MANCOS VALLY SCHOOL OF WESTERN ARTS: We are getting great enthusiastic response on our newest venture. We've had lots of casual conversation about our "faculty" but here's where the rubber meets the road! If you can see yourself as an instructor for this new local enterprise, please contact either Marilyn Kroeker, Steve Williams or Brad Goodell. Teachers will be paid, and it will require a full one or two week commitment. I know we have amazing talent right here in the Mancos Valley, and people will be flocking here to spend their vacation time learning something about a traditional Western skill or craft!

SNOW SHOW: Opening on Thursday, March 14 with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m., this year's show will be a first - more mediums will be entered, more prizes, more fun at the reception. This is the kickoff for the Annual Mancos Melt! As I gaze out of my window, everything in every direction is covered with white sparkly stuff, aka snow! Be inspired, take a few photos, create something! Turn your work in at the Raven House Gallery, with entry form and still-reasonable $3 fee for each piece!

HISTORIC SCHOOLHOUSES: This show opened Friday night with a great turnout. The photographer, John Ninnemann, newly retired from his post as Dean of Arts & Sciences at Fort Lewis, spent ten years collecting images of rural historic Colorado one-room schoolhouses. The current show at the Town Gallery only has a small representation of his collection. The show will run through March 10 at the Visitors Center on E. Bauer near Boyle Park.

LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES: Jan Wright, a local painter of the Southwest environment, is now working on the Artist-in-Residence program at Mesa Verde National Park. There are still openings for these spots. Mesa Verde is proud to announce the 2013 AIR program, giving artists, photographers and writers the opportunity to pursue their particular art form echoing the landscape of the park. The park provides historic, rustic housing for the artist. The available slots are as follows: May 5 - May 18, May 19 - June 1, Sept. 1 - Sept. 14 and Sept. 15 - Sept. 28. All participants will be required to attend a short orientation before being allowed to enter the backcountry areas. Also participants will be required to be a National Park Service "Volunteer-In-Park" ((VIP) during their residency. No stipend is provided. Participants in the AIR program will find the cabin fully furnished including linens and kitchenware. In return, participating artists are asked to donate to the park an original piece of work from, and representative of, their residency at Mesa Verde. Deadline for entries is March 1 - so hurry up if you want to part of this unique opportunity. Notifications of finalists will be made by April 15, 2013. For further information about this exciting program, please contact Frank cope at the park, 970-529-4607.

ENTRIES & INFO: The Town Gallery is working on the 2013 show schedule, and is actively seeking applications for exhibits. Contact Dian and let me me know what's happening in the arts community. I'd love to publish info about your event, show, concert, play, whatever! Call me: 970-533-7536. dhlaw4367@gmail.com.