When you think of Durango, what comes to mind? How do you explain it to your friends from out of town? A special art exhibit is coming up that showcases the opinions of the community in an artistic way. For me, it’s the quirky absurdities that make this place a great spot to call home. At my first Snowdown parade, someone dressed as Captain Underpants was riding the front of a Chevy truck like a maidenhead of a ship, sporting a white beard, cane in hand, defiant chin up, while his cape flapped feebly behind him. I loved Durango instantly. He represented resilience and joy, and I quickly discovered that Durango knows how to celebrate!
Do you remember the Arc of History sculpture that was installed (and later removed) at the gateway to our fair city? Born into controversy, locals chided the out-of-town artist (no fault of their own for not knowing they were supposed to be from here) for accepting taxpayers dollars (shame!) to erect an abstract piece that somehow represented our town. (A sin, without doubt.) While I pitied this well-intentioned artist and the poor city officials who tried their best to inform people ahead of time it was coming, I had a hunch it might not go well. Here’s why: Abstract art gets stuck in the craw of most people. It’s because abstract art asks something of the viewer: love me, hate me, or tell me how your first grader could have made me and why the heck am I so expensive!? This is not an exchange most rush hour drivers who are late for work appreciate while they try not to spill their coffee or make their kids late for school.
Hopefully, you are now imagining your own picture of Durango. We love dogs (there was no dog in that sculpture.) We love bikes (no bike, either.) On top of that, we like the places we take our bikes and our dogs, and sometimes a train is there and we like that, too. We have some locals who are quirky, outrageous and expressive. They are often at festivals involving beer. Which is also something we love.
Why don’t you consider what makes Durango unique? And create something that you think exemplifies the essence of our fair town? And then submit it to our upcoming exhibit, aptly named, “That’s SO Durango!” The deadline is Aug. 11, you apply online through the Exhibits tab of our homepage. I can’t wait to see what you make. And if you can’t pony up a piece, come to the opening reception on Aug. 18 and see what your friends think. It’s still the arc of our history and optimally, it’s ever-evolving.
- “ScriptProv,” award-winning improv comedy show, 7 p.m. July 28-29. Tickets $20.
- “The Grunch,” “The Grinch” with a twist, fun for all ages, 7 p.m. Aug. 4-5, 2 p.m. Aug. 5-6. Tickets $15/$10.
- A Night of Improv with Cindy, Mary and Friends, 7 p.m. Aug. 11.
- Silent Swanson, 2 p.m. Aug. 13. Silent films on the big screen accompanied on live piano by Adam Swanson. Tickets $15.
- “Bye Bye Birdie,” 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18-19, 25-26 and Sept. 1-2; 2 p.m. Aug. 20, 27 and Sept. 3. Tickets $25/$15.
- “The Odd Couple, the Female Version,” 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30; 2 p.m. Sept. 17, 24 and Oct. 1. Tickets $20/$10.
- Members Art Exhibit in Barbara Conrad Gallery: Free.
- Call to Artists for the “That’s So Durango!” art exhibit. Deadline Aug. 11, submit online.
- Shop the Artisan’s Market, open noon-6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday.
- Adult and youth art and theater classes offered year round, see website for catalog and registration.
- 29th Annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival, Sep. 16-17, 100 artists from across the country, along East Second Ave.
Email info@durangoarts.org Buy tickets, donate, become a member, register for classes, and keep in touch at DurangoArts.org.
Brenda Macon has been executive director of Durango Arts Center since 2018.
