A colorful sculpture displaying female genitalia has ignited a heated community debate in Fruita, Colorado, leading to the resignation of an arts board chair and prompting city officials to temporarily cover the artwork with an apron. The sculpture, titled "Zafira" and created by local artist Pavia Justinian, was installed in Mulberry Plaza on September 3 as part of the HeART of Fruita Program overseen by the City of Fruita Arts and Culture Board.
The award-winning sculpture, one of five pieces placed in the downtown area, was intended to bring joy to the community but has instead divided residents since its installation. Some community members have expressed outrage over what they perceive as inappropriate public art, while others have defended the piece as legitimate artistic expression that should remain uncensored.
The controversy reached a boiling point during a regular monthly board meeting held Wednesday evening, which drew an unusually large crowd of 20 to 25 community members for public comment. Dan Caris, Fruita's assistant city manager, confirmed that both the city and board members have received numerous phone calls and messages about the sculpture. "Fruita's a small community. There's a buzz about this topic in all settings," Caris said while fielding media inquiries on Thursday.
In a significant development, Arts and Culture Board chair Carlee Burnett resigned Thursday morning, though Caris could not confirm whether the resignation was directly tied to the sculpture controversy. Following the contentious Wednesday evening meeting, the board posted a message on their Facebook page thanking community members for their input and displaying a photo of the sculpture wearing a blue apron tied at the waist.
"Everything that was shared was taken into consideration, and it's a lot to process. We want to honor everyone the best that we possibly can," the board's Facebook post stated. The message outlined three potential solutions being considered: modification of the sculpture, relocation of the sculpture, or complete removal of the sculpture. The board also cited concerns about potential vandalism and boycotts of downtown businesses as factors influencing their decision-making process.
Artist Pavia Justinian, who was out of town during Wednesday's meeting, expressed her disappointment and anger in her own social media post on Thursday. "I know that I and many others would like to see her stay in Mulberry Plaza unchanged and uncensored," Justinian wrote. She acknowledged that not everyone would appreciate her work but strongly objected to the board's decision to cover the sculpture without consulting her first.
"As soon as I saw that picture of Zafira covered up with an apron, it really made me sad and angry," Justinian stated. "No one asked me if that would be an acceptable solution to this issue. They've taken a piece of art that I'm proud of and slut-shamed her into a sideshow complete with an ugly costume and a shameful sign."
The debate has spilled over onto social media platforms, with passionate arguments on both sides of the issue appearing on the Fruita, Colorado Message Board Facebook page. One commenter wrote, "Nudity has no place in public. Put it in a gallery," while another responded, "It's not nude. It's a sculpture. Seeing my neighbor's dog is more explicit." Comments have ranged from concerns about vulgarity and appropriateness in family-friendly areas to arguments about censorship and artistic freedom.
Some residents have expressed frustration about the sculpture's placement in a location frequented by families and visitors. "We are asked to get along with our community and be polite, then someone gets to place their inappropriate art in our public spaces where children walk, and there are families that will unknowingly stumble upon this inappropriate art. Fruita do better," read one Facebook post.
However, others have pointed to precedent and urged tolerance. "Actually, one of last year's pieces drew lots of ire because it depicted an unclothed woman. We survived. Most likely we'll survive this also," another commenter noted, referencing previous controversies within the HeART of Fruita Program.
Caris indicated that the Fruita Arts and Culture Board will likely hold a special meeting within a week to discuss the sculpture and determine future steps. He emphasized that the HeART of Fruita Program, now in its third year, is still evolving and may require adjustments as it continues to develop. "I think it's important to remember the HeART of Fruita is new. I think this is only its third year, if my memory serves, so there's going to have to be adjustments made like there is with any program," Caris explained.
Despite the current controversy, city officials remain committed to the arts program and its positive impact on the community. "Controversy aside, we believe this is a positive thing for the community," Caris said. "We love the program. It's for everyone. I think we are going to be thinking through ways in the future where this is an effort that brings people together." The situation continues to develop as community members, city officials, and the artist work toward finding a resolution that addresses the diverse viewpoints within Fruita.
