Gone digital: The Arts Council now has a website: www.mancosarts.org. I will be updating it frequently, plus, the ArtBeat column will be published on the site. The site features all the news of the Arts Council, plus news of the art scene all over our area.
The Market on Market: Labor Day weekend will have plenty to do. In Cortez, the Cultural Center is sponsoring the Artists' Market on Market Street on Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Center's Plaza. This will be two days of art and fun.
Olio as usual: The new show at Olio features husband and wife artists, Susan Reed, painter, and Brad Reed, who is a potter. The reception for Reed & Reed will be on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. The show will run through Oct. 19. Beautiful complementary works. Plus you can have some of Jason's fabulous food!
Horse Show extends run: At The Mancos Town Gallery, The Horse Show has a new closing date, Sept. 30, running through the Balloon Festival weekend. The participating artists are: Patricia Burk, Patsy Davis, Ginny Getts, Amy Grogan, Marjorie Kay, Kelly Chilcott, Marilyn Kroeker, Susan Matteson, Janice Reich, Bill Srigley, Stacy Dee Sronce, David Lee Sronce, Mary Wilson, Jan Wright and me! The range of mediums is everything from bronze sculpture to beaded saddle blanket to photography and beyond. So, if you haven't had a chance to get over to the Visitor's Center, go take a look.
Masks and mystery: The next show at the Town Gallery will be "Masks and Mystery."
All local artists can apply to be in this show, and the title is open to interpretation of the title.
Fall is the perfect time for a show of this nature, when the days get short and darkness begins its approach.
All kinds of spirits seem to emerge from the change of season. Many cultures all over the world use masks and other symbols to manifest the powers beyond human.
Contact Dian (see end of column) to see if your work will fit the bill. In particular, we are looking for artists who have not participated in a Town Gallery show yet. All mediums and all ages are welcome in this exhibit. The show will open Oct. 8. Stay tuned for news about this one.
Artfest: The Arts Council is hosting the third annual ArtFest in conjunction with the Mancos Valley/Mesa Verde Country Balloon Festival. This will be a "street fair" with vendors from all over the Four Corners. It's happening Saturday, Sept. 28, kicking off at 8:30 a.m. (after you watch your favorite balloonist take off), and will run until 4 p.m.
In the past, we have had furniture makers, jewelers, woodcarvers, creative clothing and more. Stop by, take a stroll and enjoy a great day in downtown Mancos.
The ArtFest will be on Grand Avenue, which will be closed from Mesa to Main. The ArtFest is a fundraiser for the Arts Council, and we appreciate your support!
Put your hands together and rejoice: Live music is happening at The Columbine on Friday night, Aug. 30, featuring Reverend Catfish. The joint will start jumpin' around 8:30 pm. That's a Grand Summer Night - so take a stroll, eat at one of our fine restaurants and finish the evening with some great music and a cold one.
The Reverend and his band play some "dirty blues with a rock band sensibility." Sounds like fun and funky to me. They will also be playing on Saturday night at the Sugar Pine Motorcycle Rally up the road on 184.
Telluride Blues and Brews: The 20th iteration of this annual event takes place Sept. 13-15, featuring live music and microbrews. Headliners are The Black Crowes, Jim James, Melissa Etheridge and many more. Get tickets online at Telluride.com.
Also, it is the best drive of the summer, up 184. Don't let the roadwork discourage you ... different world up there.
Let me know what's happening in the arts community. I'd love to publish information about your event. Call me: 533-7536. dhlaw4367@gmail.com.