February has always felt like the longest, shortest month of the year. With only 28 days, it somehow manages to stretch on – thanks to the post-January slog and, here in Durango, the aftermath of Snowdown. This February looks especially bright, however, as I finish my sixth month as executive director.
The Barbara Conrad Gallery has Leonard Davies: The Joys of Painting as a Pastime through Feb. 28. The gallery is open noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
Valentine’s Day brings a full slate of themed classes and performances. While the holiday has become a commercial enterprise, the DAC celebrates with creativity – including Warhol and Wine: A Trip Down Lovers Lane on Feb. 12. This class is fun, and participants leave with a completed painting.
The DAC Theater stays busy as Cupid arrives. Lower Left Improv presents An Improvised Lifetime Movie on Feb. 13 – an audience-inspired tale of love, lies and bad decisions, perfect for Valentine’s weekend. San Juan Circus takes the stage with four performances on Feb. 14 and 15 with Cupid’s Cabaret: Divine Muses, featuring professional aerialists, dancers, acrobatics, burlesque and more.
You can also add a wise owl to your collection in a stained glass workshop on Feb. 21. This five-hour class covers cutting, grinding, foiling, soldering and finishing, with students leaving with a completed stained glass owl.
The first Silent Sundays with Swanson of 2026 takes place at 2 p.m. Feb. 22. Pianist Adam Swanson will accompany the 1920s romantic comedy “It,” starring flapper-era icon Clara Bow. These all-ages shows are fun for family and friends.
At 7 p.m. Feb. 26, the DAC presents bluegrass, Americana and folk artists Tony Furtado and Luke Price. Tickets are already more than one-third sold – Durango, please buy in advance. Your performing venues will thank you.
Durango Comedy fills the theater with laughs. Feb. 27, Olivia Carter comes to town. A Tonight Show alum and regular at The Laugh Factory and Zanies, Carter is an up-and-coming New York comedian. Joined by local comedians Taylor Lennox, Chris Warren (yes, we’re related) and Andrea Rossi, this show will sell out – don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Just into the next month, March 1, “The Ballad of Madelyne & Therese” is part concert, part one-person play, featuring original songs and intimate storytelling as performer Rachel Garlin explores what happens when queer desire collides with 1940s conventions. Proceeds will benefit the Armida Huerta Adventure Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to outdoor adventures for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC people.
Tickets for all classes and performances are available at www.durangoarts.org.
Finally, thank you to our new sponsor, Clearnetworx as well as Daybreak Rotary Club for hosting me in January. Sponsor or speaking requests can be emailed to info@durangoarts.org. Thank you, Snowdown Follies, for 11 great shows and a terrific cast and crew.
A talented and dedicated DAC staff surely will make this month fly by. We look forward to seeing you in the gallery, the theater or the classroom!
Beth Lamberson Warren is executive director of Durango Arts Center.
