Issue No. 12 | January 19, 2026

Weekly Edition Sponsor

PUBLISHER'S NOTE | Denise Leslie, publisher

Some weeks, the stories come together in ways that feel especially human. This is one of those weeks.

Deborah Kelroy’s journey back to painting reminds us that creativity doesn’t run on a straight line — sometimes it pauses, sometimes it circles back, and sometimes it surprises us by becoming a source of healing. At Black Bart’s, that same sense of ease shows up around the table, where good food, shared stories, and a bit of wit make space for connection without rushing the moment.

We’re also sharing a short piece by David Seed — a quiet story that asks you to slow down and sit with it for a bit. It’s the kind of writing that lingers, the way good conversations do.

We’re also quietly working toward our annual print edition — a once-a-year issue made for slow reading and dog-eared pages.

I hope you’ll spend some time with these stories. They’re small reminders that art shows up in many forms — and often right where we are.

With gratitude,

Denise

VISUAL ARTS | sponsored by KSUT PUBLIC RADIO

Never Too Late: Deborah Kelroy’s Art of Healing, Teaching, and Community

When Deborah Kelroy first entered my office, she brought with her a question I instantly recognized—the quiet, hopeful curiosity of an artist pondering how their work might matter beyond the studio. She was seeking connection, purpose, and a way to give back through her creativity. During our conversation, she shared an experience that has stayed with me: attending a wet-on-wet oil painting workshop with Steve Ross, son of the late Bob Ross.

LITERARY ARTS | SHORT STORIES |sponsored by Hideaway Marketing Agency
The Great Man
Author, David Seed | Illustrated by David Long

UCLA Professor Emeritus Lorenzo Sifuentes, recently turned 80, adjusted his glasses: his new black “computer” glasses. Although his habit for over 50 years had been to compose his poems in pencil on yellow legal pads, it was time for his habits to change. A month after his wife Margo’s death he sent his son Marcus to the Apple store on the Santa Monica Promenade, instructing him to bring home “a fine poet’s computer.” At this point in life, money was not an issue: “Just use my gold card,” he instructed.

Arts Perspective is launching a call for Short Story Fiction and Artist collaborations! Click Here for More Information

CULINARY ARTS | sponsored by Arts Perspective magazine

Brunch, Poetry, and a Gentleman Bandit in Pagosa Springs

Some places don’t just serve food—they stimulate your imagination. Black Bart’s Brunch in Pagosa Springs did just that for us. My husband and I were in town celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary, wandering downtown with no set plan, when we found ourselves drawn inside. The space felt lively and welcoming, with just enough edge to spark curiosity. We ordered the chicken and waffles and relaxed, staying as long as we wanted. Anniversary brunch calls for that kind of time.

SHARE YOUR SPARK!

A Call to Artists from Arts Perspective Magazine

Every creative journey starts with a spark — that first flicker of inspiration that sets everything.

For our launch season, Arts Perspective Magazine is featuring a special visual and written piece called “The Spark That Started It All.” We’re inviting regional creatives to share a brief, personal reflection on the moment that sparked their creative journey.

Your spark might be a mentor, a place, a memory, a feeling, or a turning point — the moment you realized you were called to make, write, perform, cook, compose, or create.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT | sponsored by Arts Perspective magazine

Listening Across Traditions: Delbert Anderson Quartet

Delbert Anderson and his quartet take the stage on January 22 in Cortez, Colorado, for an evening of jazz grounded in listening and exchange. The music moves patiently, allowing ideas to surface and evolve in real time. A thoughtful performance that rewards close attention.

Quote for the Week: "Be so good they can't ignore you." — Steve Martin, Actor, Musician & Comedian

WEEKLY EDITION SPONSOR | Ballantine Communications, Inc.

Arts Perspective Magazine returns in 2026 as an annual print publication, supported by artsperspectivemag.com and the weekly Eye on the Arts newsletter. After ten years away, the once-a-year edition reemerges as a gathering place for artists, audiences, and stories that matter. Advertising information and deadlines for the 2026 print issue are now available.

Your Eye on the Arts is free to read and share. We believe stories about creativity should be accessible to everyone, which is why there’s no paywall. If you find value in our work, we welcome donations or ongoing support through our Buy Me a Coffee platform — every contribution helps bring more stories to life.

Thank you all, Barbara Grist, Shell Simonson, Heather Freeman, Tad Smith, Moni & Jonas Grushkin, Milt Beens, Aunt Victoria & Jim, Cinda Wassmer, Randy Hays, Patricia Burk, Sharon Abshagen, Mary Zaleski, and Jan Wright!