Impact of CaSO4-rich soil on Miocene surface preservation and Quaternary sinuous to meandering channel forms in the hyperarid Atacama Desert

  • Dunai, T. J., Lopez, G. A. G. & Juez-Larre, J. Oligocene-Miocene age of aridity in the Atacama Desert revealed by exposure dating of erosion-sensitive landforms. Geology 33, 321–324. https://doi.org/10.1130/g21184.1 (2005).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Ritter, B. et al. Neogene fluvial landscape evolution in the hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert. Sci. Rep. 8, 13952. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-32339-9 (2018).

    Article 
    ADS 
    CAS 
    PubMed 
    PubMed Central 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Jordan, T. E., Kirk-Lawlor, N. E., Blanco, P. N., Rech, J. A. & Cosentino, N. J. Landscape modification in response to repeated onset of hyperarid paleoclimate states since 14 Ma, Atacama Desert Chile. Geol. Soc. Am. Bull. 14, 15. https://doi.org/10.1130/b30978.1 (2014).

    Article 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Evenstar, L. et al. Geomorphology on geologic timescales: Evolution of the late Cenozoic Pacific paleosurface in Northern Chile and Southern Peru. Earth-Sci. Rev. 171, 1–27 (2017).

    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Houston, J. Variability of precipitation in the Atacama Desert: Its causes and hydrological impact. Int. J. Climatol. 26, 2181–2198. https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.1359 (2006).

    Article 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Garreaud, R. D., Molina, A. & Farias, M. Andean uplift, ocean cooling and Atacama hyperaridity: A climate modeling perspective. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 292, 39–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2010.01.017 (2010).

    Article 
    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Garreaud, R. D., Vuille, M., Compagnucci, R. & Marengo, J. Present-day South American climate. Palaeogeogr. Palaeoclimatol. Palaeoecol. 281, 180–195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2007.10.032 (2009).

    Article 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Houston, J. & Hartley, A. J. The Central Andean west-slope rainshadow and its potential contribution to the origin of hyper-aridity in the Atacama desert. Int. J. Climatol. 23, 1453–1464 (2003).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Rech, J. A. et al. Massive middle Miocene gypsic paleosols in the Atacama Desert and the formation of the Central Andean rain-shadow. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 506, 184–194 (2019).

    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Wang, F. et al. Beryllium-10 concentrations in the hyper-arid soils in the Atacama Desert, Chile: Implications for arid soil formation rates and El Niño driven changes in Pliocene precipitation. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 160, 227–242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2015.03.008 (2015).

    Article 
    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Ericksen, G. E. Geology and Origin of the Chilean Nitrate Deposits. Report No. 1188, 37 (USGS, Washington, 1981).

  • Binnie, S. et al. The origins and implications of paleochannels in hyperarid, tectonically active regions: The northern Atacama Desert, Chile. Glob. Planet. Change 185, 103083. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2019.103083 (2020).

    Article 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Tooth, S. Process, form and change in dryland rivers: A review of recent research. Earth Sci. Rev. 51, 67–107 (2000).

    ADS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Tooth, S. & Nanson, G. C. Equilibrium and nonequilibrium conditions in dryland rivers. Phys. Geogr. 21, 183–211 (2000).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Griffiths, J., Fookes, P., Goudie, A. & Stokes, M. Processes and landforms in deserts. Geol. Soc. Lond. Eng. Geol. Spec. Publ. 25, 33–95 (2012).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Billi, P., Demissie, B., Nyssen, J., Moges, G. & Fazzini, M. Meander hydromorphology of ephemeral streams: Similarities and differences with perennial rivers. Geomorphology 319, 35–46 (2018).

    ADS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Santos, M. G. et al. Meandering rivers in modern desert basins: Implications for channel planform controls and prevegetation rivers. Sediment. Geol. 385, 1–14 (2019).

    ADS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Ielpi, A. Morphodynamics of meandering streams devoid of plant life: Amargosa River, Death Valley, California. GSA Bull. 131, 782–802 (2019).

    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Vásquez, P. & Sepúlveda, F. Cartas Iquique y Pozo Almonte – Región de Tarapacá No. 161–163 Escala 1:100.000. Carta Geológica de Chile Serie Geología Básica (2013).

  • Marquardt, R., Marinovic, S. & Muñoz, T. Geología de las ciudades de Iquique y Alto Hospicio, región de Tarapacá, Escala 1: 25.000. (2008).

  • Morgan, A. et al. Sedimentology and climatic environment of alluvial fans in the martian Saheki crater and a comparison with terrestrial fans in the Atacama Desert. Icarus 229, 131–156 (2014).

    ADS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Kiefer, E., Dorr, M. J., Ibbeken, H. & Gotze, H. J. Gravity-based mass balance of an alluvial fan giant: The Arcas Fan, Pampa del Tamarugal, Northern Chile. Rev. Geol. Chile 24, 165–185 (1997).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Rech, J. A., Quade, J. & Hart, W. S. Isotopic evidence for the source of Ca and S in soil gypsum, anhydrite and calcite in the Atacama Desert, Chile. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 67, 575–586 (2003).

    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Diederich, J. L. et al. A 68 ka precipitation record from the hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Glob. Planet. Change 184, 103054 (2020).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Carizzo, D., González, G. & Dunai, T. J. Constricción neógena en la Cordillera de la Costa, norte de Chile: Neotectónica y datación de superficies con 21Ne cosmogénico. Rev. Geol. Chile 35, 1–38 (2008).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Wells, S. G., McFadden, L. D., Poths, J. & Olinger, C. T. Cosmogenic 3He surface exposure dating of stone pavements. Geology 23, 613–616 (1995).

    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Pfeiffer, M. et al. Century scale rainfall in the absolute Atacama Desert: Landscape response and implications for past and future rainfall. Quatern. Sci. Rev. 254, 106797 (2021).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Dente, E., Lensky, N. G., Morin, E. & Enzel, Y. From straight to deeply incised meandering channels: Slope impact on sinuosity of confined streams. Earth Surf. Process. Landf. 46, 1041–1054 (2021).

    ADS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Hooke, J. M. River Meandering. (2020).

  • Schumm, S. A. River Variability and Complexity (Cambridge University Press, 2007).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Ielpi, A., Lapôtre, M. G., Gibling, M. R. & Boyce, C. K. The impact of vegetation on meandering rivers. Nat. Rev. Earth Environ. 3, 165–178 (2022).

    ADS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Ewing, S. A. et al. A threshold in soil formation at Earth’s arid-hyperarid transition. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 70, 5293–5322 (2006).

    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Rech, J. A., Currie, B. S., Michalski, G. & Cowan, A. M. Neogene climate change and uplift in the Atacama Desert, Chile. Geology 34, 761–764. https://doi.org/10.1130/g22444.1 (2006).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Hartley, A. J. & May, G. Miocene gypcretes from the Calama Basin Northern Chile. Sedimentology 45, 351–364 (1998).

    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Watson, A. Desert gypsum crusts as plaeoenvironmental indicators: A micropetrographic study of crusts from southern Tunisia and the central Namib Desert. J. Arid Environ. 15, 19–42 (1988).

    ADS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Aref, M. A. Classification and depositional environments of Quaternary pedogenic gypsum crusts (gypcrete) from east of the Fayum Depression, Egypt. Sediment. Geol. 155, 87–108 (2003).

    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Voigt, C., Klipsch, S., Herwartz, D., Chong, G. & Staubwasser, M. The spatial distribution of soluble salts in the surface soil of the Atacama Desert and their relationship to hyperaridity. Glob. Planet. Change 184, 103077 (2020).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Placzek, C., Quade, J., Rech, J. A., Patchett, P. & de Arce, C. P. Geochemistry, chronology and stratigraphy of Neogene tuffs of the Central Andean region. Quat. Geochronol. 4, 22–36 (2009).


    Google Scholar
     

  • May, S. M. et al. Origin and timing of past hillslope activity in the hyper-arid core of the Atacama Desert-The formation of fine sediment lobes along the Chuculay Fault System, Northern Chile. Glob. Planet. Change 184, 103057 (2020).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Jordan, T. et al. XIV Congreso Geologico Chileno (La Serena).

  • Lazarus, E. D. & Constantine, J. A. Generic theory for channel sinuosity. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 110, 8447–8452 (2013).

    ADS 
    CAS 
    PubMed 
    PubMed Central 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Tal, M. & Paola, C. Dynamic single-thread channels maintained by the interaction of flow and vegetation. Geology 35, 347–350 (2007).

    ADS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Braudrick, C. A., Dietrich, W. E., Leverich, G. T. & Sklar, L. S. Experimental evidence for the conditions necessary to sustain meandering in coarse-bedded rivers. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 106, 16936–16941 (2009).

    ADS 
    CAS 
    PubMed 
    PubMed Central 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Howard, A. D. How to make a meandering river. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 106, 17245–17246 (2009).

    ADS 
    CAS 
    PubMed 
    PubMed Central 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Fairén, A., Davies, N. S. & Squyres, S. 44th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, Abstract.

  • Lapôtre, M. G., Ielpi, A., Lamb, M. P., Williams, R. M. & Knoll, A. H. Model for the formation of single-thread rivers in barren landscapes and implications for pre-Silurian and martian fluvial deposits. J. Geophys. Res. 124, 2757–2777 (2019).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Matsubara, Y. et al. River meandering on Earth and Mars: A comparative study of Aeolis Dorsa meanders, Mars and possible terrestrial analogs of the Usuktuk River, AK, and the Quinn River, NV. Geomorphology 240, 102–120 (2015).

    ADS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • McMahon, W. J. & Davies, N. S. The shortage of geological evidence for pre-vegetation meandering rivers. Fluvial Meanders Sediment. Prod. Rock Rec. 48, 119–148 (2018).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Gibling, M. R. & Rust, B. R. Ribbon sandstones in the Pennsylvanian Waddens Cove Formation, Sydney Basin, Atlantic Canada: The influence of siliceous duricrusts on channel-body geometry. Sedimentology 37, 45–66 (1990).

    ADS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Kereszturi, Á. Fluvial Geomorphology of Mars: Background to Separate Biogenic and Abiogenic Effects and to Identify Climate Change Related Features. (2015).

  • Lapotre, M. G. A. & Ielpi, A. AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts.

  • Lapôtre, M. G. & Ielpi, A. The pace of fluvial meanders on Mars and implications for the western delta deposits of Jezero crater. AGU Adv. 1, e2019AV000141 (2020).

    ADS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Ielpi, A. & Lapôtre, M. G. Barren meandering streams in the modern Toiyabe Basin of Nevada, USA, and their relevance to the study of the pre-vegetation rock record. J. Sediment. Res. 89, 399–415 (2019).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Allen, J. Free meandering channels and lateral deposits. Sediment. Struct. 2, 53–100 (1982).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Zinelabedin, A., Riedesel, S., Reimann, T., Ritter, B. & Dunai, T. J. Testing the potential of using coarse-grain feldspars for post-IR IRSL dating of calcium sulphate-wedge growth in the Atacama Desert. Quat. Geochronol. 71, 101341 (2022).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Sager, C., Airo, A., Arens, F. L. & Schulze-Makuch, D. New type of sand wedge polygons in the salt cemented soils of the hyper-arid Atacama Desert. Geomorphology 373, 107481 (2021).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Williams, R. M. et al. Inverted channel variations identified on a distal portion of a bajada in the central Atacama Desert, Chile. Geomorphology 393, 107925 (2021).

    PubMed 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Merritt, D. M. Reciprocal Relations between Riparian Vegetation Fluvial Landforms and Channel Processes (Academic Press, 2020).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Azua-Bustos, A., González-Silva, C. & Fairén, A. G. The Atacama Desert in Northern Chile as an analog model of Mars. Front. Astron. Space Sci. 8, 810426. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas (2022).

    Article 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Ehlmann, B. L. & Edwards, C. S. Mineralogy of the Martian surface. Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci. 42, 291–315 (2014).

    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Bibring, J.-P. et al. Global mineralogical and aqueous Mars history derived from OMEGA/Mars Express data. Science 312, 400–404 (2006).

    ADS 
    CAS 
    PubMed 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Christensen, M. O., Hamilton, V., Edwards, C., Wray, J. & Anderson, F. S. Aqueous Mineral Deposits in an Ancient, Channeled, Equatorial Terrain. PR (2008).

  • Osterloo, M. et al. Chloride-bearing materials in the southern highlands of Mars. Science 319, 1651–1654 (2008).

    ADS 
    CAS 
    PubMed 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Mustard, J. F. et al. Hydrated silicate minerals on Mars observed by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter CRISM instrument. Nature 454, 305–309 (2008).

    ADS 
    CAS 
    PubMed 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Poulet, F. et al. Phyllosilicates on Mars and implications for early Martian climate. Nature 438, 623–627 (2005).

    ADS 
    CAS 
    PubMed 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Sharp, R. P. & Malin, M. C. Surface geology from Viking landers on Mars: A second look. Geol. Soc. Am. Bull. 95, 1398–1412 (1984).

    ADS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Settle, M. Formation and deposition of volcanic sulfate aerosols on Mars. J. Geophys. Res. 84, 8343–8354 (1979).

    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Franz, H. B., King, P. L. & Gaillard, F. Volatiles in the Martian Crust 119–183 (Elsevier, 2019).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Mangold, N. et al. Spectral and geological study of the sulfate-rich region of West Candor Chasma, Mars. Icarus 194, 519–543 (2008).

    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Robertson, K. & Bish, D. Constraints on the distribution of CaSO4· nH2O phases on Mars and implications for their contribution to the hydrological cycle. Icarus 223, 407–417 (2013).

    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Binnie, A. et al. Accelerated late quaternary uplift revealed by 10 Be exposure dating of marine terraces, Mejillones Peninsula, northern Chile. Quat. Geochronol. 36, 12–27 (2016).


    Google Scholar
     

  • Farbod, Y. et al. Spatial variations in late Quaternary slip rates along the Doruneh Fault System (Central Iran). Tectonics 35, 386–406 (2016).

    ADS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Kohl, C. & Nishiizumi, K. Chemical isolation of quartz for measurement of in-situ-produced cosmogenic nuclides. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 56, 3583–3587. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(92)90401-4 (1992).

    Article 
    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Binnie, S. A. et al. Separation of Be and Al for AMS using single-step column chromatography. Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. Sect. B 361, 397–415 (2015).

    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Dewald, A. et al. CologneAMS, a dedicated center for accelerator mass spectrometry in Germany. Nucle. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. Sect. B 294, 18–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nimb.2012.04.030 (2013).

    Article 
    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Codilean, A. T. et al. Single-grain cosmogenic 21Ne concentrations in fluvial sediments reveal spatially variable erosion rates. Geology 36, 159–162 (2008).

    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Ritter, B., Vogt, A. & Dunai, T. J. Technical Note: Noble gas extraction procedure and performance of the Cologne Helix MC Plus multi-collector noble gas mass spectrometer for cosmogenic neon isotope analysis. Geochronology 3(2), 421–431 (2021).

    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Lifton, N., Sato, T. & Dunai, T. J. Scaling in situ cosmogenic nuclide production rates using analytical approximations to atmospheric cosmic-ray fluxes. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 386, 149–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2013.10.052 (2014).

    Article 
    ADS 
    CAS 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Balco, G., Stone, J. O., Lifton, N. A. & Dunai, T. J. A complete and easily accessible means of calculating surface exposure ages or erosion rates from (10)Be and (26)Al measurements. Quat. Geochronol. 3, 174–195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2007.12.001 (2008).

    Article 

    Google Scholar
     

  • Art Attack: New Art Shows Channel Spring This Week in Denver

    In spring, people turn to thoughts of increased recreation, outdoor events, budding trees, blooming flowers and new beginnings. New gallery shows this week reflect those dreams of better times and things, and we could all use some more of that.

    Follow this path and you might just step into a whole new light:

    click to enlarge Jennifer Hohlfelder, “Seizing Moments.” - JENNIFER HOHLFELDER

    Jennifer Hohlfelder, “Seizing Moments.”

    Jennifer Hohlfelder

    Jennifer Hohlfelder: People and Places
    Museum of Boulder, 2205 Broadway, Boulder
    Through June 16

    Jennifer Hohlfelder grew up in an artistic family, but didn’t begin to explore her own inner creative eye until well into adulthood. Subsequent painting classes and personal drive led her to take a leap. People and Places, opening today at the Museum of Boulder, reveals a style that revels in simplicity, with color-blocked compositions and landscapes providing the background for figures caught in everyday moments and pleasurable recreation.

    click to enlarge "Flower Thrower" is one of Banksy's well-known works at the exhibit. - KYLE FLUBACKER

    “Flower Thrower” is one of Banksy’s well-known works at the exhibit.

    Kyle Flubacker

    Art of Banksy
    Denver Sports Castle, 1000 Broadway
    Thursday, April 14, through June 12
    Admission: $40 to $70, by reservation

    Banksy is here, keeping company with his pals Vincent van Gogh and Frida Kahlo and their current Denver attractions, but using a different approach: Instead of giant, immersive walk-through spectacle, this is an actual exhibition of works by the elusive street artist. Tickets starting at $40 might seem pricey, but judge for yourself — it’s quite a collection.

    click to enlarge See this wall sculpture by Jay Phillips at Micheal Warren Contemporary. - COURTESY OF MICHAEL WARREN CONTEMPORARY

    See this wall sculpture by Jay Phillips at Micheal Warren Contemporary.

    Courtesy of Michael Warren Contemporary

    Andrew Roberts-Gray, Aquarian
    Jay Phillips
    Michael Warren Contemporary, 760 Santa Fe Drive
    Through May 21
    Opening Reception: Friday, April 15, 5 to 8 p.m.
    Artist Talk: Saturday, April 16, 10:30 a.m. to noon

    Michael Warren Contemporary unveils new work by a couple of artists based in the Colorado high country: Carbondale’s Andrew Roberts-Gray and Jay Phillips, who lives and works in Glenwood Springs, but also makes the rounds in Aspen and Carbondale. Both create process-heavy works on surfaces combining the traditional and the unique, with futuristic themes.

    click to enlarge Jessica Moon Bernstein-Schiano, "Where Do All the Buffalo Roam?" - COURTESY OF BRDG PROJECT

    Jessica Moon Bernstein-Schiano, “Where Do All the Buffalo Roam?”

    Courtesy of BRDG Project

    Chapter
    The Language of Trees
    BRDG Project, 1553 Platte Street
    Friday, April 15, through April 28
    Soft Reception: Friday, April 15, 6 to 10 p.m.
    Earth Day Opening Reception: Friday, April 22, 6 to 10 p.m.
    Guest Environmental Speaker on Trees: Saturday, April 23, 4 to 5 p.m.
    Colorado Environmental Film Festival Tree Documentaries: Saturday, April 23, 6 to 8 p.m.
    Closing Reception: Thursday, April 28, 6 to 9 p.m.

    The BRDG Project celebrates Earth Day and new directions with two new exhibitions, The Language of Trees, which includes a long weekend of special Earth Day events, and Chapter, a salute to a variety of artists who’ve shown work during the gallery’s first year. That anniversary also marks BRDG Project’s transition into the nonprofit sector while showing prudence about its temporary space in the Zang Building, which will be undergoing renovations when these shows end. Co-founders Brett Matarazzo and Michael Dowling conceived the space as a gallery “bridging artist, gallery, youth and underserved communities together in an accessible and engaging space for contemporary expression and learning,” and its future might include new digs, preferably in the same area. To that end, a crowdfunding platform will be starting soon. Visit the website for more information.

    Vicki Christensen, "Question," mixed media on canvas. - COURTESY OF BITFACTORY

    Vicki Christensen, “Question,” mixed media on canvas.

    Courtesy of Bitfactory

    Workshop Exhibition
    Bitfactory, 851 Santa Fe Drive
    Friday, April 15, through May 7
    Opening Reception: Friday, April 15, 6 to 9 p.m
    .
    Tokyo-born octogenarian and Bitfactory studio artist Tadashi Hayakawa’s transcendent abstract-expressionist style could have had roots in the freestyle practice of Japanese brush calligraphy. It’s that free, and at the same time, exact. Artists headed in the same direction found inspiration from Hayakawa during a recent painting workshop that he led; the results are now part of the exhibition Workshop, curated by Bitfactory owner Bill Thomason.

    Helene Strebel and Jim Olson, new works
    Sync Gallery, 931 Santa Fe Drive
    Thursday, April 14, through May 15
    Opening Reception: Friday, April 15, 6 to 9 p.m.

    Sync artists Jim Olson and Helen Strebel take command of the space for a month with a variety of abstracted, figurative stoneware sculptures, oil paintings and drawings, and flowing acrylic abstracts with textural ornamentations.

    click to enlarge Clay flowers bloom at Access Gallery's Meet the Artists Night. - COURTESY OF ACCESS GALLERY

    Clay flowers bloom at Access Gallery’s Meet the Artists Night.

    Courtesy of Access Gallery

    In Bloom Meet the Artists Night
    Access Gallery, 909 Santa Fe Drive
    Friday, April 15, 6 to 8 p.m.

    Access Gallery’s young artists with disabilities recently celebrated the arrival of spring flowers with help from the Denver Botanic Gardens, resulting in a pile of lovely flora-inspired artworks in various mediums. On Meet the Artists Night, visitors will be able to do just that, with an extra perk: A whole new group of ceramic works created with the Boulder Pottery Lab and continuing on the same theme have been added to the show. RSVP here.

    click to enlarge A steamroller print, fresh off the press. - COURTESY OF RMCAD

    A steamroller print, fresh off the press.

    Courtesy of RMCAD

    Cone Zone Steamroller Printing
    Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, 1600 Pierce Street, Lakewood
    Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    Cone Zone Printmaking Exhibit: Friday, April 22, through May 27, Rotunda Gallery, RMCAD
    The Cone Zone typically signals the end of Mo’Print for another year, but it’s a really big climax. Participating artists will prepare humongous wood or fiberboard blocks that are placed on the pavement and pressed down by a two-ton steamroller. Prints will then be peeled off the block to be hung for a show in RMCAD’s Rotunda Gallery. We call that a fitting spectacle for Mo’Print’s last hurrah. Registration for printmakers has ended, but spectators are welcome.

    Printmaking as Generative Sculpture
    Pirate: Contemporary Art, 7130 West 16th Avenue, Lakewood
    Saturday, April 16, 3 to 6 p.m.
    Pirate is stepping up its programming to bring people into the space beyond opening receptions, including performance nights and this free print workshop with Kate Laster (@howlingmoondog), who creates risographs out of paper cuts of epigrams and quotes. Here she surpasses that practice by going monumental.

    Interested in having your event appear in this calendar? Send the details to [email protected]