ARTS COUNCIL OPPORTUNITIES: Your local arts council needs some new board members. You do not have to be an artist, just enthusiastic about art and community. The arts council has several ongoing projects. First and foremost is running the Mancos Town Gallery, providing a space for local artists to display their work. We mount about seven shows a year. Some are one-man (or woman) shows; most are group shows created around a theme, such as "The Wood Show" or the "Snow Show." We also are the hosts for the Mancos Days Cowboy Photo Booth, help coordinate the "Sharing the 81328 Perspective" photo show, and this year, for the first time, we are coordinating the Great Mancos Arts Roundup - studio tours and more. We enlist our members to participate in any or all of these ongoing events.

In early November, we host a Day of the Dead party for all of our members, thanking them for participating in everything we do. Later in the year, we present the Holiday Cookie Contest and the Mancos Downtown Holiday Lights contest. We work with Kim Russell, our amazing lone art teacher at the Mancos School, helping her with various projects and funding for things such as the MacLab or furthering her education.

We are a group of people who believe that art opens doors, brings people together and lifts our local spirits and pride. If you are interested in joining us on the board, contact Dian Law, 533-7536, or President-Elect Marilyn Kroeker at Raven House Gallery, 533-7149.

WHEELS AHOY: The Car Show opened last Thursday night with a nice crowd, Marilyn Kroeker on vocals, goodies from Zuma and interesting art, all inspired by things with four (or two!) wheels. Howard Kantor lent us eight of his collection of hundreds of model cars to add to the mood, and Pete Cruser parked his 1967 Chevy Camaro convertible right outside the door. Pete is the original owner of this classic American car, and he recently restored it to its former glory!

Artists who are exhibiting are Milt Beens, Patricia Burk, Janet Chanay, Bill Kroeker, Marilyn Kroeker, Jim Law, B. Summer Lynch, Doug McNealy, John Ninnemann and Robin Strother. The work encompasses sculpture, painting and photography. The show runs through June 29 at the Visitors' Center. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Unfortunately, Pete is not parking his Camaro out front for the entire run of the show!

DOLLING UP THE INTERSECTION: The Heritage Project, a volunteer effort spearheaded by the Town of Mancos, the Chamber and the Arts Council, is hitting high gear. There are several aspects to the project - the mural that is set to start within a few weeks, painting the CDOT building and creating interesting "rock gardens" at each corner or turnoff. Planting will come later in the year when we can determine what our water situation will look like. Just this morning (Memorial Day), 10 of us gathered at the west wall of Mancos Liquors to finish priming of the wall. It was great working with a bunch of local volunteers investing in their home town. Great spirit - finished early, went for breakfast at the Bakery. You can join the fun - still lots to do. Contact Rena Wilson (Olio) and see how you can help with working and/or contributing financially. Because of generous contributions, we have almost reached our goal!

CALLS FOR ENTRIES: There are three more shows scheduled at the Town Gallery for the rest of the year, so here is your call for entries for any of them. The next show up is the "Horse Show" - any 2-D or 3-D medium is acceptable as long as it pertains to the horse. We expect a lot of entries in this neck of the woods. Deadline for entry is July 1. After that date, nothing else will be accepted for the show. The Horse Show will run until after Labor Day weekend.

Next up is an open show, and we looking for a theme or group of artists. The show will open after Labor Day and run through Oct. 18. Contact Dian to inquire about possibilities. The next one is the Mask Show, opening on Oct. 28, inspired by the Dead of the Dead party/celebration in early November. Let me know if you are interested in participating in any of these exhibits.

THE ROUNDUP: Or, as it is formally known, The Great Mancos Arts Roundup, will happen on Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. This is the annual "Studio Tours & More" - strictly Mancos and the Mancos Valley. If you would like to be one of the artist participants, and you have not signed up yet, there is still a window of opportunity for you if you sign up by June 1. The fee for late entry is $75, with your registration form available the Visitors' Center or Raven House Gallery, where they can be submitted as well. We already have almost 20 artists signed up. We're working on a shuttle system so visitors can participate in "Libation Stations" and not worry about driving. The Visitors' Center will be the check-in point for visitors where they can get the map of the event and other information. A number of artists will be showing and demonstrating downtown in various galleries and other venues. We hope local Mancosites will take advantage of this event and enjoy the art and technique of their friends and neighbors!

Let me know what's happening in the arts community. I'd love to publish information about your event, show, concert, play, whatever! Call me: (970) 533-7536. [email protected].