Issue No. 20 | March 16, 2026

Weekly Edition Sponsor

PUBLISHER'S NOTE | Denise Leslie

This week’s 'Eye on the Arts' begins with a story about legacy. Our feature, “Boots to Fill,” shares artist Luke Longfellow’s reflections on the influence of his grandfather, Ben Nighthorse Campbell, and the creative path that continues across generations.

We’re also looking at new leadership at the Durango Arts Center, highlighting the shared energy of artist collectives across the region, and revisiting the joyful spirit of KDUR Cover Night, where local bands gather to reinvent familiar songs in their own style.

You’ll also find a flash fiction piece by David Feela, who wrote for Arts Perspective years ago. His story, “Raising the Bar, Dimming the Lights,” captures a wry classroom encounter between a teacher and a concerned parent.

Behind the scenes, we’re putting the finishing touches on the first annual print edition of Arts Perspective | Arts & Culture Guide to Southwest Colorado, arriving this May.

And since we’ll be visiting our daughter in Stockholm next month, I decided to see how I might look as part of ABBA—just in case they’re looking for a ukulele player. Yes?

Take a moment to explore the stories below and click through to read more on the website. Your support helps keep these creative stories moving forward.

With gratitude,

Denise

VISUAL ARTS| sponsored by Arts Perspective Magazine

When Artists Choose to Stand Together

Across Southwest Colorado, artist collectives are proving that creativity often grows stronger when it’s shared. From Durango to Mancos to Silverton, these collaborative spaces offer more than studios and gallery walls—they create connection, encouragement, and a sense of belonging for artists and audiences alike.

PUBLISHER'S FEATURE|sponsored by Durango Arts Center

Beth Lamberson Leads a New Chapter at the Durango Arts Center

With a career devoted to strengthening nonprofits and public media, Beth Lamberson is now leading the Durango Arts Center into an exciting new era. A longtime Durango resident and former leader of KSUT Public Radio, Lamberson brings decades of experience connecting communities through culture, storytelling, and creative collaboration. As the Arts Center prepares for a season filled with theater, film, music festivals, and classes, Lamberson is focused on supporting artists while ensuring the space remains a vibrant gathering place for the entire community.

PERFORMING ARTS | MUSIC sponsored by KDUR Community Radio

Where Musicians Gather for KDUR

KDUR Cover Night is more than a concert—it’s one of Durango’s most beloved music traditions. Each year, local bands put their own spin on the songs of a featured artist, creating a night full of surprise, energy, and community spirit while raising support for KDUR Community Radio. This story looks at why the event means so much to local musicians and music lovers alike—and why its magic goes far beyond the stage.

VISUAL ARTS | JEWELRY

Boots to Fill

The passing of Ben Nighthorse Campbell marks the end of an extraordinary life that spanned art, public service, and cultural leadership—but his story is far from finished. From Olympic athlete and U.S. senator to master jeweler whose work helped shape contemporary Native American art, Campbell left a legacy deeply rooted in the land and people of the West. Now, through the work of his daughter Shanan Campbell, his grandson Luke Longfellow, and the continued presence of Sorrel Sky Gallery, that legacy is entering a new chapter where the influence of a man with a remarkable life will continue for generations.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT | sponsored by Durango Arts Center

Cannibal! The Musical | Durango Arts Center

Colorado history gets a wildly funny twist at the Durango Arts Center with Cannibal! The Musical, opening this weekend. Based on the bizarre true story of Alferd Packer and created by Colorado native Trey Parker before South Park fame, the cult favorite blends frontier legend, sharp satire, and unforgettable musical absurdity.

Quote for the Week: "Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it and then move on.” – Bob Newhart

LITERARY ARTS | sponsored by Hideaway Marketing Agency, LLC

Raising the Bar, Dimming the Lights | Flash Fiction

Raising the Bar, Dimming the Lights — A parent arrives ready to question a teacher about classroom choices, but the discussion about books and films doesn’t go quite as expected. David Feela’s flash fiction delivers a clever exchange and a quietly funny twist.

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!