The City of Fruita selected Andrea Downs as the artist for the Co-op Tower banner project, which will bring new artwork to one of Fruita’s most visible landmarks.

Downs was one of three finalists, joined by Sasha Primo and Bailey Murphy. The selection followed a competitive process led by an evaluation committee made up of representatives from Fruita City Council, City staff, the Arts and Culture Board, and the Fruita Tourism Advisory Council.

The Co-op Tower is a retired grain silo that reflects Fruita’s agricultural roots and the community Fruita has become. The new artwork will balance two important perspectives. The east-facing banner will reflect Fruita’s tourism identity, including outdoor recreation and mountain biking, while the west-facing banner will focus more on Fruita’s culture, values and community spirit.

The east-facing side of the Co-op Tower will feature a cyclist in the foreground adventuring in Fruita, and depicted in the background is a medley of the Colorado National Monument, the Colorado River, Kokopelli Trail and other open spaces where locals and visitors love to explore.

The west-facing side will feature Fruita’s prehistory and Greta, a local dinosaur sculpture. On the banner Greta will be surrounded by a collection of botanical paintings and drawings made by Fruita residents, who can submit their work individually, and Downs will host one or two “paint parties” in the Mulberry Plaza, where people can create their botanical pieces.

“The Co-op Tower has been a spiritual lighthouse for me since 2007, a beacon in the desert,” Downs said. “When I see it, I know I am home. I am filled with gratitude to be able to interact with the iconic structure in a way that will incorporate contributions from my treasured and beloved Fruita community.”

More information about the Co-op Tower project and future community participation opportunities will be shared at fruita.org.