Calling All Artists and Art Admirers

January 17, 2024

Award-winning, professional photographer Jen Magnuson is offering a free digital camera workshop on Thursday, January 25th at 6 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library. The Cortez Cultural Center is seeking artist submissions for its 2024 gallery. Come by the Cortez Public Library to pick up your 2024 calendar, featuring photos from local photographers, and see David Rainey’s artwork on display. Southwest Conservation Corps is looking for community members to support their seasonal members by providing low-to-no-cost housing in the Hesperus area. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and TruWest Auto.

Learn More...

Mancos Public Library - https://mancoslibrary.org/

Cortez (Official Website) - https://www.cortezco.gov/

Cortez Public Library - https://www.cortezco.gov/761/Library

Cortez Cultural Center - https://cortezculturalcenter.org/

Southwest Conservation Corps - https://sccorps.org/

David Rainey - https://davidnrainey.com/

Jen Magnuson Photography - https://www.jenmagnusonphoto.com/index

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Choice Building Supply - https://www.acehardware.com/store-details/06453

TruWest Auto - https://www.truwestautooutlet.com/

Read the Full Transcript

Whether you are an artist or art admirer, the Cortez and Mancos public libraries have opportunities for you and learn how you can get your art displayed at the Cortez Cultural Center this year. You're watching the local News Roundup, brought to you by Choice Building Supply and True West Auto. I'm Connor Shrieve. Award-winning professional photographer Jen Magnusson is offering a digital camera workshop on Thursday, January 25th at 6:00 PM at the Mancos Library. The event is free to the public. Participants are instructed to bring their own DSLR cameras. The Cortez Cultural Center is seeking artist submissions for its 2024 gallery. Both 2D and 3D artwork can be submitted for review in the form of photographs, along with some brief info about the art and artist. Exhibitions will be scheduled for display throughout 2024. The Cortez Public Library would like to thank local photographers for contributing to their 2024 calendar. Calendars are available for pickup at the library front desk while supplies last. The library is also featuring artwork from local visual artist David Rainey. Rainey has a master of fine Arts in studio arts and painting, and his work will be on display through the end of January. Southwest Conservation Core is looking for community members to support their seasonal members by providing low to no cost housing. Currently, their highest need is in the Durango area, but hosts can be located anywhere within one hour of Hesprets. In 2022 over 50% of core members camped or lived out of their cars during their off days. While the SCC states that some members prefer this, the organization would like to offer more options for affordable housing. Learn more about these and other stories online at Montezumalocal.news. Thanks for watching this edition of the Local News Roundup. I'm Connor Shrieve.

Growing Community, Culture, and Climate-Adapted Crops

Pueblo Seed & Food Co. is a family-run organic farm and seed enterprise rooted in deep stewardship of land, seed, and community. Established in 1996 and now operating on irrigated acreage near Cortez, Colorado, the company grows a wide diversity of certified organic crops—open-pollinated seeds, chile peppers, varietal garlic, vegetables, legumes, and heritage grains—selling them as seeds, fresh produce, and handcrafted foods through their Seed & Bakehouse retail space. Their mission centers on renewing and strengthening community resilience by stewarding healthy seeds and food, guided by regenerative, biodynamic, and conservation farming traditions that honor both plant genetics and human stories. As winter approaches, Farm Direct Seed & Food Co. invites its community to celebrate the Winter Solstice Fundraiser on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at their downtown Cortez Bakehouse. This festive gathering not only marks the seasonal turning point with music, hands-on milling and baking, and holiday shopping, but also serves as a kickoff to their exciting new initiative—the Pueblo Seed & Grain Hub, developed in partnership with the Onward! Foundation to expand regional capacity for drought-tolerant grain and legume production. Join in the spirit of the season with whole grain cookies, community, and support for food and seed security in the Southwest. By Paige Sparks. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and The LOR Foundation.

The Dolores Public Library Hosts Christmas Crafts and Competitions

The Dolores Public Library invites community members to craft, compete, and enjoy holiday festivities. Join LB Productions for a cozy night of holiday cheer at its Christmas choir concert and community sing-along. And the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado opened applications for the Meaningful Opportunity through Learning and Advancement Scholarship. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie's Trophy Room.

Festival of Wreaths and Silent Auction Begins Nov. 28

The Festival of Wreaths and online silent auction begins Sunday, Nov. 28. The Cortez Parks and Recreation Department seeks community input in a new semi-annual survey. Watch for details! And Thanksgiving Day is the top reported day for home cooking fires. Learn how you can stay safe this holiday season with tips from the National Fire Protection Association. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Keesee Motors.

Nearly 5,000 Montezuma Residents Lose SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, lost federal funding starting on Saturday, November 1st. Learn how Montezuma County may be affected. Local libraries join forces to host a holiday diaper drive. And HomeToGo named 19 Colorado Ski areas on its top-70 list of best ski resorts for visitor value. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Blondie's Trophy Room and Big O Tires.

Durango Has Work Ahead as International Mountain-Bike Championships Host

In 1990, the Union Cycliste Initernational held the inaugural world mountain bike championships in Durango. In 2030, the world's best mountain bike riders will once again return to Purgatory for the UCI World Championships 40 years after the inaugural event. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Crystal Mart.

Cortez Library and Wildfire Adapted Partnership Receive Grants

The LOR Foundation awarded a grant to the Cortez Public Library to support new technology and youth STEM programs. The City of Cortez seeks community comments on the 2026 proposed budget and applicants to fill board vacancies. And the Wildfire Adapted Partnership will receive more than $2 million from the United States Forest Service. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine and Spirits and Home2Suites.

An Evening of Costumes and Community Celebration

The zombies are coming! Find out who won business and citizen of the year at the Dolores Chamber of Commerce’s zombie-themed banquet. Registration is open for the Cortez Police Department Fall Citizens Academy. And the Hospice of Montezuma will host two free seminars this month. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by LOR Foundation and Choice Building Supply.

SWCO United Way Expands Mission as “Team Up”

As a fund-raising organization, United Way has a powerful reputation and international name recognition. So why would the United Way of Southwest Colorado sever ties with a philanthropic behemoth to become Team Up? President and Chief Executive Officer Lynn Urban explains, and donors like the change. By Deborah Uroda. This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart Durango and Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation.