Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
~ Pablo Picasso
Ever crammed your day with chores only to ditch art? I’ve done that. I might start out the day with good intentions (even having an art project in mind) but then end up juggling chores and work tasks instead. Coordinating schedules, handling calls – you name it. By sunset, my brain felt like a squeezed-out tube of paint.
Sometimes a simple switch of timing makes a difference. Tackle creative projects when you’re fresh. Then fit in those draining tasks later when your brainpower wanes.
- This week’s artist is – Jeremy Salazar – is a Navajo artist whose work I ran across at Sorrel Sky Gallery. To learn more, check out his website!
- Maude Kegg would have been 120 on Monday!
- Studio & Gallery announced an opportunity for regional and national artists. They are seeking submissions for a Juried Exhibition with the theme “ON THE DAILY: Coffee & Tea”, asking artists to explore the interpretations on this theme and submit up to four pieces for consideration. This exhibit is open to all artists working in any traditional or contemporary media. Here’s the prospectus. Deadline to apply: August 23. (That’s Friday!)
- Four Corners Writing will select ten (10) works of short fiction, ten (10) works of nonfiction, and twenty (20) poems for publication in the anthology, both in trade paperback and e-book. The anthology editors for 2024 are Chuck Greaves (Fiction), Mark Stevens (Nonfiction), and Lisa C. Taylor (Poetry.) Please read the following guidelines carefully before submitting your work for consideration: They are currently a ccepting submissions, with a submission deadline of September 1, 2024, after which no further submissions will be considered. Early submission is both encouraged and appreciated. All submissions must be in Word (.doc or .docx) format, double-spaced, 12-point, Times New Roman font. Please include a brief (two or three sentence) bio in italics at the end of your submission. Submit your work as an email attachment to: fourcornerswriters@gmail.com, and please indicate either “Fiction,” “Nonfiction,” or “Poetry” in the subject line.
- Here’s a guide to DIY aluminum-backed canvas/paper for painting.
- This is a neat egg tempera painting demo.
- Making a picture book for blind and visually impaired children.
- Here’s a public domain art search engine.
- The 27 most beautiful bridges in the world.
- Finalists from the Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest.
- Are people born with a photographic memory? Or does it take time to develop?
Fun Fact: Frida Kahlo’s first self-portrait was a gift to her boyfriend to remember her by, as she began painting after a severe bus accident to occupy her during her recovery.- Today at the Durango Library, attend a free session on Birdscaping – how to attract birds to your yard. (From 4:30-6).
- Also today at the library is the Word Honey Poetry Workshop. Join in for free, starting at 6.
- The San Juan Brewfest is this weekend (it’s their 25th!).
- The Durango Education Foundation‘s back to school Resource Fair is Tuesday from 4-7 at the county fairgrounds. This event provides a chance for local students and families to get a strong start to the school year ahead! All 9-R schools and over 75 resource providers for kids gather in one place to distribute information and connect with families. Free food, games, prizes, balloon animals, and face painting provided too!
- 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.
- We brought in some lino chisels… and half of them are here! These are much more substantial feeling in your hand than the interchangeable blade types. Plus, you can have the different shapes/sizes all ready to go and just switch between them as needed when carving. It’s great to have these after we revamped the printmaking section. If you’re curious, swing by the store to check them out.
After a few weeks of non-creative days back-to-back-to-back I was thinking about bursts of creativity stifled by daily demands. That’s why “The world needs your art” isn’t just our motto – it’s our mission. We understand passion. Our team members are artists too, each exploring their medium. We connect with your journey, from the thrill of fresh supplies to the triumph of a finished piece.
So, let’s flip the script. Prioritize your art. Let laundry and loose ends fill the gaps. Not the other way around. That’s how your creativity thrives, and how you make magic with the time you’ve got. And remember, we’re not just here to sell art supplies; we’re here to fuel your passion for creating.
Dive back into what you love, and let’s keep making everyday life a bit more colorful. After all, the world needs your art!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – August has 5 Saturdays. So the 31st will be customer appreciation day. Do you have your bag ready?
P.P.S. – We’re launching an online store with a curated selection (separate from our in-person store.) Want to be the first to know? Sign up for the waiting list.