Gray Hackle Day

How do you define beauty? Is it something you feel? Is it how you express yourself? Is it through meaningful interpretation? For me, beauty is found in nature. I speak this love through a unique style that moves beyond a landscape into a stylistic embrace of the emotion ignited by a hike, an exhale, a transient experience, or a simple moment of relaxation in a special place... a place like Gray Hackle on a perfect day watching the clouds drift across the sky.

This 30" x 40" acrylic painting was inspired by a cloud-gazing moment as I felt grateful for the memories and beauty surrounding this remarkable space. Drop by my studio at the Smiley Building ArtRoom in Durango anytime to chat about your favorite cloud day.

"Gray Hackle Day"

30" x 40" | acrylic on canvas

Espero Apartments

Some graphic design opportunities create an overwhelming appreciation for the "doers" of the world... people who see a need and fight to make the dream of a better life for others a reality. Southwest Housing Solutions, the driving force behind this project, desired a logo and fundraising material that communicated hope and described the value of this supportive housing project to help others begin their lives anew.

Espero Apartments consists of 40 units of Supportive Housing in Durango, built exclusively to serve those who earn 30% AMI and below, have been homeless, and are living with a disabling condition. The first residents moved in late October 2021.

"Supportive Housing" is housing with additional support onsite to help people remain housed and access the services they need, including healthcare, behavioral health, food, financial benefits, career development, education, and socialization. This support helps tenants be successful long-term in their homes.

…because housing is hope.

Elegant Steamed Mussels

Oh, my. This mussel recipe is the most succulent recipe I've created!

This recipe is a rich, elegant, dairy-free variation of a classic French preparation of mussels, which uses wine, broth, butter, butter, and more butter. Recently, I was craving a rich, aromatic mussel recipe for dinner, so I went to work to develop a recipe that had equal richness, but none of the dairy. This culmination has impressive balance and flavor, and it comes together in a snap.

I used a frozen 2-pound package of Prince Edward bearded, rope-cultured mussels for this recipe. Use fresh if you have access to an ocean!

Grab a crisp baguette to savor the broth, and pull this recipe out when you want to impress some guests. Bon Appétit!

Durango First Friday

Psst... there's something exciting in the air! The ArtRoom Collective and other Durango galleries and businesses are developing First Friday -- each month, participating businesses will take part with an art crawl, local goods, live music, and real food. Some movers and shakers in town are abuzz with ideas... stay tuned for more developments!

The ArtRoom Collective

First Friday February Art Crawl

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2023 AT 4 PM – 7 PM

This is the night of the Snowdown parade, but a several ArtRoom Artists may be in costume to celebrate Snowdown!

February's featured ArtRoom artist is Heather Freeman, a contemporary abstract painter. She believes that by surrounding yourself with color that brightens your world helps reignite the spark in life... to live your happy!

The ArtRoom Collective
First Friday March Art Crawl

FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 AT 4 PM – 7 PM

Come talk with local artists, be inspired by creative work, or buy a local, handcrafted item for yourself or for someone special! The Smiley Cafe will be open for a warm beverage, lunch or a treat, and live music will accompany the evening.

March's featured artist is Emily Lloyd of Violet Mae Upholstery! She'll demonstrate reupholstering a vintage footstool with vibrant new fabric.

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