We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.
~ John F Kennedy
The Art Supply House has been here since 2002 – for and because of you. We’ve had a mix of caretakers and curators during that time, but one constant is our commitment to supporting your creativity.
As we pause this week to spend time with our loved ones, we’re reminded of the magic that happens – together. Whether you’re painting, drawing, sculpting, or just dreaming big, you’re part of what makes this place so special.
- This week’s artist is – Mikael Hallstrøm – whose work I first ran across via the Strata series (some shown here) – but I loved seeing all his different types of work on his website and instagram!
- Peter Lely would have had his 344th birthday on Saturday!
- Do you have some art that’s “Good Enough to Eat”? Ignacio Community Library wants to showcase you with its newest exhibit, opening Dec. 2. Submit your art between Nov. 23-30 for inclusion in the show – all mediums are welcome, and there’s space for everyone!
- Two paint companies just announced their picks for “Color of the Year 2025”. Coincidentally they’re both shades of purple. PPG & Glidden chose Purple Basil while Benjamin Moore chose Cinnamon Slate.
- The above is interesting since I recently ran across this article saying that purple isn’t real.
- Here are some tutorials for holiday cards in different mediums, from Strathmore.
- In this video from Pianote, the multi-talented Jon Batiste hears Green Day’s Holiday for the first time (drum & vocals only) and is challenged to come up with a piano accompaniment for it — and he really really gets into it.
- A Soft Murmur is an online background noise generator designed to help you relax, focus, and tune out unpleasant sounds from your environment.
- The Quilt Index, originally launched in 2003, is an open access, digital repository of thousands of images, stories and information about quilts and their makers drawn from hundreds of public and private collections around the world
- The Violin. “A stack of hundred-year-old photos lead to the discovery of a family treasure hiding in plain sight.”
- I told my art teacher I didn’t like her shading advice… She told me to lighten up.
Fun Fact: Diego Rivera, the Mexican muralist, painted on a grand scale to make art accessible to the public, especially the working class. He also heavily influenced his wife, Frida Kahlo.- Shop & Dine locally on Friday, November 29 in Downtown Durango & the North main District for your chance to win a local gift card with the Holly Jolly Gift Card Drawing.
- TBK Bank partnered up with Housing Solutions for the Southwest and adopted 15 families in need to make their holidays a bit brighter. Stop by any TBK Bank branch location in Durango or Bayfield November 29th through December 13th to adopt an angel(s). No gift is too small and any donation is greatly appreciated!
- Calling all La Plata County littles! Santa’s reindeer have escaped and are hiding in Downtown Durango and we need your help to find them all. While you’re shopping and dining local on Black Friday, pick up a clue card at the Durango Welcome Center between 10 am and 5 pm and start rounding up the reindeer. When you find a correct location, collect a stamp and bring your clue card to Singing with Santa after rounding up at least six of the reindeer. The first 50 clue cards turned in will receive a special edition souvenir Singing with Santa hot chocolate mug. Read up on the contest rules and details at SingingWithSanta.org/Scavenger-Hunt, and have a holly jolly search!
- Start off the holiday season with Singing with Santa. This annual family friendly event takes place the day after Thanksgiving as the community Christmas Tree in Buckley Park is lit up. Santa will be there to help count down the lighting of the tree, sing Christmas Carols and take photos. There will be hot chocolate and cookies for all to enjoy while supplies last.
- 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 just got in a new batch of soft-cover handmade journals by Lamali. These flexible journals are ideal for writing, drawing, sketching and multi-media. Not only are they a delight to look at and use, but they’re manufactured by hand in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal by a certified fair trade workshop. As products are handmade, small variations in color and thickness can occur.
We’re grateful for you – your art, your stories, and the way you inspire us every day. Thank you for letting us be part of your creative journey.
The world needs you (and your art)!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – We’re closed this weekend – Thursday-Monday. See you Tuesday!
P.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!