Melody Brooke Safken
Melody Brooke Safken, an award-winning illustrator and instructor at Colorado Mesa University, is the new Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio Artist in Residence. Specializing in paleontological illustration, Safken plans to host open studio hours and a variety of workshops during her residency, which lasts through Dec. 4, 2017.
Born and raised in Grand Junction, Safken received her bachelor’s of fine arts degree in animation and motion graphics from CMU in 2014. She is pursuing a graduate degree at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Safken specializes in paleontological art and creature design with a strong foundation in vertebrate anatomy. Her work can be found internationally, including in promotional art for the film Jurassic World, museum reconstructions, businesses, and private collections. She is ever expanding her artistic talents and is working on her own graphic novels, “The Bearer Chronicles.”
Below is a list of events at which Safken will be available to visit with the public about her art. Supplies will be included at all workshops.
OPEN STUDIO HOURS
During her residency, Melody Brooke Safken will host open studio hours at the Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio, located at Fifth Street and Ouray Avenue across from the Central Library in Grand Junction. Open studio hours are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Wednesday through Nov. 29, 2017. The public is invited to stop in and visit with Safken about her art.
DINOSAUR DRAWING WORKSHOP (Children and their families)
Neighbors Read Family Story Time
6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017
Central Library Children’s Area
Kids and their families learn to draw dinosaurs with simple, step-by-step instructions. Open to children and their families at no charge.
DINOSAUR DRAWING WORKSHOP (Children and their families)
Kids Club
2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017 (Open house-style event)
Central Library Children’s Area
Kids and their families learn to draw dinosaurs with simple, step-by-step instructions. Open to children and their families at no charge.
TEEN DRAWING WORKSHOP (Teen event)
3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18, 2017
Central Library Teen Area
Learn to draw creatures! This step-by-step drawing workshop for teens will cover the basics of paleontological illustration and fantastic creature design. Participants will gain an understanding of bone structures and how they affect the layout of muscle and flesh. Open to teens ages 12-18 at no charge.
PALEONTOLOGY AND THE ART OF ILLUSTRATING THE PAST (Adult event)
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017
Central Library Mesa Community Room
This event is an introduction to the field of paleo illustration and why it is an integral part of paleontology. In this lecture and hands-on drawing workshop, participants will gain a general understanding of how dinosaur bones, trace fossils, and living animal tissue can be used as references to create reconstructions. Pre-registration is required to attend this event; preregister by calling 970-243-4442 or by visiting the Event Calendar.