The Mancos Creative District has hired several new staff members and has plans for a major project over the next few months.
Sarah Syverson is the new director for the group, and Carol Mehesy will be the associate director, board president Rena Wilson said.
“We’ve got an exciting new team that’s going to help us move forward,” Wilson said.
TJ Zark will be the marketing director for the organization, Wilson said.
Syverson said she’s excited to join the group.
“I’m really excited to be a part of the team and see economic vitality in downtown Mancos grow,” she said.
One of the first projects the creative district plans is the Mancos Makers Space, Syverson said. Alpacka Rafts has donated some space at the company’s new downtown Mancos location, which formerly housed the Mancos Hardware Store.
There are several outbuildings on Alpacka’s property, and the creative district plans to turn one or more of the buildings into an indoor-outdoor space for creative people, Syverson said. The space might be available for woodworking, welding or theater projects, she said.
The first event the creative district is planning is the first Grand Summer Night of the year on June 3, Wilson said. The event will coincide with several gallery openings downtown, including Kilgore American Indian Art and the Veryl Goodnight Gallery, she said.
The event will coincide with the grand re-opening of the Mancos Brewing Co. in its new, larger location northeast of town.
Wilson said she’s excited for the new direction for the organization.
“We’ve got some great people involved,” she said.