When Durango Arts Center Board President Jeff Graves reached out in April to ask if I’d be interested in writing grants for the organization, a few thoughts came to mind. Here was a community asset that my now-adult children had been part of since an early age. I also thought of the late Barbara Conrad, whom I knew well in the 1990s. Finally, I realized there was an opportunity to apply my professional tool kit to a beloved local nonprofit after 43 years in Durango.
By July, grant writing turned into being named interim executive director, and the position became permanent at the October board meeting. It is both humbling and uplifting to serve as your executive director.
On my first day, I learned of an incredible challenge grant from the Michael and Elaine Moravan Foundation. Today, their transformative gift totals $61,000 – and we’ve raised the match amount through membership gifts, major donations, grants, events and sponsorships. The process of learning a new organization has been smoothed by a competent staff and dedicated board. I couldn’t have navigated these first months without their kindness, wisdom, humor and encouragement.
I am meeting with donors, both current and lapsed, and inviting them to invest generously in the DAC. These gifts have ranged from $500 to $10,000. You can place yourself in good company and join or renew your membership at www.durangoarts.org.
I’ve also been meeting with former staff and board leaders, reconnecting with the local community and witnessing the joy and excitement that the DAC inspires – from the youngest theater camp and art class participants to audiences laughing and applauding in the theater. It’s been deeply fulfilling while learning the inner workings of theater and visual arts.
The 31st Annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival was a blast. I attended the very first festival years ago, and it was exciting to help bolster the many moving parts of the 2025 event. One artist told us she sold more art on Saturday alone than at any other two-day festival she’s attended – a wonderful testament to the vitality of our community. The festival’s success was made possible by our hardworking staff, generous sponsors, fun volunteers and the 71 participating artists who were its heart and soul. Our thanks to the city of Durango for its support.
New to the DAAF was the Young Artist-Huge Impact Market. Thanks to a generous grant from the Moniker Foundation, the DAC provided shade tents, tables and chairs for a dozen artists ages 12 to 18. They sold hundreds of dollars’ worth of art and experienced their first taste of commercial success.
The Durango Arts Repertory Theatre was another highlight, presenting high quality summer shows and an eight-performance run of Richard O’Brien’s “Rocky Horror.” The talent in this town is astounding. Speaking of talent, the many dedicated artists whose work fills our gallery bring joy and inspiration to everyone who walks through our doors, including me.
My favorite time of day is when the building hums with energy – children creating, adults learning and the Barbara Conrad Gallery bustling with visitors. Won’t you join me for a tour and visit? Email beth@durangoarts.org – I’d love to show you what makes the DAC so special.
Beth Lamberson Warren is executive director of Durango Arts Center.
