I used to be embarrassed because I was just a comic-book writer while other people were building bridges or going on to medical careers. And then I began to realize: Entertainment is one of the most important things in people’s lives. Without it, they might go off the deep end. I feel that if you’re able to entertain people, you’re doing a good thing.
~ Stan Lee
One of the great issues of today is that we don’t feel connected to others, especially to their problems and struggles. We feel untouched by their concerns. Art has the power to bridge that gap, engage our senses, to help us see and feel aspects of others’ lives. It can make the world felt. Through its influence, art can help us start discussions and eventually may even spur thinking, engagement, and even create change in the world around us.
- You may have heard of Stan Lee from his decades of work with Marvel Comics. He was at least the co-creator of characters like Spider-Man, the Hulk, Black Panther, the X-Men, Iron Man, and more. Alas, he passed away yesterday at 95. I remember reading through his How to Draw SuperHeroes and How to Draw Comics books as a kid and dreaming about becoming a comic artist. He revolutionized the comic industry, taking on complex social issues, giving his characters more nuanced personalities, making them more relatable and… human. As an editor, he was more likely to come up with concepts and ideas for one of the artists he collaborated with to create rather than create his own. However, he gets a lot of credit for these characters:
- Nearly done with the #TownPlazaMural – We made even more progress made on the mural over the weekend – it may never be considered “completed” but we’re all getting comfortable with the current state of it. And with the weather turning winter-ish, the timing may be perfect! Lexis was able to add more details to the “bear dance”, Hayley and Lexis added even more animals and plants, and I threw some music notes up near the musician. On Saturday, Ace headquarters sent a local photographer to document the mural, the artists, and the Kroeger’s team. I’ll share some of those images in a couple of weeks. Until then, we’re hoping the weather forecast is close to accurate tomorrow and we can wrap up with one last push!
- Two more classes at the Scrapbook Nook this week: Make two two-page layouts with the Moon Child collection on Thursday at 1, and try some new materials in Saturday’s coloring class at 10! And next Tuesday at 1 you can play with some different mediums like Expanding Mousse, Distress Oxides and Alcohol Ink Lifter!
- Patrice DeLorenzo will be signing her holiday cards that are exclusively available a few doors down at The Mail Room on Thursday, from 11-1!
- Want to keep up with the Durango Creative District? You can sign up for their new newsletter here. The shared vision meeting is Tuesday, Dec 4th at the Rec Center. Your input is needed! This is the first working group meeting, where we will be discussing a SHARED VISION for Durango’s creative economy – including learning about our neighboring Creative Districts’ strategic plans. For more info, check out Local-First’s website.
- Local creative Business spotlight – The Scrapbook Nook – We have a few businesses in Durango that provide supplies and support to local creatives. While I’ve been mentioning classes at the Scrapbook Nook for a few newsletters, I also wanted to mention them in a different fashion. Cheryl and Jerri are a couple of awesome ladies who are delightful founts of knowledge. If you’re not specifically a scrapbooker, you have likely been overlooking an amazing resource hidden in Durango and I encourage you to swing by 495 E College Drive to check them out (look for the purple door!)
- New product – Pilot PlumixFountain Pen – I’ve been a fountain pen fan for years now and jumped at the chance to bring in the Plumix. I picked one up while in college and used it for years and missed this delightful little guy so I grabbed one for myself. If you’ve been curious about fountain pens or want an affordable one to carry around with you, I definitely recommend the Plumix as an easy, delightful writer.
It seems like things are speeding up as the holiday season is getting closer (or has it already started? Does Halloween count as the beginning of the holidays?) I hope you have some great holiday/end-of-year plans lined up – even if it’s just a day or two off for a breather!
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Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – Have you seen our “name game” sign in front of the store? Stop by and ask how to get your name on there…