Spoke+Blossom Magazine | Spring 2021| Issue #15

Page 30

art

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


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