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Thomas Donley

Celebrating the Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility Mural Project: A Collaborative Journey of Art and Community



October 2023 through May 2024

We were thrilled to unveil our Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility mural project called <droplets>, a testament to Durango's vibrant artistic community and collaborative spirit. This ambitious project, located along the Animas River Trail near Santa Rita Park, has brought together nine talented local artists to transform the walls of the Water Reclamation Facility into a stunning canvas celebrating the beauty of our region and the flow of its vital waterways.


A Creative Collaboration

The mural project is more than just a visual enhancement; it celebrates teamwork and creativity. Beginning in October 2023, The Walls Project and local artists—Silas Armstrong, Cindy Atchison, Chelsie Begoody, Laurie Cullum, Mariah Kaminsky, Parker Ledford, Jordanne Pelkey, Maddie Sanders, and Hannah Wilson—worked tirelessly to bring their individual styles and visions to the mural. Each artist has contributed their unique perspective, from realistic portrayals of local fauna to imaginative interpretations of water and nature.



Concept art
Approved mock up of the proposed design by local artists.

A special highlight of the mural includes intricate water droplets, each capturing local animals, plants, and symbols related to our rivers and streams. The collaborative process has been a journey of learning and mutual inspiration, with artists sharing techniques and refining their work together. It's been an incredible experience to see their distinct styles blend seamlessly into a cohesive and breathtaking work of art.


Artists of the <droplets>. Photos Courtesy of Durango Herald and Jerry McBride

Once the temperatures increased, every day during April and May, you would see an artist or two working their allotted portion of the 


Community and Artistic Impact

Our mural project perfectly exemplifies how creative collaboration can enrich our community. The project's success is not just in the final artwork but in the process —bringing local artists together, supporting each other's growth, and contributing to a shared vision. It reflects Durango's deep artistic roots and the collective effort that makes our city shine.




The mural was officially unveiled during Animas River Days on June 1st and 2nd, an event that was both engaging and colorful as the mural itself. We invite everyone to visit the mural and celebrate this fantastic addition to Durango's public art collection and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our local artists. We also had a kid’s mural activity where they were able to paint their mural on a giant canvas provided by The Walls Project.


Kids mural activity during Animas River Days

A Big Thank You


We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The City of Durango, the Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility, Sherwin Williams, and all the supporters who have made this project possible. Your commitment to enhancing our community through art is truly inspiring.


Thank you for being part of this exciting journey!

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