Artist in Residence Kathy Thaden August 14 - November 20, 2023
Kathy Thaden
Kathy Thaden’s contemporary mosaics range from abstracts to commissioned work. Her award-winning art is inspired by nature and the desert Southwest, along with a hope to express care for the earth and all humanity. Through her art, she strives to understand our roles within society, seeking to engage the viewer in a visual narrative. "As a mosaicist, I treasure glass and stone scraps or discarded items from our “throw-away” consumer culture. It is important to me that nothing be wasted, finding beauty in the brokenness. My work as an artist is informed by my faith – expressing awe at creation and the Creator.” Before discovering modern mosaics twenty years ago, Kathy was an Emmy-award-winning TV art director and graphic designer. A full-time studio artist, founding member and Past-President of Colorado Mosaic Artists, Kathy leads mosaic retreats and teaches workshops in-person as well as online. Kathy lives in western Colorado with her husband on their homestead.
Learn more about Kathy and her work through her website and be sure to check out our events calendar to view or register for programs she plans to offer.
Kathy's weekly Meet & Greets are scheduled every Tuesday from 12pm to 2pm, August 22 through November 14, in the 970West Studio located just across from the Central library at 502 Ouray Ave. Everyone is welcome to stop in during these open house hours to chat with Kathy, ask questions, and see what she's working on.
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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 $1000 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 Fall 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 air@mcpld.org or call 970-683-2418.