Internationally acclaimed sculptor Veryl Goodnight will open her Mancos studio doors on Saturday. Visitors can get a sneak peak of her latest project, "The Bachelor Band."
A statute of three horses with manes dancing in the air, "The Bachelor Band" has been in the works throughout the spring. A participant in the Mancos Studio Tours, Goodnight said visitors to her studio would have the opportunity to see the mold, first waxes and even her models.
"I hope to be demonstrating sculpture in the morning and painting in the afternoon," said Goodnight.
Held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, Mancos Studio Tours provides the general public with a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the thriving arts community in the Mancos Valley.
"There is quite a bit of diversity in art forms throughout the Mancos Valley, and you can see everything from pottery being created to metal being forged," said Goodnight.
Displaying her sculptures and paintings as part of Mancos Studio Tours, Goodnight has been credited with bridging the gap between 19th and 20th century Western heritage and life. Friend and art collector Kathy L'Amour described her as one of the most influential contemporary female artists of all time.
"She'll be remembered, respected and hold a major place as an American female artist," said the widow of American novelist Louie L'Amour.
The superb attention to details in Goodnight's work helps to convey the wonderful stories included in her art, L'Amour added.
"We're lucky to have her here in the Mancos Valley."
The Mancos Studio Tour also includes a sneak peak of the renovation of the Mancos Common Press in the former Mancos Times building on Grand Avenue.
Saturday's art event is preceded with an artists opening and reception at the Goodnight Trail Gallery on Friday, June 19. The event is held from 5-7 p.m.
"The gallery is hosting an opening, introducing the extraordinary Kilgore American Indian Collection," said Goodnight.
The art collection consists of rare, antique American Indian art and Native American history. The must-see collection includes Navajo rugs and weavings; Native baskets, jewelry, painting and pottery; vintage kachina dolls and Native American beadwork.
The Goodnight Trail Gallery is in downtown Mancos on the corner of Main Street and Grand Avenue. Goodnight's barn studio is at 44255 Road L. Directions: From U.S. 160, go north on Echo Basin Road one mile. Turn right on Road L, and then take an almost immediate left past the black mailbox on the upright log.
For more on the Mancos Studio Tour, call (970) 882-3130
tbaker@cortezjournal.com