Autumn Lights on Junction Creek

Sometimes an afternoon has the perfect, harmonious combination of sights, sounds, breezes, and conversation. Last fall, the Junction Creek Trail provided just that, and inspired a painting of the creek's contrasting shadowed canyon and early autumn light that illuminated the scene.

I've been experimenting a bit with a dappled style, using a round brush to create a stylistic landscape approach with subdued color masses and blots to fabricate the scene. This canvas has been on my easel for a while, and I'm pleased to have it finished for someone to give it a new home.

"Autumn Lights on Junction Creek"

30" x 40" | acrylic on canvas

available

Music in the Mountains

I've had the privilege to serve as a graphic designer for Music in the Mountains this year. Each year, different artwork is commissioned as the theme of this coveted Durango event. Christopher Warren created the 2023 season's poster, La Plata Cacophony. It's been a joy to work with his vibrant style! His work uses intricate, unique patterns of color using topographic data, literally featuring a topographic map of La Plata County. The background is overlaid onto itself multiple times, creating a cacophony of color, meant to evoke the larger-than-life harmony you can only hear at live symphonic performances.

Keep an eye out for posters, brochures, digital and print ads, social media posts, programs and invitations for this year's event.

Additionally, this year, my design efforts included a refreshed Music in the Mountains brand with a lighter, brighter essence to reflect the summer beauty of its Southwest Colorado locale.

Tickets are on sale now for Music in the Mountains! Plan your summer inspiration now.
It’s the Music.
It’s the Musicians.
It’s the Experience.

Colorado Laab

Colorado Beef and Turkey Laab
(Laab Neua Ki Ngwng)

Laab is one of my favorite dishes at Thai restaurants. It's a traditional dish of meat, herbs, lime, and fish sauce -- a harmonious mix of Thai sweet, sour, and umami flavors.

You may pronounce the name of this beef and turkey dish any way you wish, but my kids once called this "Laab Awesome Goodness" when they were young, and I think that's the most fitting name! I had beef and turkey on hand when I first made this dish, and the mix of the two meats' flavors was excellent.

I call this "Colorado Laab" because we often can't find fresh lemongrass or other traditional Thai staples in the Rocky Mountains (and I usually use less than half of the fish sauce called for in Thai recipes as well). This dish was made with my pantry staples, and it is delicious. Read on, and enjoy a Thai night soon.

Durango First Friday

The ArtRoom Collective First Friday July Art Crawl

FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2023 AT 4 PM – 7 PM

Come join in the fun – art, food, music, drink, creative inspiration, and hanging out with local artists! You can purchase locally handcrafted items for yourself or for someone special. The Smiley Cafe will be open for a warm beverage or a sweet treat.

Our July Featured Artist is Sharon Abshagen. At 5:30 on July 7, she will demonstrate how she captures the beauty of Southwest light, trees, and rocks through her oil painting. Sharon grew up in Longmont, Colorado, and has lived in Durango for 30 years. After receiving a BFA degree from Fort Lewis College, Sharon emphasized fiber art of weaving large tapestries, designing sweaters, and painted watercolors to journal her white water rafting trips and camping experiences. But after joining the local plein air painting group, she realized her first love was oil painting. She never tires of looking for the light in the varied Four Corners region, and hopes her love of the landscape comes through her paintings. To learn more about Sharon Abshagen’s art, visit her website.

Get Ready!!! The next Durango First Friday Art Crawl is July 7, 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.