Artist in Residence

Artist in Residence Emily Adamson January 8 - April 12, 2024

artist Emily Adamson wearing glasses, wearing a black and white striped shirt holding a rug tufting gun

click to enlarge

Emily Adamson originates from Grand Junction, Colorado, where her passion for art has been a lifelong journey. Adamson naturally inclined towards creativity, and at the age of 14, she began to pursue her craft, spurred on by the support of her mentors at Grand Junction High School. A proud alumna of Colorado Mesa University, Emily holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a focus on Graphic Design. Her artistic footprint extends across the community, with notable murals featured at prominent locations such as Downtown Grand Junction for United Way and a featured piece at Copeka Coffee.

Artist Statement:
My creative journey spans rug tufting, spray painting, and digital mediums, all of which converge to convey a playful and bold artistic expression. My work draws inspiration from symbology, the natural world, and elements of whimsy, bridging the familiar and fantastical.

I aim to inspire and invite viewers to embrace the beauty of the unexpected. Art has always been an origin of magic and escape for myself and many others. The act of creation is an irresistible force, and I take delight in the challenges it presents. It's not just about producing; it's also a rich source of life lessons.

Programs:
Needle Punching
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 23, Fruita Branch Library and 4:30- 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 20, Palisade Branch Library
Workshop participants will learn how to needle punch, a beginner friendly rug making technique. Leave with a 5”x5” hand made craft! Intended for teens and adults. Supplies provided and
registration required.

Preschool STEAM: Yarn Exploration!
Friday, March 29 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Central Library Community Room
Parents will assist their little one while we learn how to craft yarn wands and pom poms which can be used for decorations, keychains or whatever your heart desires.
Supplies provided.

The History of Rug Making
Wednesday, March 6 at 5:30 p.m. Central Library Mesa Community Room
Join us for an afternoon of learning about the intricacies and history behind the craft of rug making. We will discuss different types of rug making, the endangered crafts list and how Emily makes her rugs. We will wrap up the presentation with some live demonstrations and a Q&A session.

Meet and Greets: Tuesdays 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. at the 970West Studio
Curious about rug tufting, illustration, or content creation? Don’t be shy! Stop by 970West Studio to meet our Artist in Residence, Emily Adamson during her open studio hours. Follow her journey on instagram @byemilyadamson

 


the artist in residence space has a sink, closet door, brown concrete floor and a lot of natural light.

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 $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.