NORTH FORK VALLEY CREATIVE COALITION

INSPIRED SYMPOSIUM: AUGUST 24-26

INSPIRED: Art at Work will bring 2 visiting artists and 2 local artists to socially engaged projects in summer 2018. Working closely with scientists, and policy-makers, and five local partner organizations, Citizens for a Healthy Community, Western Slope Conservation Center, Farm and Food Alliance, Solar Energy International, and North Fork Valley Creative Coalition, artists will create socially-engaged works that explore and address selected environmental, cultural, social, and economic issues vital to preserving the natural world and the quality of life and sense of place in the North Fork Valley. These collaborations and a final symposium are designed to broadly engage community dialog on concerns vital to the future of this rural area.

Through a series of meetings/discussions, the artists and community members will define a particular issue or set of issues such as, the impact of energy development, Gunnison River health, air quality, changing energy resources, the loss of coal mining jobs, changing cultural norms, etc. The project is designed to promote dialog among the diverse elements of our community. Throughout the two months, local citizens will have multiple opportunities to participate in the project. The artists will help us tell our stories, bridging artistic disciplines and activism. The artworks are the catalysts for significant exchange of ideas, values, and future dreams. Working together to create a work of art is a community-building endeavor, like placing bricks side-by-side to create a walkway all can walk upon. In the artistic process of making or performing—barriers often disintegrate and friends are made while working together

THE WORK PRODUCED DURING THIS COLLABORATION WILL BE HIGHLIGHTED ALONG WITH READINGS, FILMS, MUSIC, AND LIVE ART. TOUR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND GREEN BUILDING PROJECTS, EXPLORE NEARBY PETROGLYPHS AND THE GUNNISON GORGE, FULL MOON HIKE, MUSIC, LOCAL INNOVATORS AND CREATORS, PICNICS, FARM TO TABLE DINNERS, AND MORE.  ENJOY THE HEIGHT OF THE AGRICULTURAL SEASON IN STUNNING NORTH FORK VALLEY.

Let’s tango.  Blue Sage Center for the Arts presents its kickoff even of its 18/19 concert series season with Austin Piazzola Quintet  .  APQ specializes in the music of the late Argetine composer Astor Piazzolla  as well as its own original nuevo Tango compositions.  The group, founded by James Anderson (violin)  has been performing to captivated audiences since 2009 with exciting live shows that feature unique arrangements of Piazzolla’s groundbreaking works, original compositions and fiery improvisations.

In addition to live shows and recordings, APQ takes an active role in music education with clinics and master classes at universities and public schools with a focus on performance techniques employed in tango and the origins of the style.

“So little of it is on the page” says Anderson.” Much like jazz, if you only play what’s on the page it lacks the passion and personal emotion and sense of freedom which it absolutely needs. “

Join Conservation Colorado at the Edesia Community Kitchen to learn about your state representative’s voting practices around environmental issues. We will discuss priority conservation bills and delve into the votes of your local state senator and represenative, as well as other Western Slope legislators.

This is a free, exciting chance to learn something new while making sure that policymakers are representing YOUR values in office.

Appetizers and drinks will be available for guests. Come with an empty stomach and an eager mind. Hope to see you there!

RSVP by August 27 at 5 p.m.: http://bit.ly/2MoSeRi

The Blue Sage Center for the Arts on will be hosting THE ART OF CHEESE on Friday, August 31.   Come to the Final Friday Frolic and meet the fromagers and enjoy some local cheese.  Thank you for making this possible: Goats Gone Wild: Emily Harnett, Gray Acres: Jacob and Sharon Gray; Rancho del Gallo Farm and Dairy: Caren and Adi von Gontard, Western Culture Farmstead: Suanne and David Miller.
For more information: The Blue Sage Center for the Arts, 226 Grand Ave, Paonia, www.bluesage.org or 970-527-7243