CMC Rifle's ceramics instructor Michelle McCurdy receives Art in Service Award

Michelle McCurdy, who's taught ceramics at the Rifle campus for 30 years, was recognized at the Garfield County Humanitarian Awards on Sept. 16, 2026. Below is an excerpt from a story by Glenwood Springs Post Indepedent's Jaymin Kanzer. 

By Jaymin Kanzer, Post Independent

Whether inspiring students to reach their creative potential or helping lead a decade-long collaboration among Colorado Mountain College, Grand River Health and Meals on Wheels, Michelle McCurdy has served without expecting recognition.

Even after receiving a standing ovation when her name was called Monday night, McCurdy said the recognition was difficult to take in.

“It feels a little overwhelming,” she said with a teary smile. “I am just so honored.”

McCurdy has taught ceramics at Colorado Mountain College for 30 years, working with accomplished artists while passing decades of knowledge and confidence to the next generation.

“She exemplifies the humanitarian spirit and inspires others to create beautiful, meaningful things, not only in what they produce, but in their acts of service,” Garfield County Commissioner Mike Samson said.

Reading from nomination materials, Samson said one nominator wrote that McCurdy has spent more than 30 years “molding more than just clay,” helping shape Garfield County’s cultural and humanitarian fabric.

“They lead by example and graciously rally others to help support humans in need; an unsung hero,” Samson read.

Another nominator described McCurdy’s work as “something that I have not seen in any other institution around the planet,” Samson said.

McCurdy’s reach extends well beyond the students in her classroom.

“Not only is this person a phenomenal instructor and natural-born leader, but she is also the heart and hands of the Empty Bowls fundraiser with Meals on Wheels, and helps nourish community members in need,” Samson said. “Starting with 137 bowls in its inception in 2016, Empty Bowls now brings in between 500 and 600 bowls annually. She’s blended art and philanthropy to deliver measurable, lasting, and exponential impact. There is beauty in how she lives, in what she contributes in the classroom, and in our community.”

McCurdy credited those she has worked with and the organization that gave her the opportunity to serve.

“Colorado Mountain College has given me the vehicle to do all this,” she told the crowd. “I am so grateful for them and so grateful to all my students, many of whom are here. I don’t feel worthy, really, but I guess so many others think I am; thank you so much.”

To read the full story, go to Garfield County humanitarians honored for decades of service | PostIndependent.com