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American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” This reminder speaks directly to where we are with our best days happening into the new year – at the Durango Arts Center.
We will lead with honesty and integrity, setting our staff, partners and volunteers up for success. Programming will expand for individuals and families in Durango and La Plata County by removing financial barriers to art classes and theater camps. The DAC will reinvigorate our base of legacy investors while engaging new donors. Through transparency and a shared vision, we will strengthen community engagement and partnerships with local nonprofits. We will honor our 65-year history while maintaining a clear, forward-looking commitment to the visual and performing arts. The DAC is committed to exploring the full spectrum of artistic expression, from cutting-edge work to traditional forms. We will serve as the centerpiece of Durango’s downtown arts scene – the community’s premier theater venue and gallery space.
We reopen after the holiday break on Tuesday, and I invite everyone to visit our exhibits, enroll in a youth or adult class, enjoy a theater performance, sign up for Pots and Pints, shop in our store and make the DAC part of your regular community routine. You can sign up for updates and newsletters at www.durangoarts.org under the Contact link.
The Barbara Conrad Gallery will host the first exhibit of the year, “Leonard Davies: The Joys of Painting as a Pastime.” After a long and distinguished career as a civil rights attorney, Davies began oil painting at age 70, embracing art as a new and enriching chapter of his life. We invite you to the opening celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 9. His paintings are of the American Southwest, from high alpine vistas to red-rock deserts. He has been married since 1961 to Susan Ayres Davies, a descendant of two founding families of Durango.
Many years ago, I had my own entertainment production company and valued the intimacy of the DAC theater. It’s exciting to have us now host live music. Bluegrass, Americana and folk artists Tony Furtado and Luke Price will take to the DAC stage at 7 p.m. Feb. 26. Tickets are at www.durangoarts.org.
Please extend a thank you to our newest sponsors of programming and scholarships: Ashes Away/Top Hat The Chimney and Fireplace Professionals; Gable House Bed & Breakfast; Four Corners OB/GYN and Jimmy’s Music and Supply.
Technology is a wonderful thing – until it isn’t. Right now, we’re in need of three donated laptops, PC or Mac. We have a tech person to wipe donated computers clean. They can be dropped off noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday in the gallery.
It is written on my heart, with deep gratitude, how meaningful it is to be part of the DAC alongside an incredible staff, board of directors and dedicated volunteers.
Beth Lamberson Warren is executive director of Durango Arts Center.
