Celebrate the Unveiling of The New Mural at CMC Rifle

Join us in celebrating the past, present, and future of our campus and community. The walls of our building have long held art and imagery honoring our mining, ranching, and farming roots: Miners of many kinds stand alongside hunters and ranchers; sugar beet and hay harvests pile high; and over 100 local brands adorn our branding wall. 

We are now pleased to expand our art to include the Ute people and their connection to the Colorado River Valley. 

Our new mural was created by Jeremy Velasquez, a Rifle-based artist known for his vibrant, compelling explorations of nature, symbols, people, place, and community.  

Jeremy’s mural includes an image of Southern Ute Kenny Frost, who worked in our region for many years. Kenny, who grew up on the Southern Ute Reservation, began with the United States Forest Service (USFS) on the Western Slope in the 1990s, and made a lasting impact on history, policy, and governance. His work led to three key accomplishments: organizing the United Ute Powwow, which brought together the three sovereign Ute Nations for the first time in 118 years; overseeing the respectful reburial of an 8,000-year-old indigenous man in the White River National Forest; and helping include Native American interests in the first Land and Resource Management Plan for the White River National Forest. His efforts resulted in the establishment of quarterly Tri-Ute meetings that continue today. 

We also welcome Larry Cesspooch, a filmmaker, Navy Veteran, and storyteller from the Ute Indian Tribe. Larry has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the stories, language, and lifeways of his people and has produced hundreds of films through his company, Through Native Eyes Productions.  

As part of our celebration, Mr. Cesspooch will guide us through storytelling and reflection that inspired the mural, including the following.  

• The Ute Creation Story  

• The history of the Ute people in Garfield County  

• How the seasons shaped Ute life and culture  

• A blessing for the mural and for those in attendance  

Light refreshments will be served, inspired by traditional Ute staples and the seasonal bounty of the region.