08/26/2026
🍄 SCHROOMZILLAH IS BACK — STRONGER THAN EVER! 🍄
Two years of high-country sun, snow, wind, rain, and extreme weather can put just about anything to the test — and Schroomzillah has certainly been tested!
Created in 2023 by youth from Nucla, Naturita, Telluride, and Placerville, Schroomzillah holds a special place in local history as Nucla’s first-ever youth-created public art sculpture.
After two years outdoors, the original sculpture was still standing strong — but her mushroom cap needed some serious attention.
Enter Norwood artist and musician Bob Hoehn and Telluride mixed-media artist Sarah Lewiecki, who put their creative minds (and considerable problem-solving skills!) together to develop a plan for a major overhaul.
The goal? Make Schroomzillah tougher and more weather-resistant without losing the bright, playful personality the youth created.
The original wooden cap supports were completely replaced with metal, and fiberglass cloth, red fabric, Bondo, specialized red paint, and plenty of ingenuity went into rebuilding and reinforcing the cap for the conditions she faces year-round.
And here’s the really special part:
🍄 The original skeleton framework created by the youth is still completely intact.
That means the silhouette, character, and spirit of the original Schroomzillah have carried through the repair.
So while she may have gotten a major upgrade beneath the surface, she’s still the same mushroom the kids created in 2023.
A very special thank-you to the young artists who created Schroomzillah:
Akyma Rynn, Alexa Caruso, Alkimia Worswick, Brady Ramirez, Braxton Quigley, Danny Ramirez, Evan Stogner, Ileeia Squires, Jocelyn Vose, Joe Caruso, Jonah Richardson, KaeKae Weimar, Megan Caruso, Mylee Rain, Paxtin Caruso, Shady Villaobos, Spring D’Angelo, Susan Rice, Vanessa Ramirez, and Xaden Caruso.
Their creativity and original vision continue to live on in this sculpture.
And, a huge shoutout to Bob, Sarah, Raleigh, Makayla, and everyone who helped give this one-of-a-kind piece of youth-created public art a new lease on life — and to the young artists whose vision made Schroomzillah possible in the first place!
Built by youth. Reimagined for the elements. Still Schroomzillah.
Townof Nucla
