Artist in Residence: TJ Smith

TJ Smith served as the twelfth Mesa County Libraries Artist in Residence at the 970West Studio. The dates of his residency were January 13 - April 20, 2020. During the residency, he kept open studio hours on Thursdays from 2-4:00 pm and Tuesday from 5-7:00 pm, allowing him to showcase his art and creative process for Mesa County residents. He also gave four public, educational programs (another program was canceled due to the covid-19 pandemic): RECORDING MEMORIES ON PAPER (Thursday, February 6, 2020, 6-7:30 pm) (Monument Room) This program was also held at the Palisade Branch (Saturday, February 22, 2022, 2 pm) and the Fruita Branch (Tuesday, February 25, 2020, 2 pm) Event description: Learn the basics of layout and composition, as well as collage and printmaking techniques to create a handheld memory booklet. Participants are encouraged to bring in photos, ephemera, and/or found objects from a particular event or moment in time to use in creating that personal booklet of remembrance. MAKE A BOOKLET (Neighbors Read program) (February 20, 2020, 6:30 pm) (Central Children’s Center) Event description: Kids and families learn the basics of collage and printmaking to create a one-of-a-kind booklet.

Colorful Inside
This piece is part of the Artist in Residence collection at 970West studios, from the residency of TJ Smith (January 13 - April 20, 2020).
Fiery Valley
This piece is part of the Artist in Residence collection at 970West studios, from the residency of TJ Smith (January 13 - April 20, 2020).
Grand Haze
This piece is part of the Artist in Residence collection at 970West studios, from the residency of TJ Smith (January 13 - April 20, 2020).
Red Hugs
This piece is part of the Artist in Residence collection at 970West studios, from the residency of TJ Smith (January 13 - April 20, 2020).
Sun Kissed She
This piece is part of the Artist in Residence collection at 970West studios, from the residency of TJ Smith (January 13 - April 20, 2020).
TJ Smith Retrospective
In a retrospective video covering his period as Artist in Residence at 970West Studio in Mesa County Libraries, artist and graphic designer TJ Smith talks about his work in printing, painting and photography. He speaks about his hope that his artwork conveys positivity to his audience. He explains the way in which nature’s creativity inspires and drives his own creative process. He discusses the value of community to him as support, sounding board, and audience. He talks about the value of the arts in education and his desire to support the arts in schools.