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La Sandia Project Wins $35K Arts in Society Grant to Bring The Art Project to Downtown Rocky Ford
Description: The Small Town Project Released the Following Announcement Regarding a $35K Grant to Fund an Ambitious Public Art Initiative in Downtown Rocky Ford, Colorado in 2025...
Transforming Rocky Ford: La Sandia Project Awarded Arts in Society Grant to Enrich Downtown with Community-Driven Art
Rocky Ford, Colorado - April 22, 2025 - Small Town Project is excited to announce that the La Sandia Project has been awarded the prestigious Arts in Society grant.
This $35,000 grant will drive an ambitious public art initiative that revitalizes downtown Rocky Ford, celebrating its vibrant agricultural history and cultural diversity through art installations and community engagement.
Scheduled from May to August 2025, the La Sandia Project will feature the creation of large watermelon and cantaloupe sculptures and several expansive murals along Main Street.
Spearheaded by local artists, and The Art Project collective, these installations will honor the contributions of farm workers and engage the community in meaningful, hands-on activities.
"The La Sandia Project is a testament to Rocky Ford's rich heritage and will harness the power of art to foster economic and social change," said Duane Gurule, Co-founder of Small Town Project and Mayor of Rocky Ford. "We invite everyone to join us in this transformative endeavor to celebrate our agricultural backbone and vibrant cultural tapestry."
The project will culminate at the 148th Arkansas Valley Fair in August 2025, with public celebrations showcasing the new artworks, enhancing community bonds, and attracting visitors to Rocky Ford, the Sweet Melon Capital.
Join us in making art a catalyst for community cohesion and cultural recognition.
About Small Town Project:
The Small Town Project is committed to working collaboratively with partners, community members, and stakeholders to create a more resilient and thriving community. Through innovative solutions, community engagement, and a focus on inclusivity, the organization aims to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of residents in Rocky Ford and southeast Colorado.
About Arts in Society and Redline:
Administered by RedLine, Arts in Society is a grant program supporting cross-sector work through the arts across Colorado. Located in Denver, Colorado, RedLine Contemporary Art Center fosters education and engagement between artists and communities to create positive social change. Founded by Laura Merage in 2008, RedLine was created to support emerging artists and provide creative opportunities for local residents. RedLine serves as an incubator for a thriving group of resident artists through an in-depth, two-year residency program that includes free studio space, professional development, and community engagement opportunities. The organization also offers a range of programming that responds to the needs of the diverse communities that live in the surrounding neighborhoods. Viewing art and arts education through a lens of social issues, the organization ensures equitable access to the arts for under-resourced populations by working to fulfill a vision of empowering everyone to create social change through art.
For more information on La Sandia Project and how you can get involved, please contact Duane Gurule at dgurule@smalltownproject.org.
