Mesa Verde Road Trip

Do you know that giddy feeling at the start of a road trip? The sense of "letting go" of all the packing and travel preparation burden and embracing the feeling of exploration ahead of you? The lofty, dramatic clouds and curving road of this Mesa Verde National Park approach captures that idea for me.

I've been delving into the merits of both oil and acrylic paintings lately, comparing the graphic, layered style of acrylic in contrast to the gauzy, blend-for-days capacity of oil paints. Perhaps I'll settle on a favorite medium... or not, and I'll just keep exploring.

"Mesa Verde Anticipation"

24" x 18" | oil on canvas

available

Durango Open Studio Tour

September 22-24, 2023, Durango Open Studio Tour will open doors all over Durango to the working studios of professional and emerging artists to explore local art studios, discover inspirational art, and connect with artists. Mark your calendar!

I developed the brand identity for the Tour, utilizing a bright color palette and creating a logo that captures the feeling of exploring creative mediums and meeting artists in their working studios. Keep an eye out for these golden signs in late September, and join in this Tour -- it's free for the public to attend!

My ArtRoom friend, Heather Freeman, and I host this valuable community event, which creates appreciation and connection between artists and our community. This Tour offers a wide array of fine arts for discovery and purchase — drawing, painting, wearable art, photography, pottery, printmaking, woodworking, jewelry, sculpture, furniture, metalwork, mixed media, and more!

Are you a Durango artist interested in participating? Register here until August 11. Would you like to attend the Tour? It's free for the public to attend... click here to learn more.

See you at the Tour!

Cindy's Dairy-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup

It'll be mushroom season soon! There is something magical about serving dishes created from gathered or home-grown foods. This soup combines the earthiness of a Colorado forest with the warm memories of the harvest and exploration.

In late summer and early fall, one of my favorite activities is to gather a select group of mushrooms. Exploring the mountain terrain, fully present, with only a small backpack, knife, and a few friends is my idea of a perfect day.

Try this recipe with any mushrooms or broth, but smoky turkey stock, earthy chanterelle mushrooms, and silky coconut milk combine into a lovely, creamy soup. Bon appétit!

Durango First Friday

The ArtRoom Collective First Friday August Art Crawl

The next ArtRoom Collective First Friday Art Crawl is August 4, from 4pm - 7pm at the Smiley Building. Come talk with local artists, be inspired by creative work, or buy a local, handcrafted item for yourself or someone special to celebrate Spring! The Smiley Cafe will be open for a warm beverage, glass of wine or a treat.

Our August Featured Artist is Ray Martinez of Ray Martinez Photography. Classic headshots never go out of style. From small business owners to CEOs, every professional needs a powerful portrait that reflects the “face” of their business. Ray can design a session to match your personal or professional vision and style. At 5:30 on August 4, Ray will demonstrate his photography techniques through a white seamless portrait. Come to watch it happen!

To learn more about Ray Martinez Photography, visit: raymartinezphotography.com

Get Ready!!! The next Durango First Friday Art Crawl is August 4, the monthly celebration of all things local in our amazing community—art and music, culture, unique goods, real food, and movement makers! Last month's First Friday a hoot! There were bands, belly dancers, artists and musicians featured along and near Main Ave. This is going to be a FUN monthly event. Start your First Friday at Smiley to earn a BOGO free Smiley Cafe beverage!

Are you interested in being a participating Durango business? Check out the Local First - First Friday site here. It's free to participate! See you out on the town on First Friday.

Are you a local artist, musician, performer, or creative spirit interested in showcasing your work at a local business during a Durango First Friday? Fill out the artist form here. Responses from this form will be made available to local businesses searching for creatives to host during Durango First Fridays. 

The ArtRoom Collective at The Smiley is a diverse, working studio gallery where 22 artists create, collaborate, and share their passion with the community.