The 970West Studio is Mesa County Libraries’ space for filmmakers, musicians and artists to access creative resources — the only requirement is a library card. Located at the library’s central location in downtown Grand Junction, Colorado, the studio houses rentable equipment to accommodate the needs of every artist, as well as classes and workshops hosted by local artists. Library patrons can access studio space, camera and audio equipment, and online resources.

The studio’s artist in residence program hosts a local artist for 14 weeks as an outlet for Mesa County artists to share their art with the community. The program aims to support local artists and connect them with Mesa County. The artist receives a stipend from the Mesa County Libraries Foundation, and the library provides them with the artist in residence studio space in the 970West building. The artist conducts presentations and workshops at the library during their residency, as well as weekly meet and greets at the 970West Studio.

Who is Evan Curtis?

Evan Curtis is a two-year resident of the Grand Valley, as well as a filmmaker and nature enthusiast, and is the current artist in residence at the 970West Studio. His work has been shown at over 50 festivals, including in Brazil, Ireland, Canada, Romania, London and Greece. His films have also been screened at SXSW and on PBS. After receiving a degree in film from the Conservatory of Theatre Arts and Film at Purchase College and his master’s degree in animation at Savannah College of Art and Design, he interned with Blue Sky Studios in New York. Curtis also interned with Adult Swim while attending Savannah College of Art and Design. Curtis taught film in Utah and New Mexico from 2013 to 2019, and currently teaches film at the Colorado Mesa University Art and Design Department. He uses nature and exploration as guiding factors in his work, drawing inspiration from his childhood in the Adirondacks, making the Grand Valley the perfect place to pull inspiration for his art.

Programs

Curtis is available for a Meet & Greet session every Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. between August 27 and November 19, 2020 at the 970West Studio. Patrons are invited to attend without reservations and ask Curtis questions about his art.

Additionally, all current artist in residence programs are recorded and available online on the Mesa County Libraries Instagram, YouTube and Facebook for those that cannot attend in person. In one program, Curtis explains the basics of stop motion animation using toys, Legos, clay, paper and other household objects, and encourages viewers to practice with their own characters at home. In another, he outlines the basics of sound design and foley effects, and how sound effects are used in movies. Curtis is hosting an upcoming virtual presentation on his collection of vintage toys, the history of toys and art, and their influence on his work on October 7, 2020.

Learn more about upcoming events and the 970West studio at mesacountylibraries.libcal.com. Watch Evan Curtis’ films at OreMagiFilms.com.

Evan Curtis Featured In Current 970West Studio Artist in Residence Program