ISSUE NO. 29 | MAY 18, 2026

Publisher’s Note | from Denise

One of the joys of publishing Arts Perspective is seeing how creativity takes shape in so many different ways. This week, that journey takes us into the world of artist Tad Smith, whose Sound of Paint exhibition invites viewers into a fascinating intersection of visual art, music, and technology.

Charles and I also took a recent recommendation from a trusted friend and found ourselves at Meander Riverside Eatery, where an extraordinary meal reminded me that artistry doesn’t end at the gallery door or concert stage.

In Literary Arts, Larry offers a thoughtful new poem, Valhalla, reflecting on sacrifice, remembrance, and honor.

And I’m especially happy to introduce the first installment of our new Creative Voices series, beginning with Jonas Grushkin. Many in our community know Jonas through his photography, but our conversation reveals the beautifully layered creative life behind the lens.

Thank you, as always, for reading, sharing, and believing in the importance of creative storytelling. It means more than you know.

And if you haven’t yet, tune in to KSUT on Saturdays at 11:58 am, just after This American Life, for the 'Eye on the Arts Minute '—a quick listen and another way to stay connected to the stories we’re sharing each week.

Thanks, as always, for being part of this.

Denise

VISUAL ARTS | PAINTING

When Art Keeps Exploring: The Creative Evolution of Tad Smith

What happens when a painting has its own soundtrack? Durango artist Tad Smith is inviting us to that question with Sound of Paint, an immersive new exhibition blending visual art, original music, and augmented reality to transform the gallery experience.

CULINARY ARTS | sponsored by Meander Riverside Eatery

Meander Riverside Eatery Brings Thoughtful Dining to Pagosa Springs

Tucked along the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs, Meander Riverside Eatery is redefining what mountain-town dining can feel like—elevated yet welcoming, polished without pretension. In this feature, we step inside the restaurant’s thoughtful approach to hospitality, the creative flexibility behind its ever-changing menu, and the people shaping one of the region’s most memorable dining experiences.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT | sponsored by Fenceline Cider

Montezuma Rising Music Festival | May 24 & 25 in Mancos

There’s something about late May in Southwest Colorado that calls people outdoors—and Montezuma Rising Music Festival captures that feeling perfectly. Set along the river at Fenceline Cider in Mancos, this all-day gathering blends live music, community, and the easy rhythm of a spring evening.

LITERARY ARTS | POETRY | A FEW LINES WITH LARRY sponsored by Larry Bourland Poetry

Valhalla

Headstones worn by wind and rain,

Forgotten, even in name.

Graveyard treasures held within:

Poet, statesman, commoner,

Succumbed to battle’s din.

Read the Entire Poem Artist’s depiction of Odin’s Hall. Max Bruckner 1896

CREATIVE VOICES | VISUAL ARTS | PHOTOGRAPHY sponsored by Jonas Grushkin Photography & Music

Jonas Grushkin | The Art of Seeing

Creative Voices debuts at Arts Perspective with a conversation featuring Jonas Grushkin, a creative many in our region know for his music, photography, and endlessly inventive spirit. 'In Part One: The Photographer', Jonas reflects on the early influences, creative curiosity, and way of seeing that shaped his remarkable life behind the lens. Join us for this warm and inspiring new video conversation series.

Watch the video and READ MORE...

Beyond Our Corners...

• A choir in Munich is redefining what community arts can look like, offering a reminder that creativity can be as much about belonging as performance.

→ Read More

• A thoughtful reminder from The Atlantic: children’s books aren’t just for kids—they can reconnect adult readers with wonder, imagination, and the kind of open-hearted curiosity we too often leave behind.

→ Read more

• As chocolate gets the kind of rigorous tasting standards long associated with coffee and wine, a new movement is asking us to savor cacao with a more discerning palate—and to appreciate the craft behind every bar.

→ Read more

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

WEEKLY EDITION SPONSOR | BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS

The first annual print edition of Arts Perspective is reaching readers across the Four Corners thanks to the publishing partnership of Ballantine Communications, a longstanding regional media company with a deep commitment to community journalism. Through publications including the Durango Herald, The Journal in Cortez, and the Tri-City Record in Farmington, Ballantine helps connect communities through trusted local storytelling.

For Arts Perspective, this partnership makes it possible to bring our first annual print edition into the hands of readers throughout the region—expanding the reach of the artists, performers, writers, and cultural organizations we’re honored to feature. In a time when local media partnerships matter more than ever, we’re grateful to collaborate with a publishing team that understands the enduring value of print and the importance of celebrating the creative spirit of the Four Corners.

READ THE DIGITAL PUBLICATION HERE

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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, Angie Zbornik, Cindy Schmidt, Nancy Peake & Chandler Strange!