Lao-tzu would be proud

My journey of a thousand miles (490 miles, actually) began when I accepted new faculty position in the graphic design program at Colorado Mountain College, near Glenwood Springs, Colorado. I’ve been an instructor at The Art Institute of Las Vegas for seven years. I also teach a course in the journalism program at University of Nevada Las Vegas. I’ve enjoyed both of these positions immensely, but felt the call of a new challenge. Beside, who wouldn't want to live in the Glenwood Springs area? I’ve been in Las Vegas for 19 years. That‘s a lot of triple-digit summers, and a long time being surrounded by thousands of square miles of dusty brown nothing. Casinos bore me, so apart from the entertainment, there’s not much I like about Las Vegas, apart from the fact that it’s been good to me and my family.

My family lived in Colorado Springs while I attended Cheyenne Mountain Jr. High. And of all the places I’ve lived (San Diego, central Indiana, Chicago, Nashville, Oklahoma City, Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas) I enjoyed Colorado the most. There’s just so much to do. I’m too wretched a downhill skier to waste the time doing it, but I enjoy cross-country skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting, and off-roading. I might try some mountain biking, but I spent too much of my youth riding a bike out of necessity to find it very recreational.

One thing that my vagabond early life has taught me is that great design happens everywhere, not just in major metropolitan areas. Of course the ying and yang of the universe is impossible to escape: bad design happens everywhere, too. I look forward to helping my new students explore design on the Western Slope. But before I do that, my wife and I need to find a place to live.

We’re driving East deal with the housing situation later this month. We were there in early November, and my wife really likes Glenwood itself. It’s got a small-town vibe and it’s easily walkable. But we also want to check out Carbondale, since the Spring Valley campus of Colorado Mountain College campus is halfway between the two.

The campus is nicely place on top of a mesa overlooking the valley where Carbondale is nestled. There are spectacular views of Mt. Sopris and the Elk Mountains. I wonder if the natural beauty is distracting? There’s an admin/classroom building with tricked-out computer and digital photo labs. There’s a library building with some more classroom space. There’s a student center with a cafeteria and gym. And there’s a residence hall. It’s only a few minutes from town, but you feel like you’re way out in the alpine countryside.