of Fruita Arts and Culture Board, this summer initiative consists of a rafting trip, educational intensive and art project. It will be held in Fruita from June 12 to 18, 2021 and is funded by Arts in Society and Western Colorado Community Foundation.

Water is crucial to life in the West and beyond. The City of Fruita Arts and Culture Board wants students to examine the environmental and social issues surrounding water use through the lens of art and culture. Students will have the opportunity to learn about water and its complexity from multiple stakeholders who have an interest in its protection.

The week-long program is divided into three phases. The first two days are devoted to the Colorado River, where students will learn firsthand the importance of maintaining a healthy river corridor, protection of endangered fish, mitigation of invasive plant species and hydrology. Managed by the Colorado Canyons Association, reflection exercises — including journaling, sketching and conversing — will be central to understanding the surrounding landscape and wildlife.

“This is the first opportunity for them to connect science to art in a manner that serves to inspire them, while also allowing them to think of how to turn this project over through the community,” shares Marian Heesaker, City of Fruita Arts and Culture Board member.

On Monday, June 14, students will venture to the Grand Valley Diversion Dam where the Colorado River diverts into a complex canal system. There will be discussion around water law from a historical perspective. Students will then visit Avant Vineyards and Farm, learning first-hand the challenges they face with changing weather patterns. Students will also learn about water rights and what decisions the farm makes to produce food for our tables. The day will finish at Ute Water municipality to uncover how water makes its way from the river to our tap.

The next day, participants will head to Kannah Creek with Eureka! Science Museum to gather water samples and learn about water behavior, health and conservation. The last stop will be with Colorado Fish and Wildlife for a presentation on their endangered fish program.

The final three days will be spent in an art studio with local artists Jonathan Cooley and Kyle Harvey, who specialize in sculpture, poetry and journaling. Pavia Justinian, a local sculptor and muralist, will also be creating two 75-foot murals along the riverfront trail in Fruita with the students. The goal is for students to create art that represents how they view the issue, with the hopes that the final pieces promote dialogue around water conservation.

“Many have heard the phrase, ‘Water is life.’ Because water and life are both cyclical, we have a great opportunity to tell these parallel stories,” says Justinian. “I‘d like to get the kids’ input too, but right now I’m thinking the murals will feature local mascots Greta the Dinosaur and Mike the Headless Chicken embarking on a river trip together. We will see different stages of their journey, telling parallel stories about water and life and how they are intertwined. I am really looking forward to working with the kids, and I hope this project inspires them to continue using their art to speak up and speak out.”

The City of Fruita Arts and Culture Board believes the youth seek possibility in new ways that adults often do not. In a statement, the board said, “We hope that through this project, they will find an awareness around this issue that will encourage them to be bold and fearless in their approach to it.”

The board emphasizes the importance of working together with stakeholders engaged in water use in the West. By collaborating creatively and proactively, the hope is that despite differences, respect and inclusivity will be at the forefront as the community tackles this issue.

Learn more and register at fruita.org.

Originally published in the Spring 2021 issue

The Wellspring Project: Fruita Students Examine Water Use In The West Through An Artistic Lens