MASKS & MYSTERY: We have had tremendous response to the theme of this show. To date, we will be showing 18 artists, with a few more being added. We will also be showing as part of this exhibit masks from the Americas from the collections of Kelly Kilgore, Sarah Allen and Betsy Harrison. Needless to say, there will be a lot to see in this one. The show opens on Tuesday, Oct. 8, and the Reception for the Artists will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, with refreshments. Stop by, meet the artists and enjoy the evening.
ARTFEST: This weekend, the third annual ArtFest will take place in downtown Mancos on Grand Avenue, starting at 8:30 a.m. and going all day until 4 p.m. There will be artists' booths up and down the street, plus some surprises (sworn to secrecy!) Grand Avenue will be closed from Main Street to Mesa Street during the day to provide room for the vendors. Hope to see you there!
50/50: Finally, here's a preview of the holiday event the Arts Council will be putting on. 50/50 is an exhibit of fifty 9-inch by 12-inch pieces of art (any two-dimensional medium) produced by as many artists as would like to participate. All artists will receive from us their panel(s) - and yes, you can do more than one. These artworks will be shown during the weekend of Dec. 13, 14 and 15 at the Town Gallery. Everything will be priced at $50 with some of the proceeds going to the Arts Council. More details to follow - this is just your advance notice. Art makes a wonderful gift - for you, for the artist and for the Arts Council. Watch this space for more details.
OPEN STUDIO TOURS: For the fifth year, the artists of Durango are opening their studios to the public. It's all happening on Oct. 19-20 all over Durango and environs. The map and other information will be posted on their website which is, naturally, www.durangoopenstudios.com. I do know there will be a lot of demonstrations at the various studios. It's always great to see how the artists do what they do. Check for all the schedules on the site in a week or so.
The Open StudioTour in Abiquiu, N.M., is happening on the weekend of Oct. 11-13. I went on that tour a few years ago with my friend and fellow artist, Ginny Getts. We had a grand time following the map up and down the tiny backroads near Abiquiu, poking into artists' studios, most of which are in their homes. To date, they have 38 stops on the route. Check out their website for further details, www.abiquqiustudiotour.org. Just riding along the Chama with all the golds and oranges of autumn was an artistic adventure!
Let me know what's happening in our local arts community. I'd love to publish information about your event, show, concert, play, whatever! Call me: 970-533-7536. dhlaw4367@gmail.com. And be sure to check out our everchanging website - www.mancosarts.org for up-to-date info about arts in our community.