Current Artist in Residence: Maryanna Powell, May 5 - August 11, 2025
Maryanna Powell is a modern quilter who enjoys creating functional items using various piecing techniques. With a vision to challenge traditional quilting norms, she focuses on crafting versatile, everyday objects that integrate seamlessly into people's lives. Her innovative approach to fabric choice and placement allows her to design unique, contemporary quilts that bring a fresh perspective to the art of quilting.
Maryanna's love for sewing stems from her family's history, with a special connection to her grandmother. Inspired by her grandmother's resilience, Maryanna cherishes the story of how her grandmother started making children's clothing to support her family after the loss of her husband.
Living in Western Colorado, Maryanna finds endless inspiration in the breathtaking landscapes that surround her, serving as perfect backdrops for her quilt photos. Her love for the outdoors and year-round activities fuels her passion for sewing, as she creates both cozy quilts and charming accessories. Today, Maryanna continues to honor her grandmother's legacy, infusing her love and dedication into every stitch and bringing warmth, beauty, and joy to those who see her work.
For more information about Maryanna, visit her website at www.postcardquilts.com.
Meet the Artist:
Artist in Residence Meet and Greet
Visit with Artist in Residence, Maryanna Powell, during her open studio hours every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon, beginning May 7 at the 970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave. Drop in, ask questions, and discover how traditional techniques can create contemporary, functional items.
Programs:
Artful Mending: Upcycle A ToteBag
Upcycle a tote bag with hand-stitched patchwork sashiko. Supplies included and registration required.
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17, Central Library Monument Room
Scrappy Fabric Bookmarks
Use your creativity and our scraps to hand-sew a custom bookmark. Supplies included and NO registration required.
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 970West Studio
Ornamental Fabric Folding
Create a unique, no-sew folded fabric ornament for your space! Supplies included and registration required.
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19, Central Library Monument Room
Click to enlarge
About the Artist in Residence (AIR) Program
Mesa County Libraries provides studio space in the 970West Studio through the Artist In Residence Program. Artists are encouraged to use this fourteen-week residency as an opportunity for growth and development while engaging with the community.
The Artist in Residence program aims to support the endeavors of our local artists who connect and engage the community with a variety of arts. Selected artists will receive a $2000 stipend courtesy of the Mesa County Libraries Foundation. Artists will 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.
Eligibility
Artists 18 years of age and older, residing in Mesa County, CO, and with a valid library card may apply. Artists selected for this program are at all stages in their careers and work in one or more of the following media: drawing, painting, fiber arts, sculpture, photography, video, music, fiction and nonfiction writing, and poetry. Artists working in other mediums are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on limitations of the studio. Applicants will be required to undergo a background check.
Selection Criteria
● Ability to teach and conduct workshops or presentations
● Readiness to engage with and benefit from the residency experience
● Artistic expression
● Dates of previous artists of similar items or topics
● Special needs, costs, or requests associated with space use or workshops
● Overall community interest
● Historical prominence or significance of the artist’s work
● Relevance to library programs
Process
Applications generally open up during the summer and will be posted at the top of this page. Residencies will be determined by the Art Committee members and additional library staff. All application materials must be submitted by the posted deadline. Work samples will be reviewed based on their technical aspects, and final residency selections will be determined by an interview process.
Artist’s Responsibility
While in the 970West Studio, Artists in Residence are expected to comply with the Library’s Code of Conduct. Additionally, each resident is expected to:
- Work with library staff to provide at least three library programs offered during his/her residency.
- Occupy the studio a minimum of six hours per week. A minimum of two of the six hours must be scheduled open studio time for community engagement.
- Provide a short presentation to the MCL Foundation Board about his/her residency.
- Allow the library to provide the following for its online catalog:
- A photograph (taken by staff, in the studio or at a library program) of the artist at work
- One digitized piece of the artist’s work
- A video recording of a brief interview between the artist and the library
The library respects all copyright laws and recognizes that intellectual property rights reside with the artist.
For more information or questions, please contact Jessica Geddes at [email protected] or call 970-683-2418.