Fort Morgan, CO. 01/04/13.  “At its most basic level, art, for me, is something to look at,” says local artist and educator Joe Marler. “My art has three basic elements: representation of the world, design, and storytelling. Any single work [of mine] may have one, two, or all three of these elements.” Examples of Marler’s work can be seen at Morgan Community College’s (MCC) Center for Arts and Community Enrichment (CACE) Gallery of Fine Art, located on the lower level at 300 Main Street, Fort Morgan. The exhibit, “As I See It,” opens Friday, January 18 with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m.

Marler has been drawing since he was a child thanks to a well-stocked paper drawer kept by his father. His eldest brother, Jeff, was a great influence as were the many art classes he pursued. Marler discovered his love of ceramics while in high school, and after earning a BFA from Brigham Young University-Hawaii, with an emphasis in 3-D, he continued to work and learn various mediums and art forms. He has worked in a ceramics lab, as a wood carver, a wax chaser, and cabinet maker. Marler taught photography, wood shop, and drafting at Fort Morgan High School in 2005. The following year he became the art teacher at Brush High School, where he continues to nurture aspiring artists. He also serves as an art instructor at MCC, offering classes in drawing.

Although Marler devotes most of his time to drawing and sculpture, he also enjoys photography and graphic arts. “Design is how art communicates feeling. To me, design is the beating heart of any compelling work of art,” notes Marler.

This exhibit runs through March 1, 2013, and is free and open to the public. The Gallery has set hours on Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m., though patrons are welcome during the week if staff is available. To learn more about CACE or for a full listing of upcoming events and exhibits, please visit www.MorganCC.edu/CACE.