ISSUE NO. 25 | APRIL 20, 2026 | | |
Publisher’s Note | from Denise
There’s something special about stepping into an artist’s world—whether it’s time spent with Susan Clark, hearing the heart behind her work, or visiting New Master’s Village in Mancos, where new energy is quietly taking root.
I’ve felt it again watching the San Juan Songwriters Festival take shape—an idea finding its rhythm, carried forward by the people who show up.
And sometimes, we’re part of it too—this month’s photo catches me mid-strum, leading the Durango Ukulele Club, thanks to the watchful eye of the Portrait Outlaw. A reminder that being in the arts isn’t just about telling the stories… It’s about living them.
That same creative thread runs through this issue. Take a moment to explore Beyond Our Corners, where we step outside the region and discover creatives like the White Horse Guitar Club—an invitation to see what’s unfolding beyond our own backyard. And be sure to check out the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College and its connection to the Four Corners, where students are part of bringing performances to life.
If something here stays with you, consider supporting the work with a Buy Me a Coffee. It helps keep these stories flowing and takes a little time to explore more of them online at artsperspectivemag.com.
With appreciation,
Denise
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From Touring Artists to Community Traditions | Inside the Community Concert Hall
Perched above Durango on the Fort Lewis College campus, the Community Concert Hall is more than a performance venue—it’s where the artistic life of the Four Corners comes together. From symphonies and touring legends to student productions and summer concerts under the open sky, the hall bridges global talent with local creativity in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. In this story, discover how one stage has quietly become a cultural cornerstone—shaping the region’s arts scene while bringing audiences closer to the performances that move them.
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VISUAL ARTS | PAINTING sponsored by Earthen Vessel Gallery
Susan Clark Arrives at Earthen Vessel Gallery
There’s a quiet clarity in Susan Clark’s work—one that begins in the Colorado landscape and evolves into something more distilled, more personal. In this intimate artist profile, a conversation reveals how her path from design to fine art shapes her use of color, texture, and composition, and how observation gives way to expression. Now exhibiting in Durango, her work offers both a sense of place and a glimpse into the way she sees it—inviting viewers to look a little closer, and stay a little longer.
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PERFORMING ARTS | MUSIC
sponsored by San Juan Songwriters Festival
Where the Song Lives: The San Juan Songwriters Festival Arrives in Durango
Before songs become anthems, they exist as something quieter—raw, personal, and deeply human. This fall, the San Juan Songwriters Festival invites Durango into that intimate space, where stories take center stage and the craft of songwriting unfolds in real time. What began as a single, powerful evening at the Community Concert Hall has grown into a multi-day celebration of connection, creativity, and listening. Set against the backdrop of downtown venues and mountain air, this inaugural festival offers a rare chance to hear the voices behind the music—and discover the stories that make them unforgettable.
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EVENT SPOTLIGHT | sponsored by iAM Music
iAM Music Fest Moves Through Durango, One Stage at a Time
There’s a certain kind of night in Durango—where music spills into the streets and one song leads you somewhere unexpected. From April 30 through May 3, iAM Music Fest invites you into that rhythm, with a walkable mix of venues, outdoor stages, and performances that unfold across downtown. Featuring a dynamic lineup of national and regional artists, the weekend is less about standing still and more about following the sound. Step into the flow, discover something new, and experience how music can transform a place you thought you knew.
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Beyond Our Corners...
• This year’s Sony World Photography Awards highlight powerful images from across the globe, revealing the depth and diversity of contemporary visual storytelling.
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• What began as a simple invitation inside an Irish pub in Cork grew into something much larger—eleven musicians, eleven guitars, and a shared sound rooted in connection, friendship, and song.
→ Read more
• A pioneering force in dance, Maria Tallchief brought both precision and presence to the stage, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond performance.
→ Read more
• Ever wake up feeling like your mind is already in motion before the day begins? This thoughtful piece explores why our brains carry unfinished thoughts forward—and how a small pause can reset the rhythm of the day.
→ Read more
And as always, you’ll find the stories unfolding closer to home at artsperspectivemag.com.
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WEEKLY EDITION SPONSOR | NEW MASTERS VILLAGE
A new creative energy is taking shape in Mancos at New Masters Village, where artists can step in and truly focus. This season features two immersive retreats: The Magic of Horses with Terryl Whitlatch (May 17–23) and Through the Eyes of an Animator with Aaron Blaise (May 31–June 6). Arts Perspective readers receive 15% off with code ARTSPERSPECTIVE15—with the option to stay on for both and deepen the experience.
Please support our sponsors! They help us keep Arts Perspective stories flowing. ♡
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Quote for the Week: "When things go wrong, don’t go with them." – ELVIS PRESLEY
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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, Jan Wright, Charles Shaw, Linda Barnes, Julie Cooley, Beth Drum, Hilarie Strong, Charles Leslie, Cary Lindley, Ilze Aviks, Gina Rosato & Candace Leslie! | | | |
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