Grand Junction Names New 970West Artist In Residence

Grand Junction's Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio has announced the new Artist in Residence for January 13 through April 20.

Please welcome multidisciplinary artist TJ Smith as the new Mesa County Libraries 970West Artist in Residence. Smith has been living in Grand Junction for two years now. He says fostering creativity is the purpose of his time at the 970West Studio.

I was born between the trees of Pennsylvania, destined for a future of westward exploration. I live in the balance between art, design, freedom, and athletics. My current projects are inspired by roaming the land and blur the line of minimalism and surrealism. I experiment with both digital and analog mediums; however, my methodology for refinement is consistent. I share my work in the hopes that it inspires others to lose themselves in nature, surrendering to the simple beauty around them, forever rooted in pleasure and aesthetics.” - TJ Smith via a press release from the Mesa County Public Libraries

As an Artist in Residence, his duties include hosting workshops and meet & greets.  The workshops listed below are open to the public at no charge. Some workshops require advance registration due to limited space.

WORKSHOP: RECORDING MEMORIES ON PAPER

• 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Central Library, 443 N. 6th St.
• 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Palisade Branch, 119 W. Third St.
• 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Fruita Branch, 324 N. Coulson St.

KIDS’ ACTIVITY: MAKE A BOOKLET

• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, in the Central Library Children’s Area, 443 N. 6th St.
  Kids and families learn the basics of collage and printmaking to create a one-of-a-kind booklet. No registration required.

WORKSHOP: SENDING LASTING IMPRESSIONS

• 6 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at the Central Library, 443 N. 6th St.
  Experiment with art techniques to create custom postcards. Participants are encouraged to bring in found objects that will aid in the creative process while making tactile, unique, send-able postcards to share or display. Registration is required via the online Event Calendar at mesacountylibraries.org or by calling 970-243-4442. Supplies are included. Please register for only one workshop session.

If you would like to meet TJ Smith, the public is invited to visit the 970West Studio at 502 Ouray Avenue, on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., between January 16 and April 16, 2019. No reservations are required.

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