Monthly news and updates from Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance
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Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance fosters awareness and appreciation of the landscape and cultural heritage of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument through collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management.
Welcome to the inaugural edition of Cultural Connections, the new monthly newsletter from the Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance. I am thrilled to introduce this platform as a way to deepen our shared connection to the rich cultural heritage of the incredible land we call home.
At Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance, we aim to preserve, promote, and protect the cultural and natural resources of the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Through Cultural Connections, we aim to bring you closer to the stories, traditions, and landscapes that make this region so unique and vibrant. Each month, we will share updates on our conservation efforts, highlight the work of local artists and scholars, and provide insights into the ancient and contemporary cultures that continue to shape our community.
In this first edition, you'll find a recap of our recent Four Corners Indigenous Art Market, a note from the Board Chair, and a preview of upcoming events. We hope these stories inspire you to explore, learn, and engage with the cultural heritage that surrounds us.
Thank you for your continued support of Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of this remarkable place endures for generations to come.
Warm regards,
Markleigh Swanson Executive Director Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance
Four Corners Indigenous Art Market Recap
The recent Four Corners Indigenous Art Market was a resounding success, drawing over 450 attendees. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our volunteers for their exceptional efforts in ensuring the event ran smoothly. We are also deeply appreciative of the artists and performers who made the day truly special.
Testimonials
Artist's Feedback:
"We are very thankful to have had a great response to my artwork as it was my first market of the year. Despite our busy schedule with ceremonies and field work, the event was a rewarding experience. The volunteers were exceptional, helping us stay hydrated and attempting to keep us fed, even though it was hard to eat. Special thanks to Amala and the organizers for the stipend and accommodations."
Family's Appreciation:
"Kwakwa, thanks for the opportunity this weekend. My family and I are safe at home. We had a great time and enjoyed the cool weather."
Photographer's Note:
"Thanks for a great day and the chance to capture the Market."
Volunteer Experience:
"I really enjoyed my volunteer stint today, helping vendors set up and assisting with cash register duties. If there’s an email list, I would love to volunteer again next year."
Acknowledgments We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors: Colorado Creative Industries and the National Endowment for the Arts, Woods Canyon Archaeological Consultants, Southwest Health Systems, and Osprey Packs. Their generous support was instrumental in the success of the Art Market.
Overall, the Art Market provided a wonderful experience for artists, attendees, and volunteers alike. We look forward to another successful market next year.
Note from the Board Chair
June 2024
Happy Summer to you all. The Board and Staff have been working very hard on fundraising. By increasing our funding, we will be better able to partner with the Bureau of Land Management and provide programming, education and outreach for the monument visitors.
Continuing the theme of introducing our board of directors to you and sharing details from the strategic plan completed last year, read on to learn a little about Marcie Ryan and Strategy 1.
Board Member Highlight
Marcie Ryan, Board Treasurer and Secretary: Marcie previously served as Treasurer when SCCA was originally formed, and has an in-depth understanding of the mission and Treasurer’s duties. Marcie is recently retired from a variety of occupations. With a formal education in geology, she discovered the “archaeology community” when she moved here in 2005. She worked for over 10 years at Woods Canyon Archaeological Consultants in Cortez as their bookkeeper, office manager, and geologist/paleontologist, doing archaeological survey and field work as well. Most recently, she was the co-owner of Ryans’ Custom Products Engraving and Awards, a successful business for over 28 years. She served as an educator and front desk volunteer at Canyons of the Ancients Museum and Visitors’ Center for seven years, and currently volunteers on the Hisatsinom Survey crew, enthusiastically helping to record new archaeological sites on private land. She looks forward to helping SCCA achieve their goals and increase their membership. Marcie loves traveling, camping, dogs, and making jewelry. She has been married to husband Jerry for 32 years.
Highlighting the 2023 Strategic Plan Strategy 1: Maintain and Grow a Longstanding/Meaningful Partnership with BLM a. Maintain consistent and robust communications with BLM b. Be flexible to accommodate the needs of the BLM c. Bolster SCCA’s ability/role to serve as ambassador for the BLM
Upcoming Events
Second Saturday Cultural Demonstrations
Ongoing from 10 AM - 1 PM
July 13 | Shannon Stevens | Photography | Laguna Pueblo
August 10 | Sharlyn Sanchez | Contemporary Pottery | Acoma
September 14 | Robert Torres | Silversmith | San Carlos Apache
Follow the directions on the page and select Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance either by name or use this code, WM546;
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Help Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance Raise Much-Needed Funds for free!
Every time you shop at any of the 1,800+ online stores in the iGive network, a portion of the money you spend benefits Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance. It’s a free service, and you’ll never pay more when you reach a store through iGive. To get started, just create your free iGive account.
Looking for another way to give? Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance is proud to partner with ShopRaise. From groceries and apparel to technology and travel – a percentage of almost everything you buy using the ShopRaise app goes to support our cause. Click to download and start supporting us with every purchase: https://ShopRaise.com/support/swcocanyons
Thank you for supporting Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument!
Thank you for your support!*
Thank you to our members and supporters who donated between April 1 and April 30, 2024.
We appreciate your support!
Colorado Creative Industries Sue Fischer Four Corners Community Bank Kroger Susan Lowry Tim Oliverius Opsrey Packs Southwest Health Systems, Inc. Kenneth Stevenson Richard Wheeler Woods Canyon Archeological Consultants
Deep Gratitude to our Sustaining Members
Thank you for providing SCCA with a steady stream of support!
Steve Barker Ken Boucher Caroline Brown & Tom Ferrell Chris Burkett Tris & Bruce Downer Terri Helm Erik Hendrickson Don Hoffheins Vincent Miller Marcie Ryan Cynthia Sadler Michael Stillman Markleigh Swanson John Thyfault David & KD Umbarger
Thank You to our current Corporate Sponsors and Grant Funders!
Sincere thanks to all our supporters!
*SCCA processed contributions from new and renewing annual and sustaining members and donors named in this newsletter between April 1, 2024 and April 30, 2024. Corporate support and grants listed in this newsletter were given between June 1, 2023 and June 1, 2024. Please accept our sincerest apologies if your name or company is not listed here or if we have not yet processed your donation.
Visit Canyons of the Ancients National Monument For more information about visiting CANM go to this link.
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