Writing the Wild workshop offered
Open Shutter Gallery, 735 Main Ave., will present “Writing the Wild: A Day of One’s Own,” a poetry workshop with poets and editors Pam Uschuk and Bill Root, from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
The cost is $75. Uschuk and Root will provide writing prompts, example poems and encouraging criticism. Participants will learn how to create imagery from the natural world, use rhythm and line breaks to plumb the depths of their wild natures and write meaningful poems.
The group will discuss eco poetry and nature poetry by writers including Mary Oliver, Sandra Alcosser and Patti Ann Rogers.
For more information, call 903-7914.
Broadway classic hits the DAC stage
Alpine Bank and the Durango Arts Center will present the Broadway musical “Rent” by Jonathan Larson, opening Thursday with performances at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28-29, Sept. 11-12,17-19 and 25-26 at 7:30 p.m. and at 2 p.m. Sept. 13 and 27.
Based on Puccini’s “La Boheme,” “Rent” is a portrayal of the bohemian lifestyle told through rock musical numbers. The DAC production of “Rent” features local actors and actresses portraying a marginal band of artists who vehemently believe that friendship, compassion, grief, pleasure and beauty are more important than money, real estate and power.
Tickets are $21 for center members and $24 for general admission. For more information, visit www.DurangoArts.org/theatre/rent or call 259-2606, ext. 13.
Environmentalist to speak at arts center
The Durango Arts Center on Sept. 3 will present “Courageous Carnivores and Compromised Conservationists,” a lecture by Michael Soulé, environmentalist, conservation biologist, author and professor emeritus of environmental studies at University of California, Santa Cruz.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the lecture will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available at www.DurangoArts.org.
Soulé will be introduced by Bruce Baizel of Earthworks, an oil and gas accountability and advisory firm. Baizel also is a lawyer, writer and co-founder of Round River Conservation Studies.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for a reception with information from San Juan Citizens Alliance, La Plata Open Space Conservancy, La Plata Electric Association Solar Initiatives, Green Business Roundtable partners, Conservation Colorado, Great Old Broads for Wilderness, Healthy Community Food Systems and small organic growers. Maria’s Bookshop will offer a selection of relevant books for sale.
Soulé also will be the keynote speaker at noon Sept. 2 at the Green Business Roundtable at the Strater Hotel. Tickets may be purchased through SJCA.
For more information, visit www.DurangoArts.org.
Autumn Arts Festival seeking volunteers
The 21st annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival, which will be held Sept. 19-20, is seeking volunteers.
Opportunities to participate will start with the Artists’ Welcome Dinner on Sept. 18 and continue through the festival’s closing Sept. 20.
All volunteers will receive a coupon for a sandwich and drink and will be entered into a drawing for a one-year DAC membership. Volunteers who work three or more two-hour shifts will receive one ticket to either DAC’s “Music Man” or the fifth annual “10-Minute Play Festival” and will be entered into a drawing for a 2015-2016 season pass to DAC.
The festival showcases up to 90 fine artists and fine craftspeople from around the country, as well as local musicians and performers from the 2nd Avenue Stage. Creation Station offers art activities for adults and children. A variety of artisanal food and beverages will be available for purchase.
For more information, email Jules Masterjohn at jules@durangoarts.org, call 759-9923 or visit www.durangoarts.org/DAAF.
Snowdown Follies hosts recruitment parties
The Snowdown Follies Production Team will host two recruitment parties from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 15 and Oct. 20 at 6512’ Restaurant and Lounge, 152 E. College Drive.
The parties will provide the opportunity to find out how to audition for the show, see video clips of past, award-winning acts, meet follespians, enter a drawing to win Friends & Family Rehearsal Passes (must be present to win) and more.
For more information, call Janalee Hogan at 759-7502 or email snowdownfollies@gmail.com.
Herald Staff
