Starting next week, the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum will feature artwork by students from Southwest Open School.

An exhibit opening will be May 29 at 1 p.m., and the show will run until June 12. Students created artwork inspired by local archaeological sites, documents and artifacts.

“Our local museum staff worked with these talented students to formulate and install an exhibit,” said Marietta Eaton, museum and monument manager. “We are proud of our unique partnership with the Southwest Open School and look forward to sharing their creations with the public when the exhibit opens.”

The students also connected with BLM staff to learn about the importance of cultural resource management as well as Ancestral Puebloan culture including architecture, technology and art through the school’s local alternative education campus charter high school.

“We appreciate the BLM’s willingness to help our students explore art and archaeology,” said Ed Whritner, Southwest Open School teacher. “It’s our mission is to create a community of learners who utilize expeditionary, experiential education.”

The public can view the exhibit from May 29 to June 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum, west of Dolores at 27501 Colorado Highway 184. Admission to the museum is $3 per person. Children under 18 and America the Beautiful Public Lands Pass holders enter the museum for free.

To learn more, contact Ed Whritner at 970-565-1150 or visit bit.ly/2sHs4f4