News from the Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio
September 2023
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Elevate your product photography with our double-sided product photography backdrops! Measuring 22 inches by 34 inches, these 30 laminated backdrops boast vibrant double-sided printing which offers a wide array of color and pattern combinations, allowing you to select the perfect backdrop for your upcoming product photography session. Setting up is a breeze thanks to our straightforward clip support system. Don't wait – request these backdrops for your next 970West Studio reservation and make your products stand out! | |
Discover what the 970West Studio staff have been reading, watching, and listening to. | |
Jason's Pick:
Children of Men
I'm a sucker for Easter eggs in film.
One of my favorite examples appears in the 2006 dystopian thriller, Children of Men.
During a scene at the Ministry of Art, a compound that houses rescued works of art like Michelangelo's David, Picasso's Guernica, and a chunk of pub wall tagged with a rad Banksy piece, Kissing Coppers, savvy viewers might spot a giant pig outside the window, floating in the air over industrial-sized smokestacks, and detect it as an homage to the cover art of Pink Floyd's 1977 album, Animals.
Alfonso Cuarón, the celebrated director of this film and others such as Y tu mamá también, Gravity, and Roma, likely included this as a nod to the similar themes shared by the album and his film, those of societal decay and general dissatisfaction with the human condition.
This is when I knew that Cuarón was a creative genius working on many levels.
Other noteworthy scenes like the "how-the-heck-did-they-film-that" car ambush scene and the infamous "one-shot" scene, which puts us right inside the action with Clive Owen, scrambling amid flying bullets and general chaos, have been the subject of countless YouTube deep-dives. But, for me, the most emotionally intense scene is the "cease-fire." I won't spoil the film here, but suffice it to say that the scene ultimately adds a sense of hope to an otherwise bleak vision of humanity's future. And hope is one thing we as a society will be sorely in need of in the coming years.
Cuarón is known for his innovative filming techniques. Book a session at the 970West Studio today to hone your own filmmaking skills!
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Denise's Pick:
American Ocelot
With all the beautiful weather this month, sitting still long enough to read, watch, write, or create anything new feels like trying to wrestle a Halloween costume onto a big, sassy alleycat – a seemingly impossible feat! Yet somehow I've managed … in 20-minute increments … sprinkled into random evenings … over the course of several weeks … to catch … little snapshots … of a fantastic new documentary, American Ocelot.
Given that these magnificent spotted felines rarely cross paths with humans, my brief and stuttered glimpses of ocelot footage this month is an apt parallel to real life ocelot/human encounters.
Half a century ago, ocelots were hunted to near-extinction for their skins. They are now a protected species but are endangered in the United States, vulnerable worldwide, and ocelot populations are still hanging on by their claws. If they aren't being struck by vehicles, ocelots are starving from loss of hunting habitats, or being poisoned by their food (they prey on rats and other often-baited rodents.)
Ocelot health is in our hands. We know what's harming them (it's us!), so both the problem and the antidote are in our control, and will be affected by our choices. Healthy ocelots are nature's best army against invasive animal species that wreak havoc on critical ecosystems. Environmental degradation poisons everything. We are all part of this big, beautiful, biodiversity puzzle, and our health rests in the ocelot's paws too.
On the bright side, recent studies suggest that watching cat videos is great for mental health. This activity can release dopamine, increase energy, and stimulate positive thoughts. So if you aren't too busy enjoying the outdoors (or making your own film with one of 970West Studio's GoPros or Film Kits), then you should definitely check out American Ocelot at Mesa County Libraries. It's good for your health, dog!
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Take a 970West Studio class!
Most classes require advance registration. Click the links to register.
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970West Studio Orientation
Take the first step toward using the 970West Studio. Orientation classes last an hour. Not recommended for patrons younger than 16 years without adult accompaniment.
Registration is NOT required, but please bring your library card.
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The next 970West Studio Orientations take place:
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Studio Q&A
Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon
Explore the 970West Studio as we offer Orientations and have staff available to answer your multimedia production questions.
Assistance is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. In-depth/additional questions may require a future Book a Studio Specialist appointment if others are waiting.
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Our next Studio Q&A sessions will be offered at the following times:
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Camera Kit Basics
If you're interested in checking out one of Mesa County Libraries camera kits, but don't know where or how to get started, this class is for you! We will cover the basics of camera care, practice using the kits, and discuss how to check out/return the kits. Patrons must be 18 years or older to check out equipment, so we do not recommend this class for unaccompanied minors.
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Intro to Digital Cameras
This introductory class for budding photographers will explore the "Exposure Triangle": the camera's ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. The goal of this class is for attendees to understand and be comfortable with the buttons, dials, and settings of digital cameras, and to see how they all work together to record an image.
Patrons are encouraged to bring their own digital camera to this class for hands-on practice. Studio cameras will be available for those not bringing a camera.
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Camera Q&A
Bring your camera, printouts, or just your questions to this meeting of photo-minded friends looking to learn more about photography, share ideas, and hone their craft. Discussions facilitated by photographer Kyle Webb and the 970West staff.
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Intro to Photo Editing
Learn how to edit and enhance your photographs using Adobe Photoshop. In this course you will be introduced to the many editing tools available to remove blemishes, alter backgrounds, and improve or change color and contrast of your photos. Participants are welcome to bring their own digital photograph to use during the class. While previous Photoshop experience is not required, kindly note that basic computer literacy (mouse/keyboard operation and file navigation) is a prerequisite skill for this class.
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Intro to Photo Editing takes place at 2 p.m. Friday, October 20, in the 970West Studio Live Room. Seating is limited, and registration is required. | |
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Intro to Art Digitization
This introductory class will familiarize you with the necessary equipment and fundamentals to digitize your two-dimensional works of art using the 970West Studio.
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Introduction to Art Digitization takes place at the following times:
| Seating is limited, and registration is required. | |
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Filmmaker's Workshop
Ready to launch into YouTube stardom? Excited about video podcasting, interviews, training videos, or just want to connect with other film enthusiasts? Then it's time to blast into the galaxy of video production at 970West Studio! In each monthly session, you decide the topics we explore – from pre-production, film production, audio capture, and editing, to hands-on practice with gear, discussion, and more. No experience is necessary.
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Podcast Production
Podcasting is a great way to get your story out there! Join us at 970West Studio, where we will go over microphone choice, multitrack recording, signal processing, mixing, and file exporting.
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Audio Production @ 970West
Join us for Audio Production @ 970West and embark on an exciting journey into the captivating world of audio creation at your local do-it-yourself production studio. Designed for beginners, this hands-on course is your gateway to unlocking the fundamental skills required to produce exceptional audio projects.
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Audio Plugins
Plugins can help you shape your sound, solve audio problems, and give you access to tons of virtual instruments. Join us in this hands-on class to learn how to add plugins to your next project, as well as discover some of the unique plugins available to you at 970West!
Prior Audio Production class or similar experience is highly recommended.
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Intro to Microphones
Explore the collection of microphones available at 970West Studio! In this beginner-friendly class, we will review fundamentals of sound, learn about different types of microphones and their features, and practice the basic mechanics of setting up microphones and mic accessories.
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Intro to Microphones takes place at 2 p.m. Friday, October 20, in the 970West Studio Control Room. Seating is limited, and registration is required. | |
Additional technology resources are available on our Technology Guide: Tutorials and Classes page. T here you will find printable class handouts, basic tech help for your computer or mobile device, and a selection of tutorials. Still not finding what you're looking for? Request a Book a Studio Specialist appointment to receive one-on-one instruction for your tech-related topic.
All studio classes take place at the 970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave., across from the Central Library in downtown Grand Junction.
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Follow the 970West Studio on Instagram | |
Follow @970west_studio on Instagram for regular posts about all things 970WestStudio. | |
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A NOTE TO READERS
You are receiving this e-newsletter because you are a patron of Mesa County Libraries and/or the 970West Studio.
- The 970West Studio email newsletter is sent monthly (with occasional special editions) to patrons to keep you informed about what's happening at the studio and your local library.
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Contact Mesa County Libraries at 970-243-4442 or visit mesacountylibraries.org | | | | |