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Artspiration

Focus on the important things

A simple line painted with the brush can lead to freedom and happiness.
~ Joan Miró

It’s easy to get caught up in this busy season. Between work, vacation days, trips, visitors, meals, planning goals for next year, and so much more – there’s just a lot to keep us occupied. So, even though I’m pointing out even more things to do and to think about, I also want to take a moment to remind all of us to focus on the important things in our lives (because I know that I need this reminder as much as anyone).

  • This week’s artist is – Holly Kavonic – whose work was pointed out to me by one of our framers. Her work is simply gorgeous – check out her website for more wildlife, portraits, and information about Holly!

  • The Scrapbook Nook has classes coming up! Stop by today at 11 for an open class. Thursday at 11 join the gals in making a Christmas album. Saturday is their Christmas extravaganza with a special sale (and brunch if you want to join in the potluck fun). Next week they’ll be closed Tuesday and Wednesday for the holiday.
  • We can still squeeze in your custom framing order for Christmas delivery – just keep in mind that your material choices will be limited.
  • Here are 3 different ways to paint Christmas trees.
  • Looking for more advice on painting tree foliage? Here are 4 tips – in both written and video 
  • In case you’re away from your studio, here are some thoughts on creating art while on vacation.
  • Veryl Goodnight just updated her website – be sure to check out her new work, writings, and see what kinds of events are coming up.
  • If you didn’t make it out to see Patrice DeLorenzo‘s new show, Soft Spoken – it will be up until February 8th at Olio in Mancos (114 West Grande Ave).
  • The Looking Glass Collective’s Winter Art Show is on display at the Smiley Cafe. More info available here. All paintings are for sale with 30% of sales going to Local First’s efforts to establish a Creative District in Durango.
  • Children are basically mirrors – especially timely thoughts for me, since I expect to have a little mirror of my own any time now.
  • The Durango Arts Centers’ Winter Solstice Invitational Artisans’ Market is running until December 23, 2019. Stop by Monday-Saturdays, from 10am-5pm.
  • Behind the scenes and the history of Big Bird on Sesame Street.
  • Project Merry Christmas is offering gift wrapping in the Durango Mall until Christmas.
  • BID and the Strater Hotel are offering a free gift wrapping station from 12-3 each on the following Saturdays and Sundays: Dec 21-22. Head to the Strater Hotel lobby and enjoy cookies and cocoa while guests are waiting. Wrapping is old fashioned style, with brown paper and string, then they stamp each package with the Christmas Town stamp, using red ink.
  • We do it because it beats not doing it.
  • Yarns, Threads, and More has Night Shift on Tuesdays from 4-6, if you want to go and join the fun!
  • Pine Needle Dry Goods first annual Maker’s Market will be the 19th from 3-7.
  • There will be a community Christmas lunch on Saturday from 12:30-2:30 at Schneider Park (1333 Camino del Rio). This is a special feast with Durango’s citizens who are experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Attendees are invited to bring a favorite dish to share. It is an outdoor event, and an opportunity to visit with volunteers and make new friends. To RSVP or sign-up, contact Donna Mae at (970) 236-2313.
  • The Maker Lab at the Powerhouse Science Center is holding a free Winter Ornament Class on Saturday from 2-4. Here is more information.
  • Every year Studio & hosts a holiday party to thank all of the wonderful folks that support them and are part of this big community we are lucky to be a part of. This year that party happens to fall on the Winter Solstice!! They invite you and all your friends/family/neighbors to join them on Saturday, December 21 in celebration of everything that is Art, Ideas, Progress, Winter, Darkness, Light… and the list goes on. Please come they say thank YOU to the oh so many people who are so important to what it is that they do at Studio &! Once again they will be doing their Artist’s art swap. If you are an artist, bring a piece of your creation valued at $100 or more and you will leave with another artists work! The swap is at 8pm please be at the party by that time if you want to be part of this great & tradition.
  • For our last contest of the year, we asked that you show us what you’re Most Grateful For. I suspect the busy season was too much for most of us and there was only a single entry. Which means that DaisyMeadow wins a well-deserved first place!

  • This week’s featured products are the new Copic markers we’re carrying – Copic Ciao! They’re a fabulous quality alcohol marker at a more affordable price point than their Sketch line.

Next week, we’ll be open for our regular hours on Monday, be open till 4 on Tuesday, closed on Wednesday, and then regular hours for the rest of the week. I plan on getting some art-making done over this weekend – as I’ll certainly appreciate the mental reset. Hope you can get creative time in as well – you need your art!

Cheers!

Matthew & the Art Supply House crew

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