Events

The Narrow Gauge Book Cooperative is pleased to welcome artist Joni Franks as our August featured artist. Join us at the Narrow Gauge for her Artist Reception on August 9th from 4pm – 6pm. This is a come-and-go event, so stop in anytime between 4pm and 6pm!

Joni Franks is an international award-winning author, artist and poet. She has been named the 2024 Will Rogers Medallion Award Illustrator of the Year. Her books have earned bestseller status and have won over fifty art and literary honors, including the prestigious Moms Choice Award, the International Readers Favorite Award, the American Fiction Award, and the CIPA EVVY Award. Most recently, her poem “Beyond,” from her illustrated poetry book, Heart Songs, was published in the 2025 Willow Creek Journal, an annual anthology produced by the Creede Arts Council. Heart Songs is the winner of the American Fiction Award for Poetry Chapbook and is a Finalist in the category of Poetry Nature. The Crooked Forest, Beyond, is the winner of the American Fiction Award for New Age Fiction and is a Finalist in the category of Novelette Fiction.

Known for her compelling narratives that challenge societal norms, Joni pens books about resilience, inspiration, overcoming adversity, equality, and conservation. Spending time on her San Luis Valley ranch with her Welsh corgis Sagebrush, Gyzmo and Willow, offers her the inspiration to create impactful books and artwork.

Joni is active in the artistic community. In May, she participated in the Grand Masquerade Art Gala, sponsored by the Alamosa Chamber of Commerce. Her piece, The Green Man, sold at auction.

Location:  602 Main St, Alamosa, CO 81101-2558, United States