Artist Randy Pijoan of Amalia, New Mexico is the founder of Ventero Open Press, an arts-based nonprofit located in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. Ventero is dedicated to the social and artistic development of the next generation of artists, with a focus on providing for youth who have little or no access to art materials, training or resources. Over the past six and a half years, Ventero Open Press has provided local students (grades K-12) with art supplies, artistic instruction and personal mentorship, filling a gap where traditional schooling is increasingly failing.
After spending time teaching at the local school, Randy saw firsthand how local students lacked the resources needed for a solid art education. After three plus years of renovation, Ventero Open Press opened in April of 2007. Since its opening, Ventero has worked with a variety of kids, ranging from Head Start to college students. Through a close relationship with Adams State University, some of their early students are continuing their education in college.
Ventero Open Press, located at 316 Main St. in San Luis, Colorado, is also a facility where professional artists can produce a body of work. Artists have the opportunity to produce a range of prints through lithography, copper/zinc plate etchings, reduction block prints and monoprints. Over the years they have hosted noted artists such as Tony Ortega, Denver; Eugene Schilling, Alamosa; Annette Troncoso, Alamosa; Ray Vinella, Taos, New Mexico and many more.
