Lisa Lord is the artist who created “The Joy of Water”, the vibrant art installation at Bogert Pool, a historic, city-run outdoor pool tucked into the heart of Bogert Park, just a few blocks south of downtown Bozeman. Surrounded by mature trees, grassy lawns, and the lively hum of a central community space, the pool feels like a serene oasis in the middle of the city. Lisa is known for bringing people together through large-scale community projects and has participated as an Artist in Residence in the Bozeman area for 18 years. The “Joy of Water” was commissioned by the Sweet Pea and SLAM Festivals, a co-founded legacy art installation. It is Lisa’s fifth installation focused on bringing awareness and energy to our water. The completed art at Bogert Pool celebrates water in all its joyful aspects.

When I was invited to create this mosaic, I knew right away that I didn’t want to do it alone. Neighbors, locals, and friends were all invited to participate. Many hands and happy faces placed small hand-cut pieces of tile and glass on the mural, creating a wondrous flow of love for the water. Deep blues and greens ripple across the surface, echoing the pool’s shimmering water.

I used mirrors to create light movement, modulating perspective to incorporate all that one perceives, including your own reflection as you become part of the art. “The Joy of Water” is imprinted in laughter, sunshine, and the sounds of splashing and play. It also gives relevance to the rivers and lakes of Montana and all of the delightful ways in which we experience and enjoy water.

At the end of the project, I grouted the negative spaces, locking it in for splashing summers, ice-skating winters, and years of community gatherings. For me, this mosaic is a reminder: when we slow down, work together, and care for our shared spaces, something meaningful sticks. Art belongs where life is happening, and here, at Bogert Pool, it lives in the laughter, the water, and the heart of this Bozeman community.

Be part of this ongoing celebration of water, immerse yourself in the colors, and share in the joy. My work can also be found on a few library boxes around town, including one just two blocks from the pool on the corner of Rouse and Olive Streets. And remember to be kind to the water, every precious drop!