Chris Clark, Luke Daniel
Features Reporter

Photo by Stephanie Hall

Last Friday’s exhibit at the Western Colorado Center for the Arts had a twist. November was chosen as the month to host a demo night. The exhibit was a night for the artists to showcase their arts and skills while also sharing tips of the trade to the general public.

Different stations were placed around respective exhibits allowing for bystanders to take part in the art.

As they watched the artists, every person in the crowd became a student. Each student became fully engrossed in the processes that were being taught. Young children still in their Halloween costumes from the night prior and long-time professionals in their suits and slacks were able to share share the experience.

Disciplines this year spanned a wide valley of media and processes. Topics included street painting (graffiti), clay surface carvings, fiber art and iPad sketching. A live model stood on a platform and posed as more than four artists sketched her.

An artist who was working on a charcoal drawing stood up and offered his seat to some of the other bystanders.

“Give it a try,” he said.

There were no takers but the eyes of the observers gave the desire to jump in and try it for themselves.

“I don’t use a screen because this gives the piece texture and depth,” Jessica Scriver said as she worked on a collage piece. She was using a small stencil to add the final touches to her piece.

Jeff Knez was working on clay surface carvings.

“I just get into the zone,” he said.

The area around him was scattered with multi-colored pieces and tiki men which he had already carved and fired. The constant influx of people didn’t seem to interrupt him while he worked diligently on a fresh vase.

It seems that art still has a place in the Grand Valley. Whether it is to simply look in appreciation at the piece or to actually have the experience of influencing the artists while they are creating the work, Demo Night 2013 at the Western Colorado Center for the Arts showed that there are no borders or barriers enjoying and supporting the work of local artists.

ldaniel@mavs.coloradomesa.edu