Fine art photography, through the generations
Surreal redrock landscapes, macro images of flower petals, dramatic southwestern skies and intimate portraits are some of the images that will be hung in the Durango Arts Center’s Barbara Conrad Gallery for “Exhibit 970 – Generations.” The photography show, which includes 68 images from nine regional shooters, will open with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. today in the gallery, 802 East Second Ave. The all-photography show will be the first of its kind at DAC, according to show curator Joaquin Salazar, whose own landscape photos will be included. Salazar reached out to seven Durango shooters and one Moab artist to find the pieces for “Generations,” and said he was blown away at the exceptional quality of the work that came in. “They not only rose to the occasion, but one-upped the whole thing in terms of quality,” Salazar said. Photographers range from young up-and-comer Alex Pullen to Branson Reynolds, who has enjoyed a 35-year career. Film, digital, black and white, abstract finishes – it’ll all be there, Salazar said. “It’s local, No. 1, and it’s also about showcasing a diverse printed image in the medium of photography ... I really want to send home the fact that we still have the printed image, and it still carries a heavy weight.”
Raising a ruckus
The 2014 True West Railfest is celebrating Durango’s rich railroad history all weekend with train rides, movie screenings, parties and more. Today, the Railfest is hosting a Wild West Show at – where else? – the Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave., complete with rope tricks, saloon girls and a yodeling accordion player. Performers will include cowboy humorist Will Roberts, master roper Jim Durham and accordion comedian Sourdough Slim. The Silver Belle Saloon Girls, a group of local women, will keep the crowds entertained between sets with songs, dances and stories of Durango’s history. Because what’s a railroad festival without a Wild West show? Showtimes will be at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., and tickets are $10 and available at the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot or at the Durango Visitor Center.
Spelling bees and singing candlesticks
Thingamajig Theatre in Pagosa Springs has some great summer musical theater offerings – and time is running short to see them. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” which closes Wednesday, is a hilarious and endearing musical about six young spelling bee contestants trying to navigate the awkwardness of adolescence and the pitfalls of competition. “A Chorus Line,” which centers on a group of young dancers auditioning for spots on a Broadway chorus line, will close Aug. 22. And the last chance to see “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” an adaptation of the Academy-Award winning animated feature film about the princess and her unlikely love, is Aug. 23. All shows are at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, 2313 Eagle Drive. Visit pagosacenter.org for more information or to purchase tickets.
