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\u2019 art covers the walls. There\u2019s a whole miniature village including dogs and pigs, made of clay with curly wire tails wandering through doors.<\/p>\n
An entire section is dedicated to \u201chome,\u201d in which children define what \u201chome\u201d means to them \u2013 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\u2019s head with real horse hair: \u201cHe makes me feel warm, like being at home.\u201d<\/p>\n
No one told them what to draw or build \u2013 it\u2019s just what and how they feel, and some of them have written about their experience.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cteacher\u201d 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 \u201cdraw a house,\u201d \u201cpaint a flower.\u201d Their art comes from within \u2013 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\u2019s amazing.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s yummy rum. There is a stage, about 10 chairs and a bar with six stools. I\u2019d 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\u2019ve had too many. She has a heart of gold, (was once a Girl Scout leader). Just look at her smile!<\/p>\n
Come on down the alley this Friday night \u2013 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\u2019s a fun, relaxed venue, and you\u2019ll have a good time.<\/p>\n
The Mancos Visitor Center is still looking for volunteers. We want to be open 9-5 p.m., to better serve our travelers. You\u2019ll 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\u2019t 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\u2019ll buy the coffee!<\/p>\n
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\u2019s free, except for certain blood tests. You\u2019ll get a complete physical from head to toe, by competent local doctors. We all go, so don\u2019t be shy. Just think, it\u2019s local, it\u2019s free, and the Lions sponsor it. See you there!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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