Welcome to the DAC arts blog! We’re working on a weekly blog post that will deliver Durango, Four Corners and national news, along with insider information. We’re looking to develop the format and information gradually, and we welcome your tips!

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President Obama proclaims October as Arts and Humanities Month

“We must recognize the contributions of the arts and humanities not only by supporting the artists of today, but also by giving opportunities to the creative thinkers of tomorrow. Educators across our country are opening young minds, fostering innovation, and developing imaginations through arts education. Through their work, they are empowering our Nation’s students with the ability to meet the challenges of a global marketplace. It is a well-rounded education for our children that will fuel our efforts to lead in a new economy where critical and creative thinking will be the keys to success.” – President Obama. Read more here.

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If you missed TOP a few weeks ago, read more about it here.

“Last year’s event raised about $13,000 for the Arts Center programs and Salomon said much of that was used to hire new exhibits director and gallery shop manager Mary Puller. She said New Face funds will continue to seek cutting-edge projects at the center, including dance, lectures or ideas still unsprung. The group has already offered to step up and help with a proposed textile show next spring in the Conrad Gallery.
“‘This isn’t about tradition, it’s a new face and not the same old-same old,’ Salomon said. ‘This event came about when the center was struggling, but sometimes things have a life so we welcome new ideas. We’re having a lot of fun with it and raising a lot of money, so maybe we’ll do it again and maybe we’ll come up with something new next year.’” – Ted Holteen (more)

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Our Diesels and Easels event was fabulous. Catch a glimpse into what happened when artists and historians climbed on a train and traipsed up to Cascade Canyon.

“Not long after leaving the station, the ever-enthusiastic Duane Smith stood at the front of the train car – his classroom for the day. Smith, who has been a history professor at Fort Lewis College for the last 47 years and published more than 50 books, segued from vivid stories of Durango brothels to Wild West politics in one breathless stream that seemed to match the train’s steady rhythm.
“‘We live on history. It’s part of our livelihood. It’s part of our heritage. It’s part of the atmosphere. You breathe it in,’ Smith later said.” - Margaret Hedderman (more)

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This week at the arts center: Continuing through October  Hands On II, mixed media works by students of past F.O.A.L. workshops will be on display in the DAC Art Library. This Friday, October 7, is the  opening reception for Seuss on the Loose includes a lecture by curator Mary Ellen Long. The reception is from 5–7 p.m. and is $25 for DAC members and $30 for non-members. Even if you can’t make it to the reception, the Seuss on the Loose exhibit will be available to peruse in the Barbara Conrad Gallery, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The admission to the exhibit is $5; for DAC members $3; and free for students of all ages.

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Coming up at the arts center: “The Many Hats of DAC” Fundraiser will take place on Thursday, October 20, with a lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Starting yesterday, Monday, October 3, hats made by local artists will be displayed at No Place Like Home for two weeks, with silent auction cards. There will be a “buy it now” price of $100 for each hat, which includes a year membership to DAC. Silent auctions will conclude during the luncheon at DAC on October 20.

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We’re looking for your art! Abstract Views is planned for January 4 – 28, 2012, and the Durango Arts Center invites  artists to submit works of original art. Submissions are limited to original works of abstract art, which may not have been displayed previously at DAC. All media will be considered. Please click here for entry form and further information.

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Have you been in our gallery recently? Learn more about the gallery here, and take a moment to consider pottery by Lisa Pedolsky (picture to the left). Pedolsky is a local potter whose art pieces range in price from $24 – $295. She has the following to say about her art (taken from her website):
“My influences are as far ranging as childhood toys, calligraphic texts, architecture and textiles.  The thread that unites this seemingly disparate collection is function.  I am drawn to things that work, objects that serve a purpose.  Simultaneously, I have an appreciation for design that is lucid and unencumbered, and hold a deep appreciation for objects that are cohesive in all their elements.” – Lisa Pedolsky (more).

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Interested in other events at DAC? See the list of events here.

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We will be developing these blog posts in the future to include more news, contests, artist profiles and interesting things related to the world of art, both in the Four Corners and in the United States.

If you have any suggestions or questions, please email Liz at liz@durangoarts.org.

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