Join us for a special panel featuring authors who contributed to the Colorado 150 Southwest Power of Place commemorative magazine. This panel will explore topics ranging from the Dominguez-Escalante expedition, the Hayden Survey in Southwest Colorado, wildlife management, agriculture, and contemporary Southern Ute women's leadership. Come early to explore the Constellations of Place exhibition.

Panel moderator: Richard Ballantine. Panelists: Linda Baker (Southern Ute), Pat Dorsey, Robert McDaniel, Scott Perez, and John Peel.

Free and open to the public. Refreshments provided by the Colorado 150 SW group.

February 28, 2026

6:00 - 7:30 PM

Join us on February 28 for a special open house celebrating Constellations of Place and the Colorado 150 Southwest initiative. Enjoy light refreshments and explore this powerful exhibition, guest curated by Dr. Meranda Roberts, which highlights Indigenous and Latinx artistic perspectives on the landscapes and layered histories of Southwest Colorado.

Free and open to the public. Refreshments provided by the Colorado 150 SW group.

Did you miss Amy Cao’s recent webinar on building slant board mounts? Don't worry - you can catch it online. Amy, the Center’s Collections Manager and Fort Lewis College’s NAGPRA Specialist, drew more than 400 attendees for this behind-the-scenes look at the hands-on work that supports exhibitions and collections care. Congratulations to Amy on such a fantastic turnout and be sure to check out the recorded webinar (link below).

Since its opening, Constellations of Place has been getting some wonderful attention from across the region. We’re grateful for the thoughtful coverage and the many conversations the exhibition has sparked. Below is a selection of recent features and reviews.

New Art Exhibitions Offer Creative Interpretations of Native Survival and Endurance, hosted by Art Hughes, Native American Calling Podcast (February 6, 2026)

Center of Southwest Studies’ Exhibit Rooted in Landscape, People, and History of Southwest Colorado, Jamie Wanzek, Rocky Mountain Community Radio/KSUT (February 13, 2026)

Your support makes our exhibits and programming possible, funds collections care, and allows the Center to provide engaging learning opportunities for Fort Lewis College students and the broader community.

Please consider donating today!

Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM or by appointment

For an appointment, please call:

970-247-7126 (Archives) or 970-247-7333 (Gallery/Museum)

Center of Southwest Studies, Fort Lewis College