An Interactive Art Installation Connects the Cortez Community | LOR Foundation
In-Progress Engagement

An Interactive Art Installation Connects the Cortez Community

  • Local Champion: Southwest Open School
  • Date Funded: July 15, 2025
  • Grant Amount: $2,988

Cortez youth often feel disconnected from the broader community, particularly from elder residents and young children, who they rarely interact with. One teacher at Southwest Open School saw an opportunity to bridge these generational gaps through art, so she reached out to LOR with her idea. LOR’s funding will help Southwest Open School purchase materials to create a “Garden of Whimsy,” an interactive art installation where students will collaborate with nursing home residents and preschoolers to design whimsical sculptures, painted structures, and interactive elements. The project will culminate in open community events where youth will host visitors and showcase the multi-generational artwork, creating meaningful connections between community members.

Contact our community officer in Cortez. Meet Nicci Crowley
More Engagement Solutions
Engagement / Questa Women’s Network Helps Build Connections and Confidence in Questa
Local Champion:
Questa Economic Development Fund
Date funded:
July 29, 2025
Grant Amount:
$5,700
Engagement / Lander Quarterly Zine Creates Platform for Lander’s Amateur Writers and Artists
Local Champion:
Lander local
Date funded:
July 24, 2025
Grant Amount:
$975
Engagement / Lander Community Poetry Box Showcases Work by Lander Poets
Local Champion:
Lander local
Date funded:
July 24, 2025
Grant Amount:
$1,000
Engagement / Lander Expert Restoration Brings Lander’s Community Steinway Back to Concert Quality
Local Champion:
Lander Community Concerts Association
Date funded:
July 18, 2025
Grant Amount:
$13,400
Engagement / Cortez Cortez’s Quilts of Valor Chapter Honors Local Veterans
Local Champion:
Four Corners Quilts of Valor
Date funded:
July 15, 2025
Grant Amount:
$3,960
Engagement / Taos Community Sessions Help Taos County Identify Cultural Treasures
Local Champion:
Taos County
Date funded:
June 18, 2025
Grant Amount:
$10,000

Share an Idea

If you have an idea for improving quality of life in Cortez or Monte Vista, Colorado; Lander, Wyoming; Libby, Montana; Questa or Taos, New Mexico; or Weiser, Idaho, use this form to start a conversation with us.

"*" indicates required fields