Arts and Entertainment

See who we are and what we’re doing at Durango Arts Center

Jason Lythgoe

In 1960, the first incarnation of what we know as the DAC formed as the Durango Artists Association in order to develop and promote activity and interest in the arts. Sixty-four years, a few different locations and acronyms later, the DAC is still leading the charge to ensure that the arts continue to thrive in the Four Corners and beyond. Our current staff at the DAC is full of amazing and wonderful people dedicated to the arts and making sure Durango has access to programs and experiences that will entertain, spark imagination and inspire the next generation of storytellers, and visionaries.

If you haven’t been in lately, we’d like to share a snapshot of the brilliant people the DAC has in the building every day.

Deena Carney: Visual arts visionary and gallery director
Deena Carney

I’ve been a proud member of this community for over 57 years. I own a cattle ranch, have horses, a corgi and love the mountains. I share an inherited appreciation for the visual arts and the love of teaching through generations of family members.

Ben Dukeminier: Assistant visual arts education director
Ben Dukeminier

Mr. B has a diverse background both in visual and performance arts. From giant sculptures to being a giant himself when he is on his stilts with the local circus, you can always find him inspiring and cultivating creativity!

Monica DiBiasio: Theatre artistic and managing director
Monica DiBiasio

Monica has been a theater artist for over 40 years as an actor, director, producer, teacher and designer. Before landing in Durango, she was owner of the Complex Hollywood, the largest performing arts venue in Hollywood, where she facilitated the performances of thousands of plays during her 10 years there.

Mary Quinn: Marketing and development director
Mary Quinn

Mary Quinn is excited to join the DAC team as the new marketing and development director. She has been performing on the DAC stage since she was 18 years old with Durango Dot Comedy. Mary studied comedy at Second City, Improv Olympics and Annoyance Theatre in Chicago. She is the co-founder and owner of Lower left Improv. She is so proud of the community she surrounds herself with and cannot wait to see where the DAC will grow and flourish.

Jeni Heerdt: Operations director
Jeni Heerdt

Jenifer Heerdt is our operations director. She has worked in facilities management for more than five years. Before coming to the DAC, she worked in various aspects of construction and building management as well as owned her own business in antique restoration in upstate New York. She is excited to be here at the DAC creating safe and functional spaces for artists and the community.

Now that you know who we are, come on in and introduce yourself and see how you can be a part of the magic. We have some fantastic things lined up this month and you don’t want to miss out.

  • On Nov. 8, we turn the gallery into the expanded Gift Gallery to showcase even more local artists and makers and give you the opportunity to spread the love and pick up handmade creations for those holiday gift needs. Art classes also make wonderful gifts and date nights. Check out the lineup of classes and ways to expand your artistic skills. No experience required.
  • The theater is packed all month long with films, a brand new exciting live poetry event on Nov. 9; Silent Sunday with Swanson on Nov. 10; and the fourth annual 24 Hour Theatre Project is happening Nov. 15 and 16 in which we bring brand new short plays from the blank page to on the stage in just 24 hours. The kickoff of the 24-hour timer starts at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 with a special performance by the musical improv group The Symphonies, then the writers go write, and the next day is the show at 7 p.m. Don’t miss this one of a kind theatrical experience.

The holiday season is upon us, and the DAC is ready to be your creative team. Come spend some time with us this month at a show, taking in some fantastic art in our gallery or supporting local artists by purchasing something for someone special at our gift gallery. It’s never-ending creativity at the DAC where everyone is welcome and are family!

Jason Lythgoe is executive director of Durango Arts Center.