"Treasures of the Grand Valley" - public art by Gregory Fields in Grand Junction, Colorado

“Treasures of the Grand Valley”

Ceramic and steel sculpture of Plateau Striped Whiptail Lizard by Gregory Fields, with four other sculptures in the background
Plateau Striped Whiptail Lizard

In 2022 I was commissioned by Colorado Creative Industries to create artwork for the Grand Junction Regional Center Group Homes. These two homes are new residential facilities for severely developmentally challenged people. The goal was to create sculptures spread along the garden pathways that would offer color, form, texture, and movement to stimulate interest and engagement for the residents. There are fifteen sculptures, some of which are shown here. Seven pieces are mounted to bearings so they can be rotated, and the pieces are of varying heights.

Made of steel and ceramic, the sculptures seek to draw attention to and appreciation for the diverse variety of mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and plants that grace the Grand Valley region surrounding Grand Junction, Colorado. These creatures and plants are found in a variety of habitats at various elevations in the area. The fifteen sculptures each feature a 14” diameter steel circle housing ceramic relief artwork on the front and rear. Unique plasma-cut steel ornaments decorate each sculpture, representing different plants of the region.

This project was installed in May, 2023. The landscaping was not complete at the time, as can be seen in the photos.