Illustrator and graphic designer Rachel Campbell Osborne is the new Mesa County Libraries 970West Artist in Residence.
Campbell Osborne’s residency begins May 24 and lasts through Aug. 30, 2021. During that time, she will teach programs focusing on different kinds of painting, and she will host weekly Meet and Greets at the Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave., where the public can drop in and see what she’s working on.
Campbell Osborne has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design from Colorado Mesa University and says she is grateful to have grown up surrounded by Mesa County’s rich and beautiful landscape.
“I create my whimsical and vibrant art in watercolor and through digital media. A lot of my work involves quirky character designs. To me, the most inspiring thing in the whole world is nature, especially plants and animals, and I often incorporate these elements into my work. Whether I’m designing my own hybrid creatures, or creating custom portraits, I am always looking for opportunities to add a creative twist,” she says.
She will offer all-ages Meet and Greets 3-5 p.m. each Thursday through Aug. 26 at the 970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave. (just north of the Central Library).
For adults, Campbell Osborne will offer a class in en plein air watercolor painting. For children, she will offer a fun outdoor watercolor class. For teens, she will offer a class in Sharpie art. Some classes require advance registration via the Event Calendar. Details about all classes can be found on the Event Calendar.
PROGRAMS
- For Adults: En Plein Air Watercolor Painting
Learn tips and techniques for outdoor watercolor painting! Create a fun, nature-inspired painting. Supplies are included, but you are welcome to bring your own. Be prepared for weather and sun. NOTE: Please register for only one session as this class is not a series. Advance registration is required via the Event Calendar at mesacountylibraries.org.
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- 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 8, at Chinle Cactus Garden, 2775 U.S. Highway 50 (CSU Extension office at the Mesa County Fairgrounds on Orchard Mesa)
- 10 a.m. Saturday, June 26, at the Palisade Branch Library Courtyard, 119 W. Third St.
- 10 a.m. Thursday, July 8, Mesa County Libraries Discovery Garden, 517 Chipeta Ave.
- For Kids: Outdoor Watercolors at Kids Club
Kids will learn how to create an easy En Plein Air Watercolor Painting!
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- 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, at the Fruita Civic Center Park and Pavilion, 325 E. Aspen Ave.
- 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 15, at the Discovery Garden, 517 Chipeta Ave.
- 11 a.m. Friday, July 16, at the Long Family Memorial Park Mollie Shelter, 3117 F Road)
- For Teens: Sharpie Art
Teens will use a Sharpie marker to transform an everyday object into something unique and fun! Bring an object of your choice, or choose from one provided. Supplies included.
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- 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, Central Library Community Room, 443 N. 6th St.
- For Everyone: Meet and Greet
Drop in and see what Campbell Osborne is working on!
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- 3-5 p.m. each Thursday through Aug. 26 at the 970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave.
ABOUT THE MESA COUNTY LIBRARIES 970WEST ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
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. Selected artists receive a $500 stipend courtesy of the Mesa County Libraries Foundation. Artists are provided with studio space in the library’s 970West Studio to hone and focus their creative talents while sharing their expertise and skills with the community through scheduled presentations and workshops at the library. Artists are encouraged to use their 14-week residency as an opportunity for growth and development while engaging with the community.
Partners in the 970West Artist in Residence program include the Grand Junction Downtown Creative District and The Art Center.
Find more information about the 970West Artist in Residence program here.