Nature Happenings

GALLERY HAPPENINGS - January 2023

January at Gallery Moab
by Thea Nordling

Another turn around the Sun, and 2022 is history! We’ve made it through the darkest days of winter and look forward to longer hours of sunlight as we inch our way toward spring. Thank you, Moab community and visitors, for your continued encouragement and support of our artist-owned and operated cooperative gallery. We have steadily grown and thrived over the years and are optimistic that 2023 will be another rewarding year of creating art for your enjoyment. We are dedicated to building community through art.

Gallery Moab is a showcase for the talents of local and regional artists. Most months we show works by a visiting guest artist from somewhere in the Four Corners area and feature one of our own member artists. Stop by to see what magic the remarkable canyon country landscape can inspire through the eyes, hearts, minds and hands of our talented artists and artisans, who create original, one- of- a- kind works in a wide variety of styles and mediums.

There is something for every taste and budget at Gallery Moab. We offer a diverse selection of original paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor and pastel, as well as photography, prints, cards, sculpture, wood carving, glass, fabric art, and jewelry. Our artists are prolific and imaginative creators, so there’s always something new to delight the eye. One of the artists will be on hand to answer your questions and help you find that perfect gift or memento of your visit.

We are closed from January 1 through 12 for cleaning and will open again on January 13, refreshed, re-energized and ready for a new year. Gallery Moab is a sure cure for the mid-winter blues, so step in for a “booster shot” of color and creativity. We look forward to your visit!

Open Sunday and Monday 12 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday 12 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Call 435-220-0891 and we will gladly open by appointment during other hours.

Gallery Moab LCA • 59 South Main Street #1, Moab, Utah 84532 • 435-355-0024
gallerymoab.com

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Closed on Christmas Day, and from January 1-12 for cleaning.

Native American Market Days in Grand Junction, Nov. 11-13
by Sharon Sullivan

Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, the Western Colorado Native American Market Days is coming to Grand Junction. Members of the Navajo Nation, plus other American Indian tribes, will be present selling traditional works, including jewelry, beadwork, pottery, leatherwork, fine art, sculpted gourds, and more.

Founded five years ago, by Uncompahgre Ute tribal member Roland McCook and Sue Moon, a fellow board member of the Native American Cultural Programs in Grand Junction, the market is designed to promote American Indian culture and art, said McCook.

When you purchase artwork at the Native American Market you are buying directly from the artist who made the item, said Moon.

This year’s market will take place Friday through Sunday, November 11-13, at the Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St., in downtown Grand Junction. Doors open at noon on Friday, and 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The market closes at 6 p.m. both days.

In addition to an array of artisan craftwork on display, there will be native American drumming and dance performances happening during the weekend. Ute Mountain Ute tribal members are scheduled to perform, with an invitation also extended to the Northern Ute tribe, McCook said.

McCook said two performances will take place Saturday, most likely around 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Additionally, a silent auction will take place both Saturday and Sunday, and an auction of specialty items such as sculpted gourds, a beaded medallion, and a lamp made from cedar with turquoise inlay and elk antlers will happen Saturday at 4 p.m.

There will also be a table set up throughout the weekend with instructors teaching children how to make a beaded bracelet that they can then take home.

Last year’s event drew 21 vendors, and McCook said he expects to have at least that many again this year, representing Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, Ute Mountain Ute, Northern Ute, and possibly Lakota and Apache tribes.

Native American markets have traditionally been a meeting place where friendships formed, weddings happened, and an exchange of music, song and dance occurred. Markets were a celebration of life and community, said McCook.

The $5 entrance fee for adults is a donation to Native American Cultural Programs. Children 18 and younger can attend for free.

Leo Kottke Concert
Also in Grand Junction that weekend, guitarist Leo Kottke will perform Friday evening at the Avalon Theatre, 645 Main St. Reserved seating tickets are $39 and $49. For more information visit: www.sandstoneconcerts.com.