Issue No. 24 | April 13, 2026

Publisher’s Note | from Denise

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the creative people in our lives—the ones who shape our days in quiet and visible ways. The artists, makers, musicians, and storytellers who keep showing up, often without fanfare, bring something meaningful into the world and into our communities.

You can feel it in places like Mill Street Bistro, in the emergence of new creative spaces like New Masters Village, in the music that continues to travel through voices like Kelly Willis, and in the hands-on traditions being passed forward at the Cowboy Forge School. Each one, in its own way, reflects the depth and range of creativity that surrounds us.

Today held a more personal moment for me. I had the opportunity to attend the celebration of life for artist Ben Nighthorse Campbell, and I left feeling deeply inspired. His life was a reminder that creativity and purpose can take many forms—and that the impact of a creative life often reaches far beyond what we can see.

I hope you’ll take a little time to explore more of these stories online at artsperspectivemag.com. There’s always something new to discover.

With appreciation,

Denise

CULINARY ARTS sponsored by Mill Street Bistro

Mill Street Bistro: The Place You Share

Some places become part of your life quietly—and Mill Street Bistro is one of them. Tucked into a cozy home in Bayfield, it’s the kind of place you return to again and again—not just for the food, but for how it feels to be there.

At the center is Kelsy Peabody, whose steady, thoughtful approach has shaped more than a dining experience—it’s created a sense of connection. With a menu that shifts weekly and an atmosphere that invites you to linger, Mill Street Bistro is less about occasion and more about belonging.

Pull up a chair, and you’ll understand why it keeps drawing people back.

VISUAL ARTS | PAINTING sponsored by New Masters Village

A New Place for Artists to Land: New Masters Village in Mancos

Out where the high desert stretches wide and time seems to loosen its grip, something new is taking root. Near Mesa Verde National Park, New Masters Village is emerging as more than a retreat—it’s a space designed for artists to slow down, look closer, and deepen their practice.

With intimate, back-to-back workshops led by industry legends like Terryl Whitlatch and Aaron Blaise, this first season invites artists into an immersive experience where observation, movement, and imagination come alive on the page.

It’s not just about learning—it’s about staying with the work long enough to feel it shift. And in this quiet corner of the Four Corners, you can sense something rare beginning to unfold.

VISUAL ARTS | METAL & BLACKSMITHING

Kelly Willis: What I Deserve, 25 Years On

On Tuesday, April 28 at 7:30 pm, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College welcomes Kelly Willis for a special evening marking the 25th anniversary of *What I Deserve*, the album that helped define her path as one of Americana’s most respected voices. With her signature blend of honky-tonk grit and emotional clarity, Willis brings songs that continue to resonate decades later. Opening the night is Emily Scott Robinson, a rising voice known for her luminous tone and deeply human songwriting. Together, they offer a night rooted in story, connection, and the enduring power of song.

Beyond Our Corners...

• A growing global arts hub in West Africa

Abidjan Art Week continues to expand, drawing artists and galleries from across Africa and transforming neighborhoods into creative spaces. What stands out is the focus on accessibility—art moving beyond traditional venues and into the fabric of the city itself.

→ Explore the story

• A celebration of women shaping contemporary art

A major exhibition in Washington, D.C. is highlighting decades of work by women in abstract art—bringing together nearly 70 artists across generations and mediums. It’s both a recognition and a reminder of how many voices have shaped the visual language we see today.

→ Read more

• A chef returning to the roots of his craft

After a devastating fire destroyed his London restaurant, Endo Kazutoshi didn’t immediately rebuild—instead, he returned to Japan. Traveling through the places that shaped him—rice polishers, fish markets, family kitchens—he reconnected with the foundations of his work. It’s a story less about loss and more about remembering why the work matters in the first place.

→ Read more

• Esperanza Spalding and the art of collaboration

In a new collaboration with a contemporary ballet company, Esperanza Spalding is exploring how music moves beyond sound—into gesture, memory, and lineage. Her work continues to blur boundaries, reminding us that music evolves through connection, through listening, and through the willingness to create alongside others.

→ Read more

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

WEEKLY EDITION SPONSOR | Sorrel Sky Galleries: Carrying the Nighthorse Legacy Forward

At Sorrel Sky Gallery, the legacy of Ben Nighthorse Campbell lives on through jewelry that carries both heritage and handcraft. Known for blending traditional Native techniques with a distinct, contemporary style, his pieces—often inspired by horses, movement, and spirit—feel as timeless as the stories behind them.

Inspired by and continuing the Nighthorse tradition, each piece becomes more than adornment—it’s a reflection of a life’s work, carefully shaped, deeply rooted, and enduring.

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

Quote for the Week: “If you’re alive, you’re a creative person.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

Become a monthly supporter today — and keep the stories flowing.

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!