Local artist's work highlights CMC Salida open house

By Mike McKibbin
Colorado Mountain College

Feb. 10, 2025 - The works of Arkansas Valley artist Brinkley Messick will be featured at an art opening during a Colorado Mountain College Salida open house on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 5-7 p.m. at the Salida campus, 349 E. 9th St.

Messick said in an interview his art primarily centers on landscapes such as mountain peaks and mountain ranges across Colorado. His medium is acrylic on salvaged and reclaimed wood.

"I like the idea of using reclaimed and restored materials," he added. "I've been focused almost exclusively on that for a long time."

Messick said he’s considered himself an artist "all my life."

"My parents were artists and I was involved in it when I started school," he explained. "I guess I've thought of myself as an artist full-time since 2021 and I've had my work displayed all over town since about 2006."

Rob Simpson, associate dean of academic and student affairs at CMC Salida, stated in an email that the CMC Foundation helped fund the open house and the purchases of two commissioned pieces of Messick's art.

Messick, as CMC Salida's artist-in-residence, agreed to display his artwork on campus for about 12 months. He said he was honored and excited to be chosen by CMC to take part in the art show.

"This is a great opportunity to highlight a local artist and also invite folks to campus that might not know much about CMC or what we do in the community," Simpson added.

Simpson noted previous artists highlighted at past open houses were ElkRaven Photography (2022), Kirstin Stock (2023) and Leslie Jorgensen (2024).

Between 60-100 people are expected to attend the event, which is the fourth time CMC Salida has hosted an event like this.

Faculty members such as biology professor Dr. Simon Waldbaum will also be on hand to demonstrate CMC Salida’s Anatomage digital table, which details the human body.

Emergency Medical Technician professor Jonathan Burk will provide demonstrations of CMC’s interactive simulation manikins, which are used for EMT and paramedic training.

Light appetizers will be served. This event is free and open to the public.