The arts have a deep history in Questa. Locals have long used drawing, painting, pottery, and music to display their talents and highlight the culture and history of Questa.
Other media also have deep roots in the community, including the performing arts. But the last few years have been challenging for Questa’s thespians and budding actors, as the performing arts program at the Questa Independent School District wilted with the effects of the pandemic, retirements, and other hurdles.
It was amid the recent struggles that one teacher reached out to the LOR Foundation’s Maria Gonzalez with the idea to revitalize the schools’ performing arts. With a grant from LOR, this teacher and other passionate educators and volunteers are now working to rebuild the district’s drama program, helping students to attend performances, participate in workshops, and restart their own productions.
“There hasn’t been a drama program in Questa in almost six years,” Gonzalez says. “Art is how we express ourselves and celebrate our community, so we were happy to lend a hand to get this essential program up and running again.”
Rejuvenation has been a theme of a number of the projects LOR has supported in Questa as of late.
Like the school district’s drama program, the greenhouse at the Roots and Wings Community School was in need of a boost. Over the last 20 years, the greenhouse has served as an important teaching tool, offering students lessons about agriculture, biology, and the local environment. But the greenhouse’s aging infrastructure was increasingly hampering the efforts of teachers. With a grant from LOR, the school will now be able to replace the greenhouse’s insulation and install new windows and a new exhaust fan so students can continue their hands-on learning year-round.
“We’re always looking to fund brand new ideas,” Gonzalez says. “But we also want to support long-standing work that continues to make our community better for everyone.”
As 2025 gets underway, Gonzalez is looking forward to supporting more essential community projects. She’s particularly interested in ideas that would improve transportation and housing, two areas that continue to pose challenges for many Questa residents. Have an idea that would help veterans find rides to doctor appointments? Or, a project that could help seniors maintain their homes? You can reach Gonzalez at maria@lorfoundation.org or (575) 665-2001 to share your idea and learn how LOR can help.
Happy New Year from the LOR Foundation!
LOR works with rural communities in the Mountain West to enhance livability and prosperity while preserving the character that makes each community unique.
