November Art Show: Paul and Carrie Peterson

The opening reception for Paul Peterson and Carrie (KARI) Peterson will be Friday, November 4th in the main gallery at the Cortez Cultural Center. Meet the artists and share light refreshments from 5PM to 7PM.
The artists have chosen very unusual pieces for their show at the Cultural Center. Paul’s work is generally amusing, yet poignant, though one piece does not fall into that category: a six foot crucifix. It is ornate, with flowers and a very striking figure of the Christ.
KARI’s pieces are fairy tales with an eastern theme, similar to the stories of Scheherazade.
Please look for the mountain scene “Origin”; it is valued at $1,800.00, and Paul has offered it for bid in a silent auction with the proceeds going to the Center.

Needle Felting Class

The Center offers a class in Needle Felting, taught by local sculptor Jay Whitewolf, on Wednesdays November 2, 9, and 16 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. or Thursdays November 3, 10, and 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Supplies are available for $15.00. Class size is limited, so preregistration is necessary. Call Jay for more information 564-9653. Students will be felting on an 18 × 18” square of fabric that can be made into a pillow, bag, apron, or wall hanging or squares of felt for gift card holders… perfect for the rapidly approaching holiday season!

Cortez

A new book by Vila Schwindt, Janet Weeth and Dale Davidson

Colorado’s southwestern-most city has perpetually verged on all that is desirable in the American Southwest for tourism, recreation and high-desert living. Cortez is surrounded by scenic mountains and red-rock canyons, Anasazi archaeological sites and a varied Native American heritage. Yet for centuries, rugged landscapes and lack of water made communication, transportation and commerce difficult.

Residents developed a fierce self-reliance. Area farmers received a boost when the Dolores River was diverted in 1889 by the nearly unimaginable man-and-mule-hewn Great Cut and a 5,400 foot-long irrigation tunnel. Cortez’s hardscrabble growth found additional relief in the 1950s due to the Four Corners gas and oil boom.

Congressman Wayne Aspinall helped establish the Dolores Water Conservancy District in 1961, construction of the McPhee Dam on the Dolores River began in 1978 and finally in 1986 the Montezuma Valley obtained a reliable water supply. Lake McPhee provides water for farms, families and enterprises and adds to local beauty and recreation.

Highlights of Cortez include:

• Centuries Without Water
• Fires Cannot Quench Growth
• Going Modern
• A Wider View of the World
• The Little City That Could

Stop by the Center today to pick up your copy!