Culture Fest 2019 – Report to CAL ILCE-IG Grant
submitted by Karen Kllanxhja, Mesa County Libraries
Culture Fest 2019 began on Friday evening, November 1 as part of Grand Junction’s First Friday ( a monthly event featuring new exhibits at the Art Center and downtown galleries). A reception honoring the participants in the Culture Fest Art Exhibition took place in the Central Library’s Community Rooms. Music was provided by Earth Studio’s Thea & Eric. Appetizers were provided along with a tasting of the Library Foundation’s signature wines, Well Read and Grape Gatsby.
Megan Bissonnette, Assistant Professor of Art History and Art Gallery Director at Colorado Mesa University, served as juror. Thirty works of art by twenty-two local artists were selected for the exhibition. Three received honoraria and two were recognized as honorable mention.
On Saturday, November 2, from 11 am – 3pm individuals from 17 different countries manned tables displaying artwork, food, and information throughout the library. Among the countries represented were Italy, Peru, Mexico, and Nepal.
Saturday’s entertainment included performances by Nueva Generacion, the Colorado West Celtic Dancers, Sultan’s Pride, Monumental Movement, Dancing Arts Ballet, and Nine Province Kung Fu.
Five crafting stations were set up in the Youth Services Center. Children and their parents made Japanese Fish Kites, Llama finger puppets (Peru) and Nesting Cats (Russia). Also in the Youth Services Center, children had their photos taken and made passports to mark their travels throughout the library.
Over 2,100 individuals attended the event and 39 volunteers assisted staff with hosting.
Funding from the CAL-ILCE IG grant was used for event supplies, marketing, and publicity.
International Library and Cultural Exchange Interest Group 
Very nice report of a very nice event.