Fruita Addresses Public Art Controversy Over Sculpture

Fruita, Colorado, has reached a temporary agreement regarding a controversial sculpture titled "Zafira" by local artist Pavia Justinian. The artwork, which depicts a naked woman and has generated significant community debate, will be relocated from Mulberry Plaza. The Fruita Arts and Culture Board decided on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, that the sculpture could remain in Fruita for its planned one-year exhibition period only if a private business agrees to host it. Otherwise, it will be returned to the artist.

This decision follows an emergency board meeting called to address public concerns. The sculpture's depiction of female anatomy led to a strong negative reaction from some residents, prompting a swift response from city officials and the arts board. The goal is to find a solution that respects both artistic expression and community values.

Community Debate Over "Zafira" Sculpture

The sculpture "Zafira" became a central point of discussion in Fruita just two weeks after its installation. It was part of the city's "HeART of Fruita" program, which showcases rotating sculptures from Grand Valley artists for a one-year period. The artwork portrays a woman in a ballerina-like pose, distinguished by its vibrant colors. However, some residents expressed strong objections to the visible female genitalia.

According to Carlee Burnett, a member of the Fruita Arts and Culture Board, the board received numerous criticisms and even threats within a week of the sculpture's placement. This immediate and intense feedback necessitated the urgent board meeting. Approximately 25 residents had voiced concerns at a regular monthly meeting on September 10, leading to the special session.

The emergency meeting on September 17 saw about 20 additional locals attend, with nearly half speaking during the public comment section. A majority of these speakers opposed the sculpture's presence, especially in a public area accessible to children. They cited Fruita's family-friendly atmosphere as a primary reason for their concerns.

"Fruita is a very family-friendly community, and this is just not a family-friendly statue," one attendee stated during the public comment period.

Board's Difficult Decision and Compromise

The Fruita Arts and Culture Board faced a complex challenge. Board member Carlee Burnett described the decision as difficult, aiming for a compromise that would acknowledge community concerns, support the artist, and uphold the integrity of the arts program. The board sought to balance artistic freedom with public sentiment.

Burnett emphasized the importance of artists feeling secure when submitting their work to the program. She also highlighted the need for the community to trust the board's decisions. The board's primary concern was the potential negative impact on the three-year-old HeART of Fruita program. They worried about sponsors withdrawing support or a general loss of community faith if the sculpture remained in its original location.

The board ultimately agreed that the sculpture could not stay in Mulberry Plaza. Other public spaces, such as city parks, were considered but deemed unlikely to resolve the concerns about "indecent exposure" due to their public nature. This led to the conclusion that a private location was the most viable option.

Search for a New Home and Artist's Perspective

The board's resolution involves relocating "Zafira" to a private property. Two local businesses have expressed preliminary interest in hosting the sculpture, though no firm commitment has been made yet. In the interim, Carlee Burnett offered to house "Zafira" at her art gallery, Canvas 35, until the end of September. If a suitable private host cannot be found, and the artist agrees to the location, the sculpture will be returned to Pavia Justinian.

Despite the relocation, artist Pavia Justinian will retain the $1,000 stipend awarded to all artists participating in this year's program. Fruita Parks and Recreation Director Marc Mancuso confirmed that the city will cover the costs associated with transporting the approximately 350-pound sculpture. Moving such a large piece requires specialized equipment, such as a forklift.

Justinian expressed disappointment with the reception of her sculpture but appreciated the board's compromise and the community's willingness to engage in civil discussion. She stated her intention to avoid placing her art where it is not wanted. "I think we reached an agreement, and ultimately, I don't want to put my art somewhere it's not wanted," Justinian said. "It seems like a portion of the community didn't want it there, and I respect that."

Looking Forward: Future of Art in Fruita

The experience has not deterred Justinian from participating in other rotating art galleries. Another piece by the artist is scheduled to be featured in the City of Grand Junction's Art on the Corner gallery, beginning October 4. This indicates a continued commitment to public art despite the challenges faced in Fruita.

The Fruita Arts and Culture Board will now need to select a new sculpture to replace "Zafira" in Mulberry Plaza. The process for this selection has not yet been determined. The incident underscores the ongoing dialogue between artistic expression, community standards, and the role of public art in urban spaces. It highlights the complexities involved in managing public art programs and ensuring they reflect the diverse values of a community.

The board's actions reflect an effort to navigate these complexities by prioritizing dialogue and seeking solutions that maintain the viability of the "HeART of Fruita" program while addressing resident concerns. The outcome for "Zafira" will depend on finding a private host willing to embrace the artwork for the remainder of its scheduled exhibition.