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August 5, 2021
ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
Northglenn-ThorntonSentinel.com
VOLUME 57 | ISSUE 52
Anythink installations aim to bring nature closer Architectural artist Jayson Fann wrapping up work on new explorable spaces BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The new art structures at the back of three of Anythink Library’s branches may be made from vastly different kinds of wood but they share one thing - a sense of wonder with natural patterns. “Each kind of wood has its own vocabulary in terms of how it moves and the kinds of things you can do with it,” Artist Jayson Fann said. “Eucalyptus saplings are very flexible when they are green. You can bend them and shape them and when they dry, they dry rock hard.” Fann is wrapping up the first part of his summer Spirit Nest residency at the library district, building three different wooden sculptures meant to be climbed on and explored at the Brighton, Wrights Farm and Bennett library branches. At least three more of his works are in progress, all part of the library district’s “mySummer” program. The idea for the library district’s summer program began last fall while the state was still in the midst of the COVID-19 shutdown and pandemic quarantines. McGowan said Anythink staff begins planning the next summer’s reading program each September, and September 2020 presented some challenges for them. “Last year, with the pandemic, we gave out more of an activity kit and that was very popular,” McGowan said. “This year, our intention was to have a connection to nature and art in a way that was different. We didn’t know what was going to happen but we wanted to focus on getting outside.” Anythink has hosted dozens of back-to-nature programs, she said. “But it’s one thing to bring birds
Conflict among Westminster police intensifies in chief’s absence Labor disputes precedes and proceeds chief’s leave, though city says the two are unrelated BY LIAM ADAMS LADAMS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Community connections The library system has hosted numerous presentations with Fann
A conflict in the Westminster Police Department over labor disputes intensified just before the police chief and a deputy police chief went on leave, with another deputy chief working to manage the disarray for the meantime. City officials said there is no correlation between the collective bargaining debates among Westminster Police union officers Chief Tim Carlson, and non-union who is currently on department FILE PHOTO leave. leadership and the timing of leaves taken by Chief Tim Carlson and Deputy Chief Todd Reeves. “The workplace review is independent of the collective bargaining process,” said city spokesman Andy Le in an email. The city asked a third-party consult to review the
SEE ANYTHINK, P7
SEE POLICE, P5
A towering nest built out of Eucalyptus stalks and sticks in the back area of Anythink Library District’s Wrights Farm branch in Thornton. Artist Jayson Fann designed and built the structure and two others at Anythink branch libraries this summer and plans to return to Colorado with two more, and a sixth mobile nest, later this year. PHOTO BY SCOTT TAYLOR
and stuff and science to the library,” she said. “What we wanted to build that moment of wonder and recovery and healing and the connection to nature that you get walking in nature, as opposed to learning about rocks and whatnot.” She said they were intrigued by Fann and his previous works. “We found we had similar ideas,” she said. “He’s worked with other groups around the country that believe in play and ecosystems. And so, we hired him, and the experience now is becoming part of the creative process.” Fann’s works will become permanent features at the library
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 21
branches. He’s completed installations at the Wrights Farm branch in Thornton, the branch in Bennett and was planning to finish the Brighton branch’s project in the first week of August. Then, he’ll return to his California studio and return in a few months with pieces for the Commerce City and Huron Street branches. He also has plans to build a mobile version that library staff can take to special community events.
NEW PLACES TO PLAY New breed of entertainment centers offer food, brews, fun P14