Issue No. 17 | February 23, 2026

Weekly Edition Sponsor

PUBLISHER'S NOTE | Denise Leslie

The snow finally arrived in Southwest Colorado this week — soft, steady, and long-awaited. There’s something about fresh snow that changes the rhythm of everything. It quiets us. It slows us down. It invites us to notice.

That gentle reset feels right for this week’s Eye on the Arts. We’re sharing poetry from Larry Bourland — words shaped by years of living and observing — alongside Cindy Schmidt’s thoughtful exploration of love and presence. Manna’s Empty Bowls event reminds us how art and compassion meet in the most tangible way, and Tyller Gummersall’s music continues to grow — grounded, honest, and true. Be sure to click Read More to experience the full stories.

And yes, while the snow falls, our house finds its own rhythm too. He shovels. I accompany. It’s our winter duet. 😉

If these stories bring you a little warmth this week, consider supporting Eye on the Arts with a Buy Me a Coffee — a simple way to help keep the stories flowing.

With gratitude,

Denise

EVENT SPOTLIGHT | sponsored by Manna Soup Kitchen

A Bowl, A Table, A Community

There are some evenings that feel less like events and more like a reflection of who we are. On March 1, the Empty Bowls Fundraiser hosted by Manna Soup Kitchen returns to 11th Street Station, marking 40 years of steady, compassionate service in our region. Local artists and makers have donated handcrafted bowls. Guests are invited to fill them with soup, share a table, and take a bowl home — a simple, beautiful reminder that community care continues long after the evening ends.

HEALING ARTS | sponsored by Arts Perspective Magazine

A Wild New Way Forward

Not everything has to fall apart for something to feel out of alignment. Cindy Schmitt created Wild New Way for those moments — offering thoughtful, practical support to individuals and couples ready to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.

LITERARY ARTS | POETRY sponsored by Arts Perspective Magazine

Larry Bourland: Sixty Years and a Microphone

For more than six decades, Larry Bourland has carried poetry from the page to the air — teaching, revising, mentoring, and reminding others that poems are meant to be heard. What began as a quiet teenage practice in Southern California grew into a lifelong commitment shaped by encouragement, service, and a deep respect for language. Sixty years in, Bourland is still revising, still encouraging, still leaning into the microphone — proving that poetry isn’t just written. It’s lived.

CALL TO WRITERS!

Short Stories Wanted!

There’s something quietly powerful about a short story — how it can carry us somewhere unexpected in just a few pages. Arts Perspective is now accepting short fiction from writers across the Four Corners region, and selected stories will be paired with local artists for illustration.

No theme, no limits on genre — just strong storytelling and imagination at work. Submissions are open now through May 1, 2026.

PERFORMING ARTS | MUSIC sponsored by Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College

Tyller Gummersall: Colorado Raised, Road Refined

From ranch work in the Rockies to national touring stages, Tyller Gummersall has built his career the steady way — through craft, consistency, and deep respect for traditional country music. Mentored by Durango musician, Gary Cook, and shaped by Western roots, his sound remains grounded in story, tone, and place. Tyller returns to perform in southwest Colorado this March!

Quote for the Week: "Music is very spiritual. It has the power to bring people together." Edgar Winter

WEEKLY EDITION SPONSOR | Arts Perspective magazine

Arts Perspective | Arts & Culture Guide to the Southwest is heading to print. This beautifully curated annual issue will celebrate the artists, makers, performers, and cultural leaders shaping our creative corridor — from Durango to Mancos, Cortez to Ignacio, Silverton to Pagosa Springs, and beyond.

Advertising opportunities are now open!

Reserve your space today!

Join us in telling the story of the Southwest.

Thank you to all our members and supporters! 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, Jan Wright, Charles Shaw, Linda Barnes, Julie Cooley, Beth Drum, Hilarie Strong, Charles Leslie & Cary Lindley!