ISSUE NO. 34 | JUNE 22, 2026

Publisher’s Note | from Denise Leslie

One of my favorite things about Arts Perspective is that no two issues ever take the same path. One day, I’m standing in front of a striking raven created by artist Miki Harder >>>>>, the next, I’m reading a poem by Barnabas Smith that lingers long after the final line. Then there are the stories that invite us to look back, like the "Music of the 60s, 70s, 80s" art exhibit, where a familiar song can transport us to another place and time.

That’s the magic of the arts. They connect us through images, words, melodies, and memories. They remind us where we’ve been and sometimes point us toward where we’re going.

So pour yourself a cup of coffee—or perhaps something a little stronger—settle into a comfortable chair, and spend some time exploring. Click through the stories, meet a few new creative friends, revisit a memory or two, and enjoy the journey.

And if you find yourself lingering a little longer than planned, smiling at a story, or discovering an artist you’ll want to follow, consider buying us a coffee. It helps keep the conversations going, the stories flowing, and this little corner of the arts community thriving.

Thanks for reading.

— Denise Leslie

Publisher, Arts Perspective

LITERARY ARTS | POETRY | A FEW LINES WITH LARRY sponsored by Durango Poetry Open Mic at The Subterrain

Barnabas Smith: A Creative Life in Words

Poet, musician, visual artist, and performer, Barnabas Smith has spent years enriching Southwest Colorado’s creative community through his many artistic pursuits. This month, Larry Bourland introduces readers to the Durango-based artist ahead of his featured reading at the Durango Poetry Open Mic. Spend a few moments with Barnabas’s poetry, hear the work in his own voice, and discover why his creative journey continues to inspire fellow artists and audiences alike.

VISUAL ARTS | PAINTING & SCULPTURE sponsored by Miki Harder Art and Illustration

More Than a Subject: The Art of Miki Harder

Some artists paint what they see. Miki Harder paints who they are. From ravens engaged in silent conversation to a burro whose gaze reveals quiet determination, Harder has a remarkable gift for uncovering personality and story in every subject she creates. In this feature, we explore the artist’s work across painting, sculpture, and illustration—and discover how her ability to reveal character continues to captivate viewers, readers, and fellow creatives alike.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT | sponsored by Turquoise Raven Art Gallery

Music of the ’60s, ’70s & ’80s

What song instantly takes you back? Turquoise Raven Art Gallery’s latest exhibit invites visitors to revisit the music, memories, and cultural moments that defined the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s. Featuring artwork inspired by iconic songs and artists, along with rare music memorabilia, the exhibition celebrates the soundtrack of a generation. Discover how regional artists are turning nostalgia into visual art—and why this musical journey is striking a chord with visitors of all ages.

CULINARY ARTS | CULINARY TRADITIONS | sponsored by Podunk's Ranch

Rooted in Flavor: The Heart of Podunk’s Ranch

In the rangelands outside Cortez, rancher Lanea Donahoo is doing more than raising exceptional beef—she’s preserving a way of life. As the third-generation steward of Podunk’s Ranch, she combines tradition, sustainability, and a deep respect for the land to produce beef known for its remarkable flavor and quality. Discover how her commitment to stewardship, animal welfare, and community is creating connections from pasture to plate—and why every box of beef tells a story of heritage, resilience, and place.

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

Sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin with a lifelong dream. Join us in Cartagena, Spain, where a visit to an ancient Roman theatre offered a powerful connection to the origins of storytelling and performance. 🎭🌍

→ Read more

For Movie Buffs: Ever wondered what happened to the props that brought your favorite films to life? From Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber and the Wicked Witch’s hat to The Big Lebowski’s famous rug, some of Hollywood’s most iconic treasures are heading to the auction block, giving fans a rare glimpse into movie history—and a chance to own a piece of it.

→ Read more

Shakespeare Beneath Colorado Skies: For theater lovers looking for a summer adventure, Boulder offers a chance to experience Shakespeare much as it was meant to be enjoyed—outdoors, surrounded by an audience eager to laugh, reflect, and be transported by timeless stories. From beloved comedies to powerful dramas, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival continues a tradition that reminds us why great storytelling never goes out of style.

→ Learn more about this season’s productions and events

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

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

Despite its name, the Eye on the Arts Minute is closer to a two-minute journey into the creative life of our region. Each segment highlights artists, performances, exhibitions, literary voices, and cultural happenings that make the Southwest such a vibrant place to live and create. It’s a chance to discover a new musician, learn about an upcoming event, or hear the story behind a local artist—all during your daily routine.

The partnership between Arts Perspective and KSUT reflects a shared commitment to community storytelling. Both organizations believe that the arts matter, not only because they entertain and inspire, but because they connect us to one another and to the places we call home.

Listeners can catch the Eye on the Arts Minute throughout the week on KSUT, including Saturdays at 11:58 a.m., immediately following This American Life, making it an easy addition to your weekend listening routine.

Arts Perspective is grateful to KSUT Public Radio for sponsoring this week’s Eye on the Arts and for their ongoing support of artists, musicians, nonprofits, and cultural organizations throughout the Four Corners region.

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!

Quote for the Week: “If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week.” - Charles Darwin