The Arts Council gathered for its annual meeting and to plan out the exhibit schedule for 2015. Election of officers took place - Jan Wright will serve another year as president, and Marilyn Kroeker remains as treasurer. New officers are Laura Johnson as secretary, vice president and "historian" Midge Kirk, and "communications liaison" Helen Looman. So, in addition to letting me know about arts events and opportunities, give Helen a buzz.
Here's our tentative schedule of shows for the coming year. Fifty-year celebration of Civil Rights, presenting a photography exhibit from the collection of Betsy Harrison, will open on Jan. 23. After that, we'll host "The Spring Show" - open to all, just follow the theme. Other shows on the horizon are "Come Back to My Valley" celebrating the Mancos Valley, probably a fall and Winter show as well. I'll let you know dates and themes as soon as it's decided.
Additionally, the Arts Council will host its fourth annual "Arts Roundup" on June 20, presenting both galleries and studio tours. We've expanded the hours so our visitors can see it all. We'll be open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. We'll also host the ArtFest/Street Fair, which was such a success in 2014 - just wait it'll be bigger and better! Watch this space.
MicroGrants sets the pace
The Durango Art Center MicroGrants is a visionary funding program for artists in La Plata, Archuleta, Montezuma, Dolores and San Juan counties. Understanding that a financial barrier is oftentimes all that stands in the way of an artists' next critical step in their career, MicroGrants distributes small but impacting funds to emerging and established artists, serving as a catalyst to further their work while living and creating in Southwest Colorado. This terrific opportunity is open to DAC members as well as non-members.
Artists do not have to be members of the Durango Arts Center, and no priority will be given to DAC members. Individual artists working in the following mediums are welcome to apply: visual, performing, musical, literary, film, and media.
Artists must be living and creating work in one of the five counties surrounding Durango: La Plata, Archuleta, Montezuma, Dolores or San Juan.
Funding may be applied toward artistic needs small and large, depending on the proposal. DAC MicroGrants supports ambitious projects that embrace experimentation and focus on process, as well as emerging artist essentials, such as materials, supplies, professional development or website fees.
This is a great opportunity for local artists, so check out their website.
Holiday music on center stage
The Mancos Valley Chorus has its last two concerts this weekend - Friday night at 7 p.m. and Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. Don't miss it! The performances will be at the Methodist church on Grand Avenue. You know the holidays have arrived when the chorus starts singing.
The Mancos Town Dinner is Friday night at the Community Center 6 - 8 p.m. Afterward, you have a choice of live music around town.
The Brewery Presents: A Rockbilly Christmas The Shawn- Michael Trio on Friday Dec. 12. Doors open at 5 p.m., and music starts at 7 p.m. Cover is $3.
The Columbine Presents: A Bluegrass Christmas with Last Nickel, starting at 8:30 p.m. No cover.
If I've forgotten some artistic endeavor going on in our neighborhood, please let me know. All contributions to the column are most appreciated. Send them to my email dhlaw4367@gmail.com See ya soon.