By Mac Neely
The Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center has been turned into a maze of art. Jellyfish and ugly sea creatures float through the air, eyes of monsters flash through masks, jigsaw puzzles cover a wall, huge flowers are everywhere, and kids’ art covers the walls. There’s a whole miniature village including dogs and pigs, made of clay with curly wire tails wandering through doors.
An entire section is dedicated to “home,” in which children define what “home” means to them – model houses made from old boxes; barns of cardboard, Popsicle sticks, and one roof made of sandpaper. One of the girls told me about her sculpture of a horse’s head with real horse hair: “He makes me feel warm, like being at home.”
No one told them what to draw or build – it’s just what and how they feel, and some of them have written about their experience.
All this has been thought up and made by kids from kindergarten through 12th grade, under the direction of art teacher Kim Russell. Kim is not a “teacher” as I knew them. She inspires and enables the kids to feel, seek and understand life and their surroundings. Not one of them has been told “draw a house,” “paint a flower.” Their art comes from within – their own feelings. I would like to be around 20 years from now, to see what those children have accomplished. For a class to meet one hour each week and produce what they have is more than remarkable, it’s amazing.
You’ll miss the big ice cream celebration with the families on Thursday, but come to the Visitor Center on Friday from 3-6 p.m. and see for yourselves.
If you look closely between the Beehive and Raven House on Grand Avenue, you will find an alley. Walk down the alley, and on the right is a heavy door leading to the Distillery, where Ian makes rum. Not just any rum, it’s yummy rum. There is a stage, about 10 chairs and a bar with six stools. I’d say that 16 people make a crowd. But the rum is wonderful, the music great, and Gina, chief bartender and bouncer, makes a great cocktail and will throw you out when you’ve had too many. She has a heart of gold, (was once a Girl Scout leader). Just look at her smile!
Come on down the alley this Friday night – the Distillery presents Not Quite Dry, a three-piece band that plays rock, rock-a-billy, blues and country, as well as their own songs. Lead guitarist Pat Downey, drummer Louis Montego, and bassist Chris Gouces, have been playing since they were kids, and you may have heard Pat in Cortez. It’s a fun, relaxed venue, and you’ll have a good time.
The Mancos Visitor Center is still looking for volunteers. We want to be open 9-5 p.m., to better serve our travelers. You’ll meet folks from all over the world, learn about their country and let them know about ours. Volunteers are so important! Many of you are just sitting reading or dozing. Can’t you give us a couple of hours? You are the basis of what a visitor center is all about. Just come on down, or call Mac at 533-1525, or meet me at the Absolute Bakery on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday between 9 and 10 a.m. I’ll buy the coffee!
For those of you who are new to Mancos, you must have seen the signs around town about the Health Fair that is held at the Mancos School each year. This year, it is on Saturday, April 16, from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. It’s free, except for certain blood tests. You’ll get a complete physical from head to toe, by competent local doctors. We all go, so don’t be shy. Just think, it’s local, it’s free, and the Lions sponsor it. See you there!
