ARTISTS' OPPORTUNITIES: Artists nationwide are invited to apply for the 2013 Artist-in-Residence program at the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument near Dolores, Colo. It is an awe-inspiring environment where artists can bring landscapes to life.

The Artist-in-Residence program is open to professional artists who are more than 18 years of age, are U.S. citizens and are able to meet the application criteria. Submissions may include any artistic medium suitable for digital reproduction including two-dimensional visual still media (such as painting, photography and printmaking), literature, video, music, etc. Each residency spans eight days between April 1 and Sept. 30, 2013.

Proposals, including art samples, should reflect the cultural and natural resources within Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Winning proposals will promote public appreciation of the landscape, raise awareness of its unique value and inspire conduct that helps preserve its fragile resources.

The artist must donate at least one digital image of their completed artwork to the BLM. The copyright remains with the artist, with permission granted to the BLM for promotional and educational reproduction. Artists will also share their vision in a 45-minute, public presentation during the residency period.

www.blm.gov/co/st/en/nm/canm/artist_in_residence.html is the website for more info and applications. Everything must be in by Feb. 28. You can also call 970-882-5624.

PINTEREST: I am undoubtedly late for this party, but the Pinterest website/inactive place is my latest go-to for design, do-it-yourself, homebuilding, crafts (you name it!) inspiration. I've been building a file of house and furniture designs ... you never know! At any rate, if any of these areas of interest for you, join up and be amazed!

HISTORIC SCHOOLHOUSES: The opening show of 2013 at the Mancos Town Gallery (in the Visitors' Center on Bauer at Boyle Park) will feature the traditional one-room schoolhouses of Colorado. This is the work of John Ninneman, who coincidentally lives across the street from our school. He has traveled the back roads all over Colorado to photograph these relics of our state's history. He actually printed these images in the darkroom. No namby-pamby digital stuff for this guy! At any rate, it promises to be a terrific show. It will open with an artists' reception on Friday, Feb. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m.

CASH MOB AT KALEIDOSCOPE: The next event will be over at Kaleidoscope on Saturday, Feb. 9 starting at 9 a.m. Bring your wallet or checkbook, meet your friends. You'll be surprised at the variety of merchandise Celeste has in store for us.

ARTS COUNCIL RETREATS: No, no, not that kind of retreat. At the kind invite of Sue and Bob Scott, the board members will convene Saturday at Sundance Bear to review the past three years, and plan for the future. Our yearly events now include an opening slate of exhibits at the Town Gallery, the Snow Show (March), the Cowboy Photo Booth and Sharing the 81328 Perspective photo during Mancos Days (July), the ArtFest at the Balloon Festival (September), the Day of the Dead members' (and friends) party (November), finishing up the year with the Cookie Contest and downtown lights contest. We've also been working with our school liaison, Kim Russell, in promoting the arts in our school. The big new project in the works is in collaboration with the town of Mancos, the Mancos Valley Chamber, Mancos Valley Resources, and local business community on the "Mancos Heritage Project." (Stay tuned for developments!) You can visit the Arts Council Facebook page to keep up to date as well. We are also seeking new board members. You don't have to be an artist to apply, just believe that the arts are an important part of the Mancos community.

CALL FOR ENTRIES: The Town Gallery is working on the 2013 show schedule, and is actively seeking applications for exhibits. Contact Dian Law at dhlaw4367@gmail for more information. All forms of visual art, paintings, photography, sculpture, etc, are acceptable.

KEEP IN TOUCH: Let me know what's happening in the arts community. I'd love to publish info about your event, show, concert, play, whatever! Call me: 970-533-7536. I have a fairly a new email address: [email protected].