A Partnership between The Art Center of Western Colorado, Aspen Art Museum and District 51
Nov. 30 – Dec. 11, opening Dec. 3, 6:30-9:00

Staff from The Art Center, Aspen Art Museum and District 51 partnered to host a Plein Air Workshop in honor of Native American Heritage Month for Palisade area middle and high school students and teachers on November 6th. The event was generously hosted by Therese Moran from District 51. Therese engaged participants throughout the day with an overview of Native American customs, storytelling, and an art object and artifact display, which included textiles, vessels and several squash blossom necklaces. Additional contributors were Annie Henninger and Ryan Prince from the Aspen Art Museum, Rachel Egelston from the Art Center, and Tracy Gallegos, District 51 Director of Equity and Inclusion.

A great deal of information was shared aiming to build cultural awareness including the practice of non-traditional art making - in which artists are encouraged to see the world around them through connecting to the spirit and life in all things, including the life in their paint palette!

In addition, participants learned simple watercolor techniques and were given ample time to practice and create paintings inspired by their experiences. The different ways in which participants connected to their surroundings can be seen and felt in their paintings now on display through (date) at the Art Center in Grand Junction.