“Art is the proper task of life,” said the philosopher Friedrich Neitzsche. From Grandma Moses to Charlie Parker, we have countless examples of creators who, given a lifetime or a precious few years, have left something extraordinary of themselves behind for us to appreciate.
Who do you know who has left a creative legacy? This week, a great friend passed away who went the distance to make his moments on Earth count for the maximum amount. His life was lived artfully. Having a terminal diagnosis didn’t stop him from giving generously of his spirit or creating beautiful work. He conquered the chemo blues by building a gorgeous inlaid walnut kitchen table that will most likely outlive my great-grandchildren. He offered his loved ones an authentic message of optimism and enduring hope only hours before crossing over, saying, “Everything is going to be great.” This became part of his inspiring legacy, and I will carry it with me always.
If you give of yourself through art, you offer the world an enduring piece of your spirit. This Friday, we celebrate these gifts with the opening of the annual membership exhibit that offers a glimpse into the art – and the heart – of our community. Within these pieces, you see offerings from the artists– their reflections of a lifetime of work, or the snapshot of the most inspiring parts of their world. Each work of art offers a peek into the soul of its maker.
“The Princess Has Heartburn,” is a painting of note by Peter Martin, a local careered artist who served in the military as an illustrator for over 40 years. Now celebrating his 90th year, he is reworking many of his pieces. The details of his work include hidden images that pull you into his magical world of clever imagination and skill. Yvonne Holland has given Durango her gift of music and art with her Celtic fiddling and pastel masterpieces. Jim and Linda Lutomski are the proverbial artistic power couple who are both humble and yet skilled with respect to their creative processes, and they have a pinch of humor in the mix that will delight you through pottery and weaving. Rebecca Dash’s paintings are the kind that you whisper about to your friend as you marvel at her technical skill resembling that of the old masters, but she employs a youthful exuberance that counterpoints her passion for history. Dustin Cook, Tad Smith, Mike Scieszka and others bring graphic, bold and surreal pieces that provoke thought and make you want to invest in their artwork. Scieszka donates all of his proceeds to the DAC and the American Cancer Society.
If you join or renew during the opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m., you will receive a free drink ticket at the bar, so come enjoy a glass of wine and peruse the legacies in the making that our community has to offer before heading to the theater for the Durango PlayFest. Admission to the gallery is always free, and so is the inspiration.
- Durango PlayFest, various events and showtimes.
- The Complete History of America (abridged), 600 years of history hilariously presented in 6,000 seconds. 7:30 p.m. July 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22; 2 p.m. July 9, 16 and 23. Tickets $20/$10.
- 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.
- Member’s Exhibit Opening Reception, 5-7 p.m. June 30.
- Call to Artists for the “That’s So Durango!” art exhibit in August, submit online.
- Artisan’s Market, open noon-6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
- Adult and youth art and theater classes offered year round, see website for catalog.
- 29th Annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival, Sept. 16-17 along East Second Ave.
For more information, visit DurangoArts.org.
Brenda Macon has been executive director of Durango Arts Center since 2018.
