Be on the side of the creator – Art Supply House & Custom Framing

I decided years ago that I would always be on the side of the creator.

~ Ryan Delk

It’s easy to be critical, especially in today’s culture. As more creators dare to create, they often don’t meet the standards we think they should. Whether they’re beginners whose skill doesn’t match their vision or a professional who makes a misstep. There’s someone waiting to criticize.

I heard a quote above and that one line has stuck with me: “I will always be on the side of the creator.“

This week’s artist is – Matt Ryder – whose work I saw first in International Artist Magazine. For even more, check out his website and instagram!

Vincent Colyer would have been 200 on Monday!
Did you read the New York Times article about custom framing costs?
This is a great, nerdy, dive into changes in a felt pen over the decades.
And then this one is less involved about notebooks.
Finding your focus (for your piece of art.)
Poetry was an official Olympic event for nearly 40 years.
Here’s a list of common misconceptions (featuring the art sub-list.)
Read about how memorizing poetry can expand your life. Or about the curious power of memorizing poems. And here are some ways to go about that process.
What do you call a story about a broken pencil? Pointless.
Fun Fact: Klimt’s “The Kiss” is part of his Golden Phase, where he incorporated gold leaf into his paintings, influenced by Byzantine mosaics. Gold leaf has been used in art for thousands of years. The technique of applying gold leaf to canvas, paper, or frames is known as gilding.
The Durango Open Studio Tour is coming up next month. October 4-6, 2024, emerging and professional artists will opening their doors all over Durango, Colorado to explore local art studios, discover inspirational art and connect with artists. You’ll have the opportunity of local fine art to purchase, explore artist’s techniques, and view a range of art in each studio. https://www.durangoopenstudiotour.com/
Also coming up soon is the Super Amazing Extraordinary Biggest Little Art Show in Durango on Saturday, October 12th from 10-6 in the Newman Building (downstairs, formerly Rose Duds). Refreshments will be served. Featuring small works by Cindy Coleman, Miki Harder, Mariah Kaminsky, Elizabeth Kinahan, Allison Leigh-Smith, and Amy Vaclav.
The Animas City Night Bazaar is tonight, from 5-8 at Sols Outdoor Lab/Riverview Elementary School. Art! Community-building! Performances! Live Music! Games! Contests! Fun for all ages!
Maria’s Bookshop is celebrating 40 years on Saturday from 4-9. Join in with family-friendly activities, book giveaways, and games. Hang out as friends share a few words, photos, and memories. Then stay as we roll the bookshelves to the side and open up the floor for live music by People We Know, drinks, and dancing!
Wanted, Youth Entrepreneurs! Are you an amazing youth baker, a youth artist with artwork to sell or a youth that offers a service like babysitting or balloon making? Join the Youth Makers Market! The Durango Youth Makers Market is a unique one-day youth marketplace which will showcase the creative arts, goods, and services of local Youth Entrepreneurs between 8-17 years of age. In addition to creating a product or service, participants are encouraged to develop their own brand, build a marketing strategy and utilize their communication skills while interacting with potential customers at the one-day marketplace! Fee for Youth Entrepreneur: $10.00 Durango Youth Arts Festival & Youth Makers Market, Saturday October 19th, 2024 at Buckley Park.
It’s the time of year when 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.
OKTO clay was one of our favorite new vendors at the trade show in June. So we’re thrilled that our first round of their products have arrived! It’s an air clay that comes in lots of fun colors. They’ve designed “clay by number” sets in both two and 3 dimension patterns. Each set has instructions to make something, but of course you can do whatever you want if you have an idea already in mind. Swing by to check them out!

It’s easy to criticize. And constructive criticism is important for growth. But publicly complaining about something isn’t helpful.

Understand that it can be intimidating to create something, much less put it out in the world for others to see. Especially if it isn’t yet to a high standard or your full potential.

Encourage others to create. Encourage yourself to create. It’s an act of bravery. As always, the world needs your art!

Matthew & the Art Supply House crew

P.S. – We want everyone to make art. So we’re putting together a kit of supplies and guides on how to use them – enabling everyone to make art, no matter where they are, no matter how much time they have available. Want to be the first to know and see behind the scenes? Sign up for the waiting list.