Art Matters: Spring 2023

ART MATTERS

Family Health West was built from the ground up by our community – settled with health and prosperity in mind. Today, we look forward to the future, approaching new horizons in healthcare while taking forward that same spirit of dreaming to create a beautiful tomorrow we all believe is possible.

FHW.org/Rose

Dear members and fr iends, 2023 is The Art Center’s 70th birthday! This is a great time to reflect on what this amazing institution has meant to the community for the last seven decades.

The Art Center can trace its roots to the 1920s with the Beaux Arts Club. After a lull during the depression and World War II, the group renewed its activities under the name Fine Arts Association. They worked closely with Brush and Palette Club members – the same Brush and Palette Club that still exists today and continues to support The Art Center.

In February 1953, the group incorporated as the Mesa County Art Center. That year, the annual Artists Ball for the benefit of The Art Center began. This annual costume ball was one of the social events of the year and was last mentioned in 1958.

The fi rst mention of a craft exhibit is June 1956, which means that the Annual Holiday Art and Craft Fair held each November can trace its roots back 67 years.

The fi rst mention of children’s art classes appeared in 1957. Saturday art classes were held at Tope Elementary, with as many 400 students attending. That foundation of offering art education to young people continues almost 70 years later.

The Mesa County Art Center bought and remodeled a house at our current location, opening in November 1960. The main floor was used for exhibits and recitals. Painting classes were upstairs, and ceramics classes in the basement. The organization boasted 121 members.

In April 1970 a new building was completed north of the two-story house. It included a kitchen, classrooms, and an octagonal room designed for exhibits, theater, music, and dance performances (what we now call Studio Colorado).

In 1982, a $100,000 donation from the Grand Junction Lions Club helped to further expand The Art Center from 7,800 to 14,000 square feet. New features included a lobby, gift shop, two courtyards, the North Gallery, storage areas, and a ceramics studio. Storage and dressing rooms were added to the theater area. In 1989, Dr. Arch Gould donated Navajo rugs valued at $100,000 to the permanent collection and $100,000 to expand the facility. Another collector promised six additional rugs worth an estimated $75,000. The Gould Gallery was dedicated in January 1991. In Spring 2022, thanks to a $350,000 anonymous donation, the Jac Kephart Gallery was completed. This new 1,700 sq. ft. gallery (TAC’s 5th) boasts a beautiful, modern design. Several renovations and repairs were also completed in order to keep The Art Center building in good condition. Please visit our Wikipedia page to learn more: wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_ Colorado_Center_for_the_Arts.

If you have any Art Center stories or trivia, please let us know. We’re planning a big 70th birthday celebration later in the year, and we’d love to be able to share some of your stories.

After all, this is YOUR Art Center!

Lee Borden, Executive Director

Our Mission: The Art Center of Western Colorado is a regional arts organization dedicated to enriching lives by promoting the enjoyment and understanding of the arts.

Board of Trustees

Dr. Michael Neste –President

David Price – Vice President

Anita Pisciotte – Secretary

Terri Chinn – Treasurer

Gisela Ferguson

Elizabeth Fogarty

Jennifer Foster

Jerry Gryglak

Ajay Gustafson

Lynne O'Connell

Sheri Ray

Mykan White

Cathy Zippert – Art Center Guild President

Art Center Staff

Lee Borden

Executive Director

Matt Jones

Curator, Programs & Exhibitions

Rachel Egelston

Director of Youth Education & Art for All

Terry Shepherd

Artist-in-Residence, Ceramics Director

Damien Sweet

Membership & Gift Gallery Coordinator

Haley Van Camp

Design and Communications Manager

Charley Gordon

Facilities Manager & Exhibition Preparator

Anna Walters

Accounting

Sarah Dishong Gift Gallery

Art Center Hours

9am to 4pm Tuesday through Saturday

Admission $3 (free to members and children under 12)

There is no charge to visit the Gift Gallery

Contact Us: 970-243-7337 | gjartcenter.org

Tuesdays are free to everyone thanks to a generous sponsorship by Home Loan & Nationwide Insurance

Operational funding provided in part by

Help us build a FOUNDATION

Are you wondering how to leave a permanent legacy to ensure that The Art Center of Western Colorado continues to be an important hub for regional artists and art students? Would you like to ensure that our extraordinary collection of regional, Western, and Native American art continues to be shared with gallery visitors?

Our Art Center Foundation Endowment Fund is asking for donations of principal in the form of grants and bequests to invest to provide a continuous source of funding for all the programs The Art Center offers. There are many ways to accomplish this – through wills, beneficiary agreements, and outright grants.

Do you want more information? Contact Gayle Gerson (Endowment Foundation Board President) at gaylestarr48@gmail.com.

Al Nestler, Puenta, Calle Balanzarin, Guanajuato, detail

Thank you to all our supporters!

Gallery sponsors:

Atrium Gallery - Kate Denning

Kephart Gallery - Chuck and Kendra McDaniel

Gould Gallery - Chuck and Robbie Breaux

2023 Exhibit sponsors:

Dr. Michael Neste and Family Health West

Chuck and Kendra McDaniel

Dean and Mary Harris

Jennifer Foster and Patricia Dowell

Chuck and Patti Shear

Bill and Julie Milius

Patricia Feinberg

Circle of 100 & above:

Kenny & Faith Alevy

Judy and Don Allerheiligen

Kay and Lee Ambrose

Larry Andres

Mary Ellen Andrews

John and Diane Anglim

Marty and Dick Arnold

Judith & Steve Axthelm

Laura May Bacon

Dalton and Diana Barnett

Laurie Barnhill-Pfost

Betty and Joel Bechtel

Michael D. and Deborah L. Berry

Laura Bishop

Art and Marcia Blom

Miffie Blozvich

Hannah Bou-Matar

Timothy Brady

Jim & Judy Brock

Lynn Brownson

Mary Beth and Bernie Buescher

Shanna Burke

George and Judy Callison

Laura Carney

Erle and Jacquie Reid

Pam & Malcolm Chllders

Terri Chinn

Ron & Dixie Cloyd

Gaynell and Doug Colaric

John and June Colosimo

Janice Copeland

Kate Denning

Jennifer Foster

Cynthia Duff & Greg Tapp

Clare Dupont

Lynnda Ebright

Nancy Fallis

Rand E Fay

Patricia Feinberg

Cindy Fenster

William Findlay

Mark and Debb Francis

Jeremy R Franklin

Gayle and George Gerson

Carolyn Gillett

Mary Grande

Jack Griggs

Mary and Dean Harris

Gary Hauschulz and Susan Metzger

Tim Heckel

Ellen Heffernan

Sherron Helms

Karoline and Samuel Henning

Ron Henry

Terri and Steve Hickman

Shelly Hyde and Nick Doutis

Doris and Bob Janowski

Carolyn Jayne

Rob and Lou Ann Jenkins

Leslie Randolph

Ken Johnson

Phil and Melissa Jones

Sandra L. June

Gregg and Kristine Kampf

Virginia Keller

Deborah Kennard

Pat Kephart

Loralee Kerr

Karen Lee and Dennis L. Kiefer

Ed and Suzanne Krebs

Rick and Kim Krueger

Carol and Don Leche

Ruth and Terry Leever

Barbara Leopoldt

Pam Lindsay

Luis & Maggie Lopez

Suzanne Love

Mark and Karen Madsen

Glenn and Debra Mallory

Bob and Kathy Martin

Maria Connie Martinez

Linda McBride

Martha and Roger McCoy

Terry McDaneld

Kendra and Chuck McDaniel

Jean McIntyre

Michael and Blakely Mechau

Bill & Julie Milius

Ellen Moore and Ellsworth LeBeau

Carole Moritz

Vera and Mel Mulder

Cindy Murray

Gloria Nedved

Clifford and Judy Neste

Bob Noble & Carolyn White

Amy Nuernberg & Owen O'Fallen

Lynne O'Connell & Tim Donovan

Carol Oglesby

Brian and Joyce Olson

Beverly O'Neil

Terri Owen

Elizabeth Owens

Frank and Katherine Payne

Katherine A Payne

Roberta Peterson

Sharyl & Bob Peterson

Anita Pisciotte

Joanie and Charlie Post

Brooks and Benson Powell

Tricia Powell

Peggy Pretti

Elise and Dan Prinster

Tony and Sally Prinster

Paul Rhymer and Carolyn Thome

Charles Kerr

Deborah and Joel Robinson

Cheryl Roy

Allison and Tim Sarmo

Dick and Sharon Scariano

Jon Schler

Herbert Schweikke

Patricia Severson

Chuck and Patti Shear

Terry and Suzi Shepherd

Stephen and Pirie Smith

R. and S. Sollenbarger

D. Randall Spydell and Debra A. Clark

Helen Stenmark

Linda Stout

LC Sugar

Pat Tucker

Barry & Gail Tuohig

Bonnie and Paul Van Camp

Sally Ann Verkamp

Rudy Vokoun

Susan and Alan Wallace

Mary Nyassa Watson

Georgie Weir

Cheryl Wenzinger

Cheryl and Dan Wenzinger

Del and Joe Wharton

George E. Wheeler

Lawrence Wild

Arlena Wood

Les and LeAnn Zetmeir

Art Center Guild

MONUME N TS Canyons &

An Exhibition Featuring Artists’ Works from the Monuments and Canyons Plein Air Event

Sponsored by Patricia Feinberg

April 7-28

The Colorado National Monument Association and The Art Center of Western Colorado present the Monuments and Canyons Exhibition of Art. The display follows the Monuments and Canyons Plein Air event held in October 2022, where selected participants from all over the nation came to take in the region’s stunning landscape and capture

its beauty through color and form. After the event, participating artists returned to their studios to further develop the works painted or inspired during their experience at the Monuments and Canyons event. This exhibition is a rare glimpse into the wonder of plein air painting and its culture.

“This exhibition showcases the drama and beauty of the incredible public lands surrounding the southwestern natural boundary of the Grand Valley consisting of Colorado National Monument and the adjacent BLM lands.”

-

John Lintott

Cliff Austin, Colorado National Monument

A Selection of Works by Jac Kephart from The Art Center's Permanent Collection

February 3 – March 31

Jac Kephart’s body of work is more than a series of paintings; his paintings are memories of deep friendships and mentorships. They are living examples of the relationships he cultivated in western Colorado. Everyone in this community has been affected by the person Jac Kephart was. We will continue to learn from his example by the life he lived, through the work he left behind. His strong use of color brightens our day. The texture of the paint

reminds us to observe the small details in the world around us. His enthusiasm for art transcended style and medium. His masterful touch generated exquisite landscapes, the calm before the storm, sailboats docked, and found-art assemblages. For Jac, when it came to art, no stone would be left unturned, everything was possible to explore. It is an honor and privilege to continue learning from the works he left behind.

Photograph by Catherine Mayer, Jac's great-niece

CMU STUDENT EXHIBITION

A Selection of Works by CMU Students

Juried by Terry Shepherd

Sponsored by Patricia Feinberg

March 3 – April 7

The CMU student show has long been a staple at The Art Center. The exhibition will include a diverse group of mediums including printmaking, ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design, photography, animation, and digital media. This year’s exhibition will be juried by our very own Terry Shepherd. His years of experience and knowledge within the arts means a unique display and an eclectic blend of art will be shown.

2022 marked Terry Shepherd’s 50th year in the ceramic tradition. His innovations within the art form and expansion within the

domain of low- and high-fi red ceramics is an invaluable asset to the art community at large. Shepherd brings a strong sense of form and gesture as he explores the mysteries of both ancient and contemporary methods of fi ring and interpretation within his studio practice. Shepherd has won numerous awards and exhibited nationally throughout Colorado, California, Arizona, Florida, and more.

This year’s exhibition includes an award given to a student that is selected by the juror. This gift has been kindly donated in honor of Jac Kephart.

Rockies West National

A Selection of Watercolor Paintings

Juried by Betty Carr

Sponsored by Jennifer Foster and Patricia Dowell

March 3 – April 7

This March marks thirty-three years of the “Rockies West National” exhibition and includes some of the best artists working in watercolor across the country. In addition to its competitive awards, the Rockies West first-class threeday workshop is an event you do not want to miss. The exhibition features 70 paintings by 47 artists. The exhibition provides the viewing public an opportunity to see the range of creativity being expressed across our country.

The dry climate of western Colorado makes watercolor particularly difficult for artists working in the region. Even so, our beautiful terrain attracts artists working in the medium who meet the constraints of the climate and produce stunning works that can be created only within the area.

The Juror for this exhibition is Betty Carr. Carr’s painting style, which includes impressionism, enthusiastic brushwork, and the use of light and dark, shows the enthusiasm and spontaneity of getting the scene in her hands. Following years of instructing art in Colorado and California and developing her distinctive

painting style, Carr and her husband, also an artist, decided to follow the sun to the Southwest where color and light are ever-present.

Betty Carr is emerging as one of the foremost painters of the Southwest. Her use of color, light, and shade accentuate her subject matter while showing her love of nature and its many forms. Since earning her MA from San Jose State University, California, Carr has taught painting, drawing, and sculpture at primary, secondary, and college levels and has developed a following through both private and workshop instruction. Her work is collected both privately and corporately, and has been accepted in numerous juried exhibitions. Carr has recently been selected as a master painter in the American Impressionist Society (AISM) and is a signature member of APAP (Arizona Plein Air Painters Association). Carr will be conducting a three-day workshop in conjunction with the exhibition. The workshop is open to all artists; the cost is $235 for WCWS members and $275 for non-members.

For more details about the upcoming workshop with Betty Carr, visit the Western Colorado Watercolor Society’s website (wcwsociety.net).

“What catches my eye is the effect light has on form in unique situations whether fleeting, spilling over, striking, etc. I challenge myself in capturing its dramatic and/or subtle effects. I strive for confident enthusiastic brushwork, the maximizing of color’s value and intensity range and a fresh painterly approach, the result appearing effortless.”

- Betty Carr

Betty Carr, Sedona's Cool Waters

Altrusa

An Exhibition of District 51 Student Artwork

April 10-28

This is your opportunity to connect with the next generation of artists in a must-see exhibition. Altrusa Art Fair brings together students from School District 51, ranging from Middle School to High School. The exhibition features a wide variety of mediums, and Altrusa provides external jurors to evaluate and

grant awards to students whose artwork illustrates outstanding achievements within the field. Spreading across the majority of The Art Center’s exhibition spaces, this exhibit is one of the largest exhibits presented in the space annually. Come and show your support for young artists cultivating their skills!

Gallery view of Altrusa 2022

Weavings

A Selection of Native American Rugs from The Art Center's Permanent Collection

March 3 – April 7

Brought to you by The Art Center’s Permanent Collection is a selection of Native American Weavings many of which were generously donated by Arch Gould. Included in the exhibit are Two Grey Hills rugs. The Two Grey Hills rugs utilize two distinct fibers, white and black. Weavers of Two Grey Hills rugs used neutral tones instead of vibrant colors produced using plant-based dyes. The technique used to combine yarns, known as “carding,”

develops the grey tone. The weaving process is very involved, and it may take up to a year to create just one rug. Commissioned work was a sustaining part of Native American communities and helped to preserve the artform for later generations. It is because of collectors like Arch Gould that these works are preserved and seen today. Many of the patterns in this body of work deal with complex cosmologies associated with each tribe’s origin stories.

Uncanny Valley TAC Emerging Artist

Uncanny Valley Art Gallery | 514 Main St, Grand Junction Sponsored by The Art Center

January 19 – April 29

Seirrha Key was raised in Fruita, Colorado, to an amazing mom who fostered her free spirit and allowed her creativity to grow. As a child, Key developed a habit of collecting odd objects she could never seem to outgrow. Through her younger years Key knew she was going to do something relating to the arts and took every art and music class she could get into. Once accepted to Colorado Mesa University, Key focused on the visual arts, and it wasn’t long before she felt the pull of printmaking. While learning and exploring the technique she discovered a love for details found in bones and plants when exposed in photosensitive forms of lithography and screen-printing. While at CMU, Key participated in several clubs as well as fineart-related events on campus. Presently, Key works and lives in Grand Junction and continues to explore her artistic style.

“I think of my works as found object art. I am dealing with time as it relates to cycles in stories. Notions that repeat themselves across time are incredibly intriguing and insightful. Studying these ideas and watching them evolve allows me to study my own story and gain an understanding of the situations I live in. Each piece starts as an experiment. Some start with a cut, tear, or fold, while others start as a print, painting, or color wash, then they evolve intuitively with each step to be viewed as a reaction until the piece is finally framed. At each stage of development, I include a variety of details like pretty stones and hand stitched designs and formal elements to finish each narrative.”

Images from left to right: Seirrha Key, Plotting

Javier de los Santos

GUITARIST IN CONCERT

Performing Spanish Guitar Music

Saturday, March 18, 7pm at The Art Center

Classical guitarist Javier de los Santos began his formal music studies in guitar performance in 1998 under Francisco Javier Muro Guevara at the Unidad Académica de Música de la Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas (UAMUAZ) in the State of Zacatecas, México. In 2006, under the guidance of Mr. Eric vanDiver Nohe, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Guitar Performance at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado. De los Santos holds a Master of Music in Guitar Performance from the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music and studied with renowned Maestro Ricardo Iznaola.

De los Santos has performed extensively in México, U.S., Spain and Brazil. From Fall 2015 until 2018, de los Santos was a guitar instructor for the Lead Guitar-Aspen Music Festival and School Guitar Programs in the Roaring Fork Valley. He is also the president and artistic director of the Western Colorado Classical Guitar Society based in Grand Junction, Colorado. De los Santos lives in Grand Junction and enjoys teaching guitar privately, and he teaches Music Theory, Mariachi, and Guitar at Colorado Mesa University.

He is also a guitar instructor at Independence Academy Charter School, music director at St. Joseph Catholic Church and founder and artistic director of Mariachi San Jose based in Grand Junction, Colorado. De los Santos was the first-place winner of the 2009 Denver Classical Guitar Society Solo Debut Competition and semifinalist at the 2010 Texas Annual Guitar Competition and Festival.

Visit The Art Center's website, gjartcenter.org, for more information and to purchase tickets.

Announcing the 2023 Art Center Art Excursions

Tour Schedule

Please visit gjartcenter.org/events for more information including dates, prices, and reservation information.

We’re currently finalizing details on these and other trips for 2023

April:

Unaweep Canyon and Gateway Gateway Canyons Car Museum and Quilt Show. Day trip with Zebulon Miracle.

May:

Native Art of Highway 66

Three days and two nights with visits to the Taos Museum / Pueblo; Las Vegas, New Mexico; Santa Fe SAR: Grounded in Clay exhibit, Gallup Rug Auction, and a visit to either the Toadlena or Hubbell Trading Post. Host Dr. Peter Booth.

Denver Art Scene, May 20-21

A visit to Meow Wolf Denver, an evening at the theatre, either mystery theatre “Murder on a Harley,” or CATS the Musical. Overnight stay at The Art Hotel, and a visit to the Denver Art Museum exhibition “Near East and Far West.” With Zebulon Miracle and Art Center Curator, Matt Jones.

June:

Rock Art of San Rafael and NineMile Canyon

Two day, one night trip to view the rock art of San Rafael and Nine-Mile Canyon in Utah, with Historian Zebulon Miracle.

August: Marble and Redstone

A day trip to see the sights and history of Marble and Redstone with Dr. Peter Booth.

September: The Uncompahgre Valley

A tour of the historic Egyptian Theater in Delta, a visit to the Ute Museum in Montrose and a visit to view the Rock Art Shavano Valley.

Calamity Camp & New Verde Mine

A day trip to a remote mesa on the Uncompahgre Plateau to visit two last standing examples of vanadium, radium, and uranium mining camps in Colorado. This trip will be led by historian Zebulon Miracle.

October/November: Bar Tour in Ouray

Day trip with historian Dr. Peter Booth to visit the historic bars in Ouray, Colorado

December 2-3: 62nd Annual Georgetown Christmas Market

Overnight trip to Georgetown with Dr. Peter Booth.

PRESENTS

Paint the Town Fabulous Fifties the

An Art Center Benefit

sATURDAY, mAY 6

Fine Art Auctions to support the art center themed cocktails, entertainment & More

Doors open at 5pm

Tickets $30 for one, $50 for two

TICKETS GO ON SALE MARCH 6!

vISIT gjARTCENTER.ORG

School’s Out Art Days

Ages 5-12

8:30am-4:30pm

Tuition per day per child: $35 member / $40 non-member

All materials provided

Experience an entire day of in-depth art exploration! Projects range from drawing, painting, and sculpture to process art, and more through hands-on learning. Each day includes open-ended creative exploration with art instruction. Children enjoy learning, exploring, observing, and creating in an inclusive and inspiring environment. Students are asked to bring a lunch, snack, and water bottle.

Feb 20: Celebrate Presidents' Day with crafts, puppets, inspiration from Dr. Seuss by creating a new plant species

April 14: Upcycled tissue vases, colored pencils, graffiti faux spray paint urban art, creative assemblage animals

May 12: Caricature collages, Georgia O’Keefe-inspired butterfly, making your own jewelry, Doodle birds

After School Program: ARTventure with Rachel Egelston

Ages 5-12

Fridays 4:30-6:00pm

Tuition per session: $55 member / $70 non-member

All materials provided

Bring your passport for ARTventure – with art as a vehicle and imagination for fuel, you can go anywhere! Students will experiment with a variety of materials as they explore art from different lands and different times. As they journey from place to place, students will experience a wide range of both two- and three- dimensional art processes.

Session 1 - March 17, 24, 31, April 7: Clay, plan and create a painting on canvas, drawing techniques

Session 2 - April 14, 21, 28, May 5: Altered Alebrijes , nature-inspired ceramic beads, watercolor

Home School: Art Explorers

Ages 5-13

Rachel Egelston

Thursdays 1:00-2:30pm, March 23 – May 18, skipping March 30 $105 member / $150 non-member

All materials provided; need-based scholarships available

This class is a perfect way to tap into your child’s creativity. Art allows students to express their ideas and concepts visually and leads to a balance in their development. Children will engage in both traditional and nontraditional art projects in a variety of mediums and fields while exploring their diverse roots and experiences through art. Areas covered include clay hand-building, canvas painting, pastels with watercolor, drawing, collage, performance art, and wire and plaster sculpture. Projects will differ from other sessions to avoid repeats for returning students.

The arts are endlessly beneficial to children. Through the arts, children learn to think creatively, build confidence, are challenged to solve problems, hone their ability to focus, and much more!

Spring Break Art Days

Ages 5-13

8:30am-4:30pm

Tuition per day per child: $35 member / $40 non-member

All materials provided; don't forget to bring a snack, a lunch, and a water bottle!

March 16: Fancy paper airplanes, wire sculpture, watercolor techniques, tie-dye

March 17: Silhouette painting, reverse drawing, decorative kites, wind chimes

March 20: Explore and appreciate the Art of Different Cultures: Origami, Gyotaku (fish printing), and Sumi-e, learn techniques of drawing and painting

March 21: The physical art behind your favorite book or video game, mosaics, art of sculpture, spring collages

March 22: Traditional animation, minimalist large sculptures, ceramic surface design, Mandala art

March 23: Chia pet sculptures, artist trading cards, STEAM projects, world of Picasso

March 24: Lego Friday: Discover the capabilities of Legos, Earth Hour projects

All youth classes address the Colorado Model Content Standard for visual arts. Content standards used in class will be provided upon request. Students and parents are assured of a unique classroom and project experience whether it be in fall, holiday, winter, spring, or summer sessions.

Not a member? Join today and save $5 per day per child! A 1-year Family membership is just $55.

Spring Registration Opens

Tuesday, February 14, at 9am

Last day to register: Thursday, March 9

Oil Painting

Dan Logé

Mondays 9am-12pm, March 13 – May 15, skipping March 27

Mondays 1-4pm, March 13– May 15, skipping March 27

$162 member / $207 non-member

This class is open to everyone interested in learning how to create a beautiful oil painting from beginning to completion. This will be a fun, casual class full of information, and Dan will be there to answer any questions that you might have about making art. Dan teaches a method that is simple and easy to understand which will bring you positive results. All skill levels are welcome!

Dan Logé

Open Studio for Mixed Media

Gayle Gerson

Beginner/Intermediate

Wednesdays 9am-12pm, March 15 – May 17, skipping March 29

$162 member / $207 non-member

Join Gayle Gerson in the Red Door Studio for three hours of moodling and puttering in mixed media projects. This class is designed for the experienced student and artist who would like to spend some time in an environment of camaraderie and inspiration. Please bring your own projects and supplies for mixed media and collage. Ideas and creativity will be shared with generosity and abandon by all. Gayle will provide coaching, some demos, and lively conversation on the latest trends in the world of mixed media art. Participants should be prepared to work, laugh, and provide feedback to their fellow artists.

Fundamentals in Wheelthrowing

Beginner/Intermediate

$242 member / $287 non-member

Ashtonn Means

Mondays 6:30-9:30pm, March 13 – May 15, skipping March 27

Supplies required: basic pottery toolkit, towel

This course is designed for both beginning and intermediate students. The projects and demonstrations will be geared toward the skill level and interest of each student. Throughout this course students will learn techniques for wheelthrowing and glaze application, while forming a strong understanding of materials and firing practices associated with the medium. We will discuss in detail, during demonstrations and projects, the design principles for functional pottery, the fundamentals of form and form alteration, as well as aesthetic surface design techniques. Beginners will be encouraged to focus on bowls, cups, and mugs as a method for gaining comfortability with the materials. Intermediate students can continue to explore these basic forms or stretch their abilities with more complex forms and techniques. Open studio time is available and strongly encouraged to practice skills learned during class time.

Instructor email: potterybyashtonn@gmail.com

Robbie Breaux

Tuesdays 1-4pm, March 14– May 16, skipping March 28

Thursdays 6:30-9:30pm, March 16 – May 18, skipping March 30

Supplies required: basic pottery toolkit, towel

This course is for both beginner and intermediate students. Beginners focus on simple forms (mugs with handles, and bowls), glazes, and glazing techniques. Intermediate students receive instruction on techniques they want to hone, such as lidded vessels, plates, or stacked forms. Throughout the session, students are introduced to different surface designs to enhance one’s work. Instruction will be tailored towards the students' interests. Open studio time is available and strongly encouraged to practice skills learned during class time.

Instructor email: chuckrobbiebreaux@gmail.com

Gary Andrews

Tuesdays 6:30-9:30pm, March 14 – May 16, skipping March 28

Supplies required: basic pottery toolkit, towel

Escape into the world of clay. Students learn the basics of hand-building, then dive into the skills needed to throw fundamental forms which have been used through the ages. At times Gary will provide pre-thrown pots for students to

practice glazing. Come relax and tap into your right brain. Open studio time is available and strongly encouraged to practice skills learned during class time.

Instructor email: garyartc@gmail.com

Fundamentals in Wheelthrowing

Beginner/Intermediate

$242 member / $287 non-member

Terry Shepherd

Thursdays 1-4pm, March 16 – May 18, skipping March 30

Supplies required: basic pottery toolkit, towel, notebook

This course is for entry level beginners and intermediate students with some previous experience in throwing and hand-building. Students will focus on the fundamentals of technique in throwing forms and explore hand-building skills and surface design including decorative slip techniques and a wide variety of surface design approaches. Instruction in glaze application and material properties of glaze elements and firing process will be studied. Basic vessel forms for mugs, bowls, pitchers, oil bottles, and other forms will be studied in detail. Instruction is tuned to the individual to help students develop confidence in exploring the boundless and curious potential of clay and ceramic process in their pursuit of creative expression! Students will make work for a Raku firing scheduled for the 9th week of class. Students will engage in constructive critique and challenge themselves in order to improve their skill level. Open studio time is available and strongly encouraged to practice skills learned during class time.

Instructor email: tshepherd@gjartcenter.org

Intermediate Wheelthrowing

Terry Shepherd

Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, March 15– May 17, skipping March 29

$242 member / $287 non-member

Supplies required: basic pottery toolkit, towel, notebook

Take this course if you are confident when it comes to wedging and centering, can throw a 6-8" cylinder using 2-3lbs. of clay, and have experience with basic hand tools and slab rollers. Techniques such as altered throwing are introduced. Come with an open mind, ready to engage in constructive critique and explore and develop a more in-depth approach to ceramics. Open studio time is available and strongly encouraged to practice skills learned during class time.

Instructor email: tshepherd@gjartcenter.org

Advanced Wheelthrowing

Terry Shepherd

Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm, March 15– May 17, skipping March 29

$242 member / $287 non-member

Supplies required: basic pottery toolkit, towel, notebook

Take this course if you meet the requirements for intermediate ceramics, have confidence when it comes to throwing a 10-14" cylinder using 5-10lbs. of clay, and have a desire and willingness to acquire a deeper understanding of the material properties of different clays (such as cone 10 stoneware and porcelain) and glazes, as well as alternative firing processes. Students engage in constructive critique and challenge themselves in order to improve their skill level. Open studio time is available and strongly encouraged to practice skills learned during class time.

Instructor email: tshepherd@gjartcenter.org

All Levels Hand-building

Robbie Breaux

Wednesdays 1-4pm, March 15 – May 17, skipping March 29

$242 member / $287 non-member

Use slabs of clay to make beautiful artwork. We’ll focus on functional ware – mugs, casseroles, bowls, etc. Various hand-building techniques, surface treatments, and glazing will also be discussed. Students with prior knowledge in clay will have freedom to work on personal projects. Open studio time is available and strongly encouraged to practice skills learned during class time.

Sculpting in Clay

Jennifer Ries

Fridays 9:30am-12:30pm, March 17 – May 19, skipping March 31

$242 member / $287 non-member

Do you love to create, have a drive to learn new skills and enjoy challenging yourself? If yes, then this class is for you. No matter if you're a beginner or advanced, interested in 3D or 2D, you are welcome. You will learn the fundamentals of hand building: pinch, coil, and slab. You will also explore the use of different tools and techniques to aid you in finding a personal style and how to use clay as your medium. There will be multiple demonstrations on surface decoration and alteration, tailored to the needs and desires of the students.

Included in every ceramics tuition is one, 25-lb. bag of clay and 3000 cu. in. of glaze firing (firing fee after 3000 cu. in. is 2 cents/cu. in.)

FARM Classes

Off-site at Means Pottery, Fruita Arts Recreation Marketplace

158 S Park Square

Fruita, CO

8-week courses

The Spin of Things

Beginning/Intermediate Wheelthrowing

Matthew Jones

Tuesday Nights, 6:00-8:30pm

March 14– May 2

$200

Whether you are brand new to ceramics or looking to get back in the swing of things, this class is right for you. Learn the fundamentals of wheelthrowing, decorating, and glazing techniques. This class will focus on functional ceramics, such as cups, mugs, bowls, and other functional wares.

Instructor email: meanspottery@gmail.com.

Stop, Drop, and Pot!

Beginning/Intermediate Wheelthrowing

Ashtonn Means

Wednesday Nights, 6:00-8:30pm

March 15 – May 3

$200

Come explore the medium of clay! If you are new to the medium or want to continue expanding on your techniques, this class is perfect for you. Students will learn wheelthrowing techniques, surface design, and glaze application. Demonstrations will be given every class and will be tailored to focus on projects students are interested in that session. Beginners will be introduced to the fundamental forms including cups, bowls, and mugs. Intermediate students will be encouraged to continue developing skills with these fundamental forms or to expand their knowledge with the introduction of more complex wares.

Instructor email: meanspottery@gmail.com.

Pottery Throwdown

Beginning/Intermediate Wheelthrowing

Erin Stephens-Marner

Wednesdays, 10:00am-12:30pm

March 15 – May 3

$200

Newbie or oldie, come explore wheelthrowing and discover your inner potter! This course will focus on functional pottery and is for beginners or those who would like to brush up on the basics of throwing. The course will be an overview of functional ceramics and will cover shaping clay on the wheel, learning to trim and pulling handles, along with some surface design and glazing techniques. There will be a demo in each class.

Instructor email: juxtamama@gmail.com

We will have open studio hours outside of class for students to use to finish work that was produced during class time and continue work on their current projects.

Supplies required for all Means Pottery classes at FARM: 1 bag of cone 10 clay, a basic tool kit, a towel/apron. We will have clay available for purchase as well as a studio clay that is mixed in-house. We will have some studio tools available, but it is best to purchase your own tool kit. Some of the ones we recommend are listed below (both are available on Amazon):

- U.S. Art Supply 26-piece Pottery & Clay Sculpting Tool Sets with Canvas Cases

- Kemper 9 Pc Pottery Tool Set w/Fettling Knive for Ceramic, Polymer Clay #ATPTK

The Nitty Gritty

Spring registration opens Tuesday, Feb 14 Students must register by Thursday, March 9, to secure a spot.

Registration: Registration can be completed online at gjartcenter. org, over the phone, or in person at The Art Center. For phone registration, call 970-243-7337, x. 2. To register in person, stop by during gallery hours, TuesdaySaturday 9am-4pm.

Payment: Payment can be made by American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, check, or cash. Class space will not be reserved without full payment. Please be aware that classes require a minimum number of students and are subject to cancellation. The best way to ensure that the class you are interested in does not get canceled is to register early, and don’t forget to urge a friend to sign up!

Cancellation Policy: To cancel a class or workshop registration, notify The Art Center at least 14 days before the start of the class or workshop. If given the required 14-day notice, The Art Center will issue class credit in full or will refund your payment minus the registration fee ($15 for adults and $5 for children). No refunds or class credit will be issued for cancellations made

within 14 days of the start of the class or workshop. If you register for a class or workshop within the 14-day period, you will receive no refund or class credit for cancellation. Sorry, no refunds or class credits for no-shows. This registration policy helps instructors plan and prepare for upcoming classes, ensuring you receive ample notice if a class has insufficient registration.

Art Supplies: Supply lists for each class are available on our website. Unless otherwise specified, the student is responsible for purchasing art supplies. Some supplies are available at The Art Center Gift Gallery.

Tuition for ceramics classes includes one, 25-lb. bag of clay and 3000 cu. in. of glaze firing (firing fee after 3000 cu. in. is 2 cents/cu. in.) Ceramics students will need a pottery tool kit, not covered by tuition and available from The Art Center Gift Gallery for $27.49 plus tax.

Need-based scholarships are available. Visit our website’s scholarships page for more information!

We love early registration!