CMU expands downtown partnership
CMU expands downtown partnership
CMU announced the university’s latest public/private partnership. The CMU Downtown Grand Junction Art Gallery 437CO welcomed the addition of Desert Dog Press. The community-oriented print shop will operate from 437CO specializing in letterpress, screen printing and printmaking. The gallery announcement follows recent news that that Factory, a Proximity Space, joined the Maverick Innovation Center on the main campus of CMU.
CMU Department Head and Professor of Art Suzie Garner, MFA applauded the most recent collaboration.
“In 2019 437CO established underwriting business supporters including Tacoparty, Carlson Wineries and Kannah Creek Brewing Company,” said Garner. “This year we are proud to announce yet another innovative art partnership that enhances experiences and opportunities for students while supporting Downtown Grand Junction’s creative district efforts.”
Desert Dog Press coordinator Devan Penniman will help operate the press and will host an open house for the community on February 22 from 5-8pm. The new community press can be accessed from the south side of the 437CO with preliminary hours of operation occurring Wednesday through Friday 3pm-8pm.
"Desert Dog is pleased to partner with 437CO and bring to the community a form of art entrepreneurialism that will help show CMU students how to do art while making a living through creativity," said Penniman. "We hope the community can join Desert Dog for a print shop demonstration and facility showcase event next week."
After the community opening Desert Dog will host programs and workshops for the community and will serve CMU students on an ongoing basis. The company will also provide opportunity for area high school students to explore letterpress, screen printing, book art and printmaking. This early introduction to what is possible with a press will allow students to continue exploring their creativity by possibly enrolling at CMU.
When 437CO and Desert Dog began partnership discussions, research demonstrated the facility will be the only press facility of its kind not located in a large, metropolitan area. Locating the press in Grand Junction also provides opportunity to serve smaller, rural communities throughout western Colorado.
The company plans to operate the project and serve the entire Grand Valley art community while allowing CMU alumni continued use of the press shop even after they graduate. Desert dog will provide CMU professors access to the print shop during non-operating hours for academic creation and use. This availability is part of the educational partnership. In additional to faculty access, Desert Dog will provide CMU students with internships, work study and will encourage Maverick alumni to teach courses in exchange for studio time.
Caitlin Love works for Downtown Grand Junction as Community Engagement Manager where she continually looks to foster connection between merchants, artisans, artists and business owners in the downtown region.
“These incremental additions to the Grand Junction Art community are part of what a creative district is all about,” said Love. “The new joint effort between Desert Dog and CMU’s 437CO is just one more development that enhances our new and burgeoning creative district in Grand Junction.”
For more information about CMU's Downtown Grand Junction programs and facilities contact Suzie Garner.
