The earth without art is just ‘eh.’
~ bumpersticker
This week we want to share an exciting update. We purchased the Art & Framing Center in Pagosa Springs! The previous owner was ready to ready to retire and we were thrilled to keep a local frame shop alive and going – to continue celebrating the magic of art. So if you’re closer to Pagosa, you can swing by and work with Rob for your framing needs and it should have the same great feel that you get at the Art Supply House!
- This week’s artist is – Lillian Babcock – a local artist. (You can see her work in person at Sun Sapphires.) See even more on her website and instagram!
- Carlo Marochetti would have been 220 on Tuesday!
- This is a ranking of Raphael’s 10 greatest pieces.
- And this one ranks 10 of Rembrandt’s pieces.
- Here’s one writer’s magical desk. And then a school version.
- In case you’re still stuck in December’s “pit of despair” here’s one creative’s way out. (From the school version of the magic desk above.)
- Ran across this quote by Carl Sagan: “What an astonishing thing a book is. It’s a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and you’re inside the mind of another person, maybe somebody dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia, an author is speaking clearly and silently inside your head, directly to you. Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people who never knew each other, citizens of distant epochs. Books break the shackles of time. A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic.”
- The above quote could be re-written about most creative pursuits – here’s a version about painting: “What an astonishing thing a painting is. It’s a flat surface, often made from canvas or wood, brushed with colors extracted from the earth, plants, or chemicals. But one look at it, and you’re transported into the vision of another person—perhaps someone who lived centuries ago. Across time and space, an artist speaks without words, sharing emotions, stories, or moments that transcend language. Art is among the greatest of human inventions, connecting people who never met, bridging distant eras. Paintings defy the constraints of time. A painting is proof that humans are capable of working magic.“
- Following up on the books idea – here’s another quote: “If you think about it, the very best books are really just extremely long spells that turn you into a different person for the rest of your life.” ~ Jonathan Edward Durham
- This Great Art Explained video talks about what makes da’Vinvi’s The Last Supper such an unusual, impressive, and revolutionary work of art.
- Just for fun, today is “Winter Skin Relief Day” as a timely reminder to take care of that epidermis and enjoy the skin you wear every day!
Fun Fact: The Ancient Egyptians believed that drawing something gave it life, so they would purposely omit certain details—like the pupils of a figure’s eyes—to prevent it from coming to life.- Tomorrow (Thurs) it’s time for Crafternoons at the Durango Library, from 4-5:30. After all, crafting isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental for mental health, relaxation, and happiness! Go and explore their awesome craft supplies. In January they’re making journals for the New Year. There will be supplies for simple binding ideas and more complex stitching techniques (and everything in-between)! This is a bilingual event!
- Saturday is the Yarn Meetup at the Durango Library, from 1-3. Calling knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists of all ages and levels! Come work on your current project in an informal group setting!
- There are lots of live music events, open mics, live jam sessions, etc, scattered about the area throughout the week. There are too many to list here, so if you’re looking for such things, head over to WhatsHappeningDurango.com.
- There are classes/workshops/projects available at the 4 Corners Gem and Mineral Club, the Bayfield Library, Create Art and Tea, the Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts, Durango Sustainable Goods, Let’s Letter Together, the MakerLab, Picasso & Vino, the Scrapbook Nook, Seed Studio, and the Durango Arts Center. There are a lot more things happening that I don’t include – so if you’re ever looking for something to do, start at WhatsHappeningDurango.com.
- We have quite a few books on-hand. Whether you want to learn something new, see other’s art for inspiration, or just try out some sort of project, we’ve got something for you. They’re scattered about the store, tucked in beside the materials they refer to – so it’s also fun to search and find where they’re sitting! (This is just a batch near the drawing section…)
- This is a fun project we recently completed in the frame shop. These “pollock” frames were a new release and we received the samples just a couple days before the print came in – and they went together so well!
Of course, we aren’t planning on just stopping at framing in Pagosa – we’re looking into how we can offer art supplies there as well, at least some in the limited space available.
This is where you come in – if you’re closer to Pagosa, what would you love to see? Maybe it’s just a spot to grab some essentials without the drive to Durango… or something more specialized. Let us know and we’ll see how we can help make it happen. At the least, maybe we can create a pick-up location for ordered supplies.
As always, we think that art makes the world a better place and love helping you make and display art. We’re thrilled to be making the world a better place, right there beside you – because the world needs your art!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – Ready to create every chance you get? After testing hundreds of supplies, we’ve narrowed down what needs to be in our Curiosity Kit. (Sign up here for the chance to preorder.) It’s compact but capable. Need tutorials? We’ll have them for everything in the kit. Only got 10 minutes? You can still make art. We can help!
P.P.S. – We’re hiring. Know someone who might be interested? The journey starts here: https://forms.gle/XeaRRmsEaW3fbLQn8