ISSUE NO. 36 | JULY 6, 2026

Welcome to this week’s Eye on the Arts.

Summer is in full swing, and so is the creative energy across the Four Corners. In this issue, step inside the world of Music in the Mountains as another remarkable festival season begins, discover the creative journey of storyteller Thom Chacon, and explore the lasting legacy of Ben Nighthorse Campbell’s extraordinary jewelry. You’ll also find a moving new poem, Transparent Desire, along with a few inspiring stops in our Beyond Our Corners section for those who enjoy wandering a little farther afield.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to click through, explore the stories, and perhaps discover an artist or idea you weren’t expecting. Thanks for making Arts Perspective part of your week. And if you enjoy what you read, consider buying me a coffee—it helps fuel the next interview, the next road trip, and the next story worth telling.

— Denise Leslie

Publisher, Arts Perspective

Photo: Our girl Julia Leslie - she rocks!

VISUAL ARTS | JEWELRY sponsored by SORREL SKY GALLERY

The Living Legacy: Nighthorse Jewelry After Ben

The story of Nighthorse Jewelry didn’t end with Ben Nighthorse Campbell—it entered a new chapter. Discover how his daughter, Shanan Campbell, and grandson, Luke Longfellow, are honoring one of the West’s most celebrated artists by carrying his vision into the future. Rooted in tradition while embracing contemporary craftsmanship, Nighthorse Jewelry remains a living legacy of artistry, heritage, and family.

PERFORMING ARTS | MUSIC | SONGWRITING sponsored by THOM CHACON

The Things That Keep Me Up at Night

The best songs often begin with the questions we can’t ignore. Award-winning singer-songwriter Thom Chacon believes storytelling is at the heart of great songwriting, and in this thoughtful essay, he explores where creativity comes from, why honesty matters, and how the stories that keep us awake can become the songs that move others.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT | sponsored by MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS

Music in the Mountains at 40

For four decades, Music in the Mountains has been a cornerstone of Southwest Colorado’s cultural landscape, bringing world-class musicians to the San Juan Mountains while inspiring generations of audiences and young artists.

In this special feature, Denise Leslie reflects on her personal connection to the festival, its remarkable history, and the exciting future unfolding under Artistic Director Vadim Gluzman. Plus, enjoy a memorable 2014 performance by Vadim Gluzman and Philippe Quint, celebrating the artistry and friendships that have long defined this extraordinary festival.

LITERARY ARTS | POETRY sponsored by LARRY BOURLAND POETRY

Transparent Desire

In Transparent Desire, a few carefully chosen words invite readers into a quiet moment of intimacy, vulnerability, and human connection. It’s a reminder that the literary arts don’t always tell us what to think—they simply open the door and let us feel.

Beyond Our Corners...highlights inspiring stories and ideas from beyond the Four Corners region.

When Literature Becomes Visual Art

Artist Alexandra Grant continues to blur the line between literature and visual art in two new exhibitions inspired by women writers spanning centuries. Using handmade paper, original typography, and mixed media, her work demonstrates how stories can live beyond the page, offering a fresh perspective on the enduring relationship between words and images.

→ Read more

A Grateful Dead Museum Experience Opens in San Francisco

More than 400 pieces of Grateful Dead history are now on display in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district, including instruments, artwork, rare photographs, and a replica of the band’s legendary “Wall of Sound.” The exhibition celebrates not only the music but also the visual artists and creative community that helped define one of America’s most influential cultural movements.

→Read more

And as always, you’ll find the stories unfolding closer to home at artsperspectivemag.com.

Where Music Feels Like Home

There’s something unforgettable about hearing a songwriter perform just a few feet away. No big stage. No crowds. Just great music, meaningful conversation, and an evening shared with friends.

That’s the experience of Hideaway House Concerts.

Presented by Hideaway Marketing, our intimate concert series brings exceptional touring and regional musicians into living rooms, patios, and unique spaces throughout the Four Corners. These special gatherings offer audiences the chance to connect with artists in a way traditional venues simply can’t.

Want to be the first to hear about upcoming concerts? Join our email list for early invitations and exclusive performances.

Have the perfect space? We’d love to talk with you about becoming a Hideaway House Concert host. We’ll help match incredible artists with welcoming homes to create memorable evenings filled with music and community.

Join the mailing list or learn more about hosting at HideawayMarketing.com.

Looking for a quick way to stay connected to the arts across the Four Corners? Tune in to the Eye on the Arts Minute on KSUT Public Radio.

Each two-minute feature spotlights local artists, performances, exhibitions, literary voices, and cultural happenings throughout the region. Listen throughout the week on KSUT, including Saturdays at 11:58 a.m., immediately following This American Life.

Arts Perspective thanks KSUT Public Radio⁠ for sponsoring this week’s Eye on the Arts and for its continued support of artists and arts organizations across the Four Corners.

Please support our sponsors! They help us keep Arts Perspective stories flowing. ♡

Become an Arts Advocate Member today — and keep the stories flowing for $10 per month.

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, Angie Zbornik, Cindy Schmidt, Nancy Peake, Chandler Strange, Cathryn Bauer, Sydney Cooley, Jennifer Thurston - Project Weaselskin, & Megan & Nick Mustoe!

Quote for the Week: “Art opens the closets, airs out the cellars and attics. It brings healing.” — Julia Cameron