The essence of Durango’s First Thursdays Art Walk can usually be found indoors – inside the galleries, studios and art venues of downtown.

But this week, a new Art Walk feature will take patrons outside, for an al fresco art tour of the town’s sculptures, murals and public art.

The Downtown Durango Mural & Arts Tour will be led by Aaron Schmitt, a local artist who has been involved with several public art projects in Durango. Schmitt will take people on a stroll to check out some of Durango’s well-recognized public art, as well as some of its lesser-known pieces. Between bronze horse sculptures, painted walls and decorated dumpsters, the downtown area holds a great deal of outdoor art – more than most people probably realize, Schmitt said.

“I definitely think it’ll be little surprising,” Schmitt said. “I have about 17 different sculptures and murals that I will be talking about, and that’s not including the dumpsters.”

Schmitt said he will be explaining the history of the pieces and the artists who created them; Schmitt will also be pointing out the galleries where other Art Walk events will be taking place, so participants can head there after the tour. The hope is to encourage people to explore, appreciate and be inspired by all facets of Durango’s art scene.

“I’m hoping that it will encourage more and more public art to be created,” Schmitt said.

All told, Schmitt said, Durango is home to more than $1 million in public art.

“It’d be nice to take a tour around the whole town,” Schmitt said. “But then we’d need a bus.”

kklingsporn@durangoherald.com