Creativity takes courage.
~ Henri Matisse
I often mention creating in these emails… my examples are so often some sort of traditional fine art – because that’s what I went to school for and is my specialty. While my examples might be specific, I am thinking much more broadly whenever I mention “creating”.
- This week’s artist is – Parker Ledford – is a local artist whose work you have definitely seen. It’s pretty hard to overlook. It’s often literally the size of a building. Among other things, Parker is a mural artist who’s aesthetically improved many Durango buildings. Check out his website, linktree, and instagram for more.
- Gerhard Richter will be 91 tomorrow.
- There are a couple of art contests currently accepting art:
- The Butterfly Artist Collective is sponsoring an art contest for artists between the ages of 15-30. The theme is Transformation. Entries must be received by March 21st. All artists who participate will have the opportunity to show their work March 28th at Create Art and Tea. Cash prizes and other fun perks. More info here.
- La Plata Youth Services 9th Annual Unchain My Heart art show will be February 16 from 4-7:30 at Create Art and Tea. They’re still accepting artwork for the event.
- There are also a couple of Calls for Artists in the area:
- The Durango Herald is looking for a design that encompasses what local journalism means to our community. How it impacts and keeps people safe, informed, and engaged. They would like an artistic expression of the importance of having a local newspaper. Submission Deadline is February 28th. More info available here.
- Willowtail Springs in Mancos CO is offering 1-2 week scholarship residencies in the arts and natural sciences during the months of March, April, May, and October 2023. Many more details and the application can be found at willowtail.org.
- These geometric ceramic sculptures by Derek Wilson are absolutely gorgeous. I’ve never seen someone use clay to create such precise, yet abstract forms like this.
- For you bicyclists out there, what Danny MacAskill does with a mountain bike doesn’t seem possible.
- It’s one of the great debates of our time – matte medium or gloss medium for acrylic glazing?
- Continuing a discussion about acrylics, here’s how one artist used acrylic to keep her creativity afloat amidst the tumultuous tides and relentless currents of city life.
- If you’re looking for some new-to-you functional furniture, check out the Animas High School Empty Nest Sale. They’re clearing out the old campus while raising money for Osprey Week Scholarships! They are selling tables, chairs, file cabinets, lamps, bookcases, and much more! Head over to the Former Animas High School Campus (271 Twin Buttes Ave) on Saturday from 8am-4pm.
- The Union Social House’s Slow Bluegrass Jam is Tuesday from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Are you a beginner/intermediate acoustic music player looking to play more? This weekly jam is welcoming to all players, with a focus on slower tempo improvisation solos and chord changes. If you can play the I, IV and V chords in G, D and A then you know enough to play at this jam!
- The DAC has a new gallery show – the Whimsical Wonderland Gallery. If the winter blues have got you down – they have just the thing to turn that frown upside down!
- There are classes/workshops/projects available at Let’s Letter Together, the Scrapbook Nook, Create Art and Tea, the 4 Corners Gem and Mineral Club, 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 recently received an order – everything was packed within boxes for shipping. We opened them up to see more boxes. Yay, boxes (and bags) within boxes! We always try to keep organization accessories on hand and this most recent shipment expanded our options to include some new totes and bags. Do you need help corralling your clutter? Swing by and see what sort of box you can put your boxes into!
There are so many people, and as many different ways to create. Sometimes that looks like painting or drawing. Other times it is scrapbooking, knitting, sewing, writing, acting, songwriting, performing or… so many other things! We don’t always have the tools and materials required (it’s a big world of art and craft supplies) but we’re here to support you, no matter what type of creating you do. Whatever that looks like, the world needs your creative output!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – As a heads-up, we’re going to be having a spring clean art supply drive in April. We’ll take in donations of art supplies and materials that you aren’t using and distribute them all to an organization or two who can really put them to great use. So while you’re looking through your supplies, keep that in mind. Note the things that you aren’t using and haven’t in some time. We’ll send out reminders when we start accepting donations.