The Mancos Valley is home to many artists and craftsmen, all with a wealth of knowledge and talent.
Mancos will harness that talent and knowledge with the opening of Mancos School of the West, which is offering classes by local artists and craftsmen, mostly from their studios.
Learn from some of the best in Mancos Valley in their respective trades. Fifteen different artisans have signed up to teach community classes through the Mancos School of the West.
“This idea has been thrown out a lot about a school, and now it is finally happening,” said coordinator Brian Killigrew.
Some of the teachers are:
Linda Rose, a local art teacher, is teaching writing and weaving classes.
Veryl Goodnight will teach plein air painting.
Steve Williams will teach blacksmithing in a class March 14-15.
Most classes will be taught in the artists’ studios. Fees vary depending on classes.
“I think the best way to learn from an artist is in their studio,” Killigrew said. “I’ve learned almost as much just by watching an artist work in their environment. It is so different than a sterile classroom.”
Killigrew said the idea of the school is to have a hands-on learning experience inside a creative learning environment.
“This is incredible. You can’t get this type of learning experience for this price,” Killigrew said.
The idea for the Mancos School of the West was brought up by Diane Law and Betsy Harrison. Mancos is in the running to be a Creative District through Colorado Creative Industries, a division of the State of Colorado Office of Economic Development.
“There are classes for everyone,” said Killigrew, who is eager to get students signed up for the classes.
Killigrew said the school will offer classes throughout the year. Classes run from short classes, such as a three-hour painting class to classes lasting three months.
Thousands of people have seen Jan Wright’s artwork at Mesa Verde National Park.
Wright, who is known for her watercolor paintings of local cliff dwellings, has been the featured artist and the artist in residence at Mesa Verde National Park.
She will share some of her secrets in painting classes March 18 and March 26-29.
Wright will teach for two days in her studio and on the last day, travel to Mesa Verde to paint dwellings outside.
“To be able to tap into the local talents and gifts our residents have is amazing,” Wright said. “And to be able to see how artists live and work, this will put Mancos on the map.”
Mancos School of the West
Two examples of classes
Writing Your Life Story: A workshop to help individuals start making a written record of their life’s events, for anyone interested in telling their story. Four 1½-hour sessions March 9, 12, 16, 18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library. Cost is $60. Contact Linda Rose at 850-933-4134 or email wanderingroses.rose@gmail.com.
Introductions to Basic Weaving: Learn the four basic weaves and finishing techniques for functional or artistic creations. Saturdays March 7 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the artist’s studio. Call Linda Rose at (850) 933-4134 or email her at wanderingroses.rose@gmail.com.
More information:
www.schoolofthewest.org.
info@schoolofthewest.org.
www.facebook.com/schoolofthewest.
