Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance
Hike the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument!
We collaborate with the Bureau of Land Management to engage the public through education, outreach, and stewardship for the use and enjoyment of the natural and cultural landscape of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and nearby public lands.
Current Announcements
2026 Artist-in-Residence
February 19, 2026
No Comments
About the Artist Vicki Conley “It has been the best career possible—doing what I love” Vicki Conley grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and has
Call for Indigenous Artists
January 26, 2026
No Comments
Click here to apply for the 2026 Four Corners Indigenous Art Market!
Visit the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum
Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum is Southwest Colorado’s premier archaeological museum, operated by the Bureau of Land Management since 1988. All museum facilities are wheelchair-accessible.
Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum is a museum focusing on Ancestral Puebloan, Native American, and historic cultures in the Four Corners region. It is also headquarters for visitors traveling to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
Features include:
- Permanent exhibits on archaeology, local history and Native American cultures
- Two 12th-century archaeological sites (Ask a volunteer about the visiting these sites just outside of the museum.)
- Special exhibits and events
- Educational resources for teachers
- Internships for enrolled and recently graduated college students
- Research library of archaeology and anthropology resources
- Research collection of more than 3 million artifacts and records from archaeological projects in Southwest Colorado
- Picnic area and half-mile nature trail
Please call 970-882-5600 for customer services that may be available by phone or email on days the Visitor Center is not open. A “Virtual Ranger Station” will be stocked with maps, brochures, and junior ranger booklets and can be found next to the Visitor Center’s parking lot 24/7.
Social Media
2,783
Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance
SCCA promotes preservation and education for Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and its Visit
We’re proud to recognize Ancient Echoes at Kelly Place as a valued sponsor of the 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.![]()
![]()
Located in the heart of McElmo Canyon, Ancient Echoes at Kelly Place offers a place where visitors can experience the beauty and deep history of this landscape in a meaningful way. Their support helps bring artists to Canyons of the Ancients — providing space for creativity, reflection, and connection to the land.![]()
![]()
Through their sponsorship, Ancient Echoes at Kelly Place is helping foster artistic exploration rooted in place and ensuring that the stories and landscapes of this region continue to inspire.![]()
![]()
Thank you for supporting art, culture, and conservation at Canyons of the Ancients.![]()
![]()
Learn more about Ancient Echoes at their website: www.kellyplace.com/
🎨 Block Printing Inspired by Canyons of the Ancients![]()
![]()
Join Winter Artist-in-Residence Vicki Conley for a hands-on block printing workshop inspired by the landscapes, plants, and wildlife of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.![]()
![]()
📅 March 14, 2026![]()
⏰ 10 am – 12 pm OR 1 – 3 pm![]()
📍 Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center, 27501 CO-184, Dolores, CO 81323![]()
![]()
In this beginner-friendly workshop, participants will design and create a relief printing block inspired by something they’ve experienced in the Monument. Using simple, no-carving techniques, you'll print your design on paper and fabric. One fabric print can even be turned into a stitched patch for clothing or a backpack!![]()
![]()
Some prints may be combined into a collaborative quilt — a shared creative reflection of place.![]()
![]()
✨ All supplies provided![]()
👧 Ages 8+![]()
👥 Each session limited to 12 participants![]()
![]()
Come connect with the landscape in a creative and personal way.![]()
![]()
➡️ Registration required — reserve your spot today!![]()
swcocanyons.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F36708![]()
![]()
Questions? Call (970) 882-5600 or email aposeymonk@blm.gov![]()
![]()
Huge thank you to Ancient Echoes at Kelly Place for hosting Vicki and helping to sponsor this year's Artist-in-Residence at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument!
We are pleased to welcome our 2026 Artist-in-Residence, Vicki Conley, to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.![]()
![]()
A lifelong creative originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Vicki recently retired after a remarkable 42-year career as a studio potter, during which she sold her work throughout the western United States and founded Piñon Pottery in Ruidoso Downs. Over the past two decades, her artistic focus has evolved toward fiber arts, where she now creates striking art quilts inspired by the natural world.![]()
![]()
Blending her background in science with her deep love of public lands, Vicki’s work interprets landscapes through fabric and thread, highlighting both their beauty and the importance of conservation. Her nationally recognized pieces—often inspired by national parks—have been exhibited across the United States and internationally, including in Quilt National (2017 & 2025), and are held in public and private collections.![]()
![]()
Learn more about Vicki and her work here: www.vicki-conley.com/![]()
![]()
Vicki will be in residence March 1–15, during which she will explore the landscapes of Canyons of the Ancients through her textile practice and engage with the community. She will also lead two hands-on block printing workshops on March 14, offering the public an opportunity to connect creatively with the Monument.![]()
![]()
Register here: swcocanyons.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F36708![]()
![]()
Please join us in welcoming Vicki — we are honored to have her bring her unique perspective and artistry to Canyons of Ancients National Monument!
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re feeling incredibly grateful. 💛![]()
To everyone who volunteered, attended an event, shared our work, or made a gift, thank you for showing up for Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.![]()
![]()
Because of you, cultural sites were protected, living traditions were celebrated, artists were supported, and our community came together to honor this remarkable place. We are so thankful to be part of a community that cares deeply about this landscape and its stories.![]()
![]()
In our December newsletter, Executive Director, Markleigh Swanson, and Board Chair, Don Hoffheins, reflect on what made this year so meaningful and share their deep gratitude for everyone who believes in the work SCCA is doing.![]()
![]()
📖 Read the December newsletter here: ![]()
api.neonemails.com/emails/content/YnAwsDXzL2Lc18TZIaPHynBMjjnYmQJqfgg2GjaBsPA=![]()
![]()
We are so grateful to be doing this work alongside you.
🎉 Thank You, SCCA Community! 🎉![]()
![]()
Because of you, Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance raised $3,181 from 29 generous donors during Colorado Gives Day—including early giving and Giving Tuesday!![]()
![]()
Your support helps protect the cultural and natural heritage of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, uplift Indigenous artists and educators, engage volunteers, and inspire deeper stewardship of this extraordinary landscape.![]()
![]()
We are so grateful for every donation, every share, every encouraging word, and every person who shows up for the Monument we all love.![]()
![]()
Thank you for standing with us—and for all you do to protect, preserve, and celebrate this special place. 💛![]()
![]()
#thankyou #coloradogivesday #givewhereyoulive #swcogives #CanyonsOfTheAncients #scca
YouTube
