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PAVIA JUSTINIAN
FRUITA STUDENTS EXAMINE WATER USE IN THE WEST THROUGH AN ARTISTIC LENS
THE WELLSPRING PROJECT Words by Lexi Reich
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he goal of The Wellspring Project is to blend
the Colorado River, where students will learn
artistic expression with environmental
firsthand the importance of maintaining a
advocacy for Fruita Middle School students.
healthy river corridor, protection of endangered
Hosted by the City of Fruita Arts and Culture
fish, mitigation of invasive plant species and
Board, this summer initiative consists of a rafting
hydrology. Managed by the Colorado Canyons
trip, educational intensive and art project. It will
Association, reflection exercises — including
be held in Fruita from June 12 to 18, 2021 and is
journaling, sketching and conversing — will
funded by Arts in Society and Western Colorado
be central to understanding the surrounding
Community Foundation.
landscape and wildlife.
Water is crucial to life in the West and
“This is the first opportunity for them to
beyond. The City of Fruita Arts and Culture Board
connect science to art in a manner that serves
wants students to examine the environmental
to inspire them, while also allowing them to
and social issues surrounding water use through
think of how to turn this project over through
the lens of art and culture. Students will have
the community,” shares Marian Heesaker, City of
the opportunity to learn about water and its
Fruita Arts and Culture Board member.
complexity from multiple stakeholders who
have an interest in its protection.
to the Grand Valley Diversion Dam where the
The week-long program is divided into
Colorado River diverts into a complex canal
three phases. The first two days are devoted to
system. There will be discussion around water
On Monday, June 14, students will venture
