Pavia Justinian is a Western Slope sculptor and muralist experienced in collaborative murals with children, and large sculptural installations. Growing up in Cedaredge and Grand Junction, Pavia did not have art education through her elementary school. She feels lucky to have had family who nurtured her artistic expression from an early age and recognizes that not everyone has the same opportunities to explore creativity. She knows how daunting a big art project can seem when you’ve never done anything like it before. Pavia is eager to show students that painting a mural can be as easy as doing a coloring book – it’s just bigger!
She has previously collaborated with students of New Emerson School, Rim Rock Elementary, and Fruita Middle School on large murals, and with Chipeta Elementary students on a sculptural arbor. She has led sculpting and painting workshops at The Art Center of Western Colorado and Mesa County Libraries, as well as local schools. Pavia has created numerous artworks for the City of Grand Junction, including the large-scale “Rams in the Redlands” roundabout sculptures on Highway 340. Pavia cherishes Colorado’s natural beauty and is inspired every day by the vivid mountain sunsets and the rich desert reds near her home. Pavia believes in the capacity of art to positively impact the community and strives to expand the presence of art throughout the Western Slope.