| Exhibit-Inspired Printing and Writing Programs This Winter by Moab Museum Staff |
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| Artist Chad Niehaus displays linocut prints at his home studio in Moab. |
February at the Moab Museum holds several hands-on programs inspired by the exhibit currently on display, Block Prints by Everett Ruess. This traveling exhibit on loan from the Utah Department of Arts & Museums includes a selection of block prints created by artist and writer, Everett Ruess, depicting his travels throughout the western United States in the early 20th century.
Block Printing Basics: Linocut Evening at the Museum
On February 16, from 5-8pm, the Moab Museum presents an introductory course inspired by the landscape linocuts of Everett Ruess. Join local artist Chad Niehaus for an evening of linocut printmaking from design to print. All necessary tools and supplies will be provided.
Niehaus is an artist and river ranger inspired by the power and simplicity of Ruess’ ability to capture the essence of a landscape, as Niehaus says. Several of Niehaus’ prints are on display in conjunction with the traveling exhibit
Registration is required and attendance is limited to 12 people. Pre-registration may be completed online at www.moabmuseum.org/events. The cost, payable via cash, check, or credit card upon arrival at the event, is $40 per person for Museum members and $50 for nonmembers.
Lyrical Letters: Ruess-inspired Letter Writing Workshop
In addition to being well known for his block prints, the Everett Ruess is recognized for his rich, descriptive adventure writing. During his travels throughout the West in the 1930s, he wrote numerous, lyrical letters to his family and friends detailing his travels, and reverence for the landscapes which he dearly loved.
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| Brian Laidlaw, leader of the local band The Family Trade, pictured here playing in studio. |
On two Wednesdays this month, February 15th and 22nd from 6-7:30pm, the Moab Museum presents a two-part writing workshop with local author and songwriter, Brian Laidlaw, a Moab-based author and songwriter. Laidlaw recently completed a PhD in Creative Writing, publishes poetry and nonfiction with Milkweed Editions, and leads the local band The Family Trade. In this workshop, he’ll discuss how imagery and intention can enrich our letter-writing style. Time to craft thoughtful missives to our friends and loved ones will follow.
Both letter writing workshops will be held at the Moab Museum and are free to attend. While attendance at the first workshop on February 15th is not a prerequisite for the second workshop on the 22nd, it is advised that participants attend both.
Collections Updates from the Museum
In December the Museum completed construction of an environmentally controlled “vault” to store the organic, perishable, and otherwise fragile objects in the Collection, consistent with museum best practices. The 18-month process of transferring the entire Collection requires that individual objects be quarantined and cleaned (to avoid cross contamination), re-housed in archival containers, and located in appropriate object classifications. This January, the Museum team began moving objects to the off-site Collections storage facility. The Museum will share updates to the process in subsequent Happenings issues and via the Museum website and social media.
To learn more about Museum membership, programs and exhibits, and to read the Museum’s blog and explore online archives and collections, please visit moabmuseum.org.
moabmuseum.org • 118 East Center Street, Moab • 435-259-7985. And be sure to mention you read about the Moab Museum in Moab Happenings.
To learn more about Museum membership, programs and exhibits, and to read the Museum’s blog and explore online archives and collections, please visit moabmuseum.org
| Movie & Western Memorabilia Museum at Red Cliffs Lodge |
The late George White was founder of the Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission, the longest ongoing film commission in the world.
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Red Cliffs Lodge, on the banks of the mighty Colorado River, is home to the Moab Museum of Film & Western Heritage. The lodge is built on the old George White Ranch, a key location for nine of the big westerns including Rio Grande, Cheyenne Autumn, Ten Who Dared, The Commancheros, and Rio Conchos.
Through the magnificent landscapes of southeastern Utah, writers have been inspired and stories born here. Zane Grey, the famous western novelist, traveled through the area in 1912. His visit inspired him to write his book Riders of the Purple Sage. The book was made into a movie starring Ed Harris and Amy Madigan, and filmed on locations around Moab.