Devan Penniman, 970West Artist in Residence
Devan Penniman, a creator who specializes in paper, printing, and bringing people together through art, is the new Mesa County Libraries 970West Artist in Residence.
Penniman will host open studio hours at the 970West Studio from 4-6 p.m. every Tuesday through the end of her residency Aug. 12. She also has scheduled a variety of public classes and workshops throughout the summer.
Penniman is a baker, letterpress printer, zine creator, co-director of the Colorado Mesa University Art and Design Alumni Chapter, and overall creative problem solver. She lives in Fruita with her partner, their husky, and an abundance of plants, old things, and books. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design and has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail.
She enjoys putting together events that bring people together through art, such as the Fruita Zine Party, art get-togethers, and pop-up galleries that showcase local artists. Paper is her passion, whether it’s setting type and letterpress printing on some nice, thick cotton paper, creating a zine with friends, or adding to her collection of old books.
“Through my artist in residency, I am hoping to share my love of paper-based goods with my community. I love letterpress printing, and I love being able to share it with people,” Penniman said. “Paper is something we can touch and hold, and the opportunities to create with it are boundless. My work is mostly centered around words and the manipulation of letters. I thoroughly enjoy destroying to recreate, smearing ink across paper, and making art for art’s sake.”
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
Here are the classes and workshops that 970West Artist in Residence Devan Penniman will be giving this summer. All classes and workshops are open to the public at no charge. Pre-registration is required for some classes.
Open Studio Hours
- 4-6 p.m. each Tuesday through Aug. 12
970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave. (across from the Central Library)
Drop by, meet Penniman, and talk to her about her art.
Introduction to Paper Marbling (same class offered twice)
- 6 p.m. Thursday, May 16, in the Central Library’s Mesa Community Room, 443 N. 6th St.
- 6 p.m. Thursday, June 6, in the Central Library’s Monument Community Room
By using the almost foolproof Japanese marbling method of Suminagashi, you will get a hands-on crash course in the basics of marbling paper. Marbled paper can be used as wrapping paper, stationery, greeting cards, and much more. Using a simple water bath and colorful inks, we will create and manipulate beautiful, unique patterns on paper for you to take home. Supplies are provided. This class is geared toward adults.
Seating is limited, and preregistration is required via the Events Calendar at mesacountylibraries.org or by calling 970-243-4442.
Intro to Letterpress Printing (same class offered twice)
- 6 p.m. Thursday, May 23, in the Central Library’s Monument Community Room, 443 N. 6th St.
- 6 p.m. Thursday, June 13, in the Central Library’s Monument Community Room
From the 15th century when the letterpress was first utilized, letterpress printing was a primary method for mass producing printed goods. Although largely replaced by computers, letterpress printing still exists today. This class will start with a quick history followed by the basics of setting type and letterpress printing. By the end of the class, you will be able to print and take home your own cards, poster, or stationery. Supplies are provided. This class is geared toward adults.
Seating is limited, and preregistration is required via the Events Calendar at mesacountylibraries.org or by calling 970-243-4442.
Bookbinding (same class offered twice)
- 6 p.m. Thursday, May 30, in the Central Library’s Mesa Community Room, 443 N. 6th St.
- 6 p.m. Thursday, June 20, in the Central Library’s Mesa Community Room
Imagine being able to sketch or take notes in a book you made yourself. This class will touch on a few basic ways to bind books as well as a brief history. By learning how to fold, trim, and bind by using a few basic techniques, the end result will be a hand-bound book for you to take home.
Supplies are provided. This class is geared toward adults.
Seating is limited, and preregistration is required via the Events Calendar at mesacountylibraries.org or by calling 970-243-4442.
Central Library Kids Club — Paper Marbling
Kids, learn how to make a marbled paper galaxy! Drop in anytime between 2-4 p.m. for this open-house style event.
Clifton Branch Kids Club — Paper Marbling
Kids, learn how to make a marbled paper galaxy! Drop in anytime between 2:30-3:30 for this open-house style event.
Intro to Letterpress Printing for Kids
This class will start with a quick history followed by the basics of setting type and letterpress printing. By the end of the class you will be able to print and take home your own cards.
Supplies are provided. This class is for children through age 12.
Bookbinding for Teens and Adults
Imagine being able to sketch or take notes in a book you made yourself. This class will touch on a few basic ways to bind books as well as a brief history. By learning how to fold, trim, and bind by using a few basic techniques, the end result will be a hand-bound book for you to take home. Supplies are provided.
Introduction to Paper Marbling (All-ages class)
By using the almost foolproof Japanese marbling method of Suminagashi, you will get a hands-on crash course in the basics of marbling paper. Marbled paper can be used as wrapping paper, stationery, greeting cards, and much more. Using a simple water bath and colorful inks, we will create and manipulate beautiful unique patterns on paper for you to take home. Supplies are provided.
Paper Making (Adult class)
Have you ever wanted to do something with your newspapers and other scrap paper that is lying around the house? Why not turn them into paper you can use again? In this class, you will learn the basics of paper making and how you can recycle your newspapers or scrap paper into new, handmade blank pages. By using supplies you can find around your house, and with just a few steps, we will create paper. Supplies are provided.
ABOUT MESA COUNTY LIBRARIES
Mesa County Libraries’ mission is to enrich lives and build community through opportunities to learn, discover, create, and connect. Through a network of eight convenient locations, the public library system serves approximately 150,000 people in west-central Colorado with a wide variety of resources, events, and services.
The Mesa County Libraries 970West Artist in Residence program supports the endeavors of local artists who connect and engage the community with a variety of arts. Artists have studio space to hone and focus their creative talents while sharing their expertise and skills with the community through scheduled presentations or workshops at the library.