Animas High School would like to express our gratitude to Jessie and Ed Killeen of Grassburger for sponsoring the first Ospreys Dining Out fundraising event of the 2018-19 school year. Many thanks to the Kileens and their staff for supporting our school by generously donating a percentage of sales on Sept. 12.
AHS relies on generous support from our community to prepare all students for college and post-secondary success by creating critical thinkers and engaged citizens through an innovative, student-centered, project-based curriculum.
When locally-owned and operated businesses partner to support local nonprofits and schools, we all benefit and our community grows strong. Thank you to all the AHS students, families and supporters who turned out for the fundraiser – we hope to see you at the next Ospreys Dining Out fundraising event!
Animas High School Fundraising Committee
Durango Arts Center held its 24th annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival on Sept. 15 and 16. Our sponsor, 1st Southwest Bank, enabled us to broaden our reach, educate our audience, and enrich our community with an array of visual artists and musicians. Ninety-four artists from across the country and closer to home brought their work to share with the Four Corners. The artists were welcomed with a delicious dinner provided by the Himalayan Kitchen along with wine from Star Liquors. Dessert was provided by volunteer bakers.
Additional Friends of the 2018 Festival included: Renewal by Anderson, Jeanne-Pierre Bakery, Cyprus Café, Urban Market, YARN, Frederick Zinc and Associates, Connolly Financial, Harris Water Engineering Inc., Sunnyside Farms Market, Eolus Bar & Dining, Ecosphere Environmental Services, Rocky Mountain Chocolate, Coca-Cola of Durango and Farmington, Bread, Durango Joes, the Purple Ice Cream Truck and Rochester Hotel & Bar.
The festival welcomed 6,900 patrons over the weekend. The festival was opened with a beautiful Ute blessing by Hanley Frost and Eddie Box on Saturday and on Sunday with morning yoga en Espanol led by Wendolyn Omana. DAAF 2018 had two sound stages. Performances included the diverse talents of Ballet Folklorico, San Juan Ballet, iAM Music, Bacon Bits, DAC Youth Theatre, Spoken Word by Tanaya Winder, Sweetwater Station, Durango’s Ka pa hula i na mauna, and guitarist Robby Overfield. Ted Holteen the DAAF Emcee managed both stages with expertise. Participating DAAF artist’s works were reviewed by invited jurors: photographer Michelle Sensing, painter, ceramcist and fiber artist Carol Meckling, and painter J. Milton Beens.
The 2018 DAAF winners included: Best of Show/Fine Art: Jude Bischoff; Best of Show/Best Booth: Jason Pavalonis; First Place: Boubakary Konseimbo; Second Place: Sandy Harris Murphy; Third Place: Cathra-Anne Barker; Honorable Mention: Cheryl Kabala. Hundreds of children (and their parents) were able to pause at the Creation Station to have their faces painted and/or create a splendid flag!
The Food Court featured something for all tastes: Ragtime Kettle Corn, Bloom Café, Mountain Stir Fry, The Purple Ice Cream Truck, Create Art & Tea, and the Nuts About CO Inc. truck.
A very heartfelt and sincere thank you to the 118 dedicated volunteers who ensured that the entire festival ran smoothly from the set-up through the take-down.
All told, the Autumn Arts Festival was a roaring success! Thank you, Durango. We look forward to welcoming you next year as we celebrate a quarter century producing this beloved event. Save the dates: Sept. 21 and 22, 2019.
Durango Arts Center
