A winter solstice market
The Durango Arts Center has transformed its airy Barbara Conrad Gallery into a colorful European-style craft market for the holiday season. DAC’s Winter Artisans’ Solstice Market, which opens with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. today, features the work of roughly 60 regional artists. Filling the shelves and walls of the market are funky bird houses by BirdHouse WhimZee, glass ornaments by Deb Anderson, arborglyph pots by Mary Kay Harrell and Esther Greenfield, silver and copper earrings by Nancy Fredrick Conrad and all manner of baskets, cards, fine art paintings, ceramic bowls, blankets, candle holders, soaps and stained glass pieces. DAC Exhibits Director Mary Puller said this year’s market is stocked with a gamut of great pieces. “It’s a pretty wide range this year,” Puller said. “I’m really pleased with the caliber of the work.” The market will remain open to shoppers through midday on Christmas Eve, with coffee and fresh scones available on Saturday mornings until then. Puller said the market serves both shoppers looking for unique holiday gifts and the artists who make them. “It’s another opportunity for regional artists to show their work,” she said. The Durango Arts Center is at 802 East Second Ave.
Funny business
Comedy Night will return to the Henry Strater Theatre on Saturday with an evening of stand-up. Headlining the show will be Chris Simpson, who has been in the funny business since 1993. Simpson has hosted TV shows, headlined major clubs and worked with starts like Chris Tucker and George Lopez. He riffs on topics like parenthood, growing up half Mexican, kids these days and meth heads. Example: “Kids are like pancakes. The first one’s always messed up ... If you’re not laughing, you’re the first kid.” The show will also feature Albuquerque comedian Ariel Holmes. The show will take place at 7:30 at the Strater, 699 Main Ave. General admission tickets are $12 at the door.
Art for Art’s Sake II
Durango artists Scott Dye and Hailey King are moving to Portland. To send them off in proper style (and help them raise some cash for the move), Studio & is hosting a going away party-slash-art sale on Saturday. Art for Art Sake II, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Studio &, 1027 Main Ave., will feature King’s photographs and Dye’s paintings and drawings, at reduced prices. Now is the time to nab that piece you’ve been coveting. Visit www.anddurango.org for more information.
