Issue No. 1 | November 3, 2025

Weekly Edition Sponsor

A note from Publisher, Denise Leslie | When I first dreamed of bringing Arts Perspective back to life, I imagined more than a magazine — I envisioned a gathering place.

A space where artists, musicians, writers, and dreamers could come together to share their creative spark and remind us why the arts matter.

'Eye on the Arts' is the heartbeat of that vision — a weekly letter celebrating the stories, voices, and moments that shape our region’s creative life. From quiet studio corners to the bright lights of local stages, this is for everyone who believes that art connects us — to one another, to our communities, and to something larger than ourselves.

For me, this relaunch has been both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming. After years of curating, teaching, and promoting the arts in Southwest Colorado, I’ve learned that creativity isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are. Every artist’s journey begins with a spark of courage, and I hope these weekly reminders—Eye on the Arts—help you feel that spark, too.

~ Denise ~

Every magazine has a spark story—and for Arts Perspective, it began with Heather and Ray Martinez, whose shared vision lit the first flame. Their legacy continues through stories like Ray’s 'Artist Statement' collection, celebrating the human drive to create. As we relaunch, we’re turning that light outward—calling on artists across the region to share their own “Spark Story”—the moment that started it all for you. Together, we keep the flame alive. READ THE STORY HERE...

Be sure to visit our new website, ArtsPerspectiveMag.com, and read the stories that continue to spark creativity across the Four Corners—and keep sending yours! We’ll be adding new Spark Stories throughout the end of 2025.

LITERARY ARTS
From First Inspiration to Lasting Legacy

A lifetime turning beginnings into influence, imagination, and impact.

Terry R. Bacon is one of those rare individuals who seem to embody many roles — author, poet, playwright, leader, mentor, neighbor, and friend. Recognized internationally for his work on leadership and influence, he is also a mainstay in Durango’s arts and nonprofit communities, giving as much of himself locally as he does to the world at large.

“Life is an exquisite mystery that will end in mid-sentence.”

— Storm Warning
READ THE STORY HERE...

PERFORMING ARTS | MUSIC
Thom Chacon: Storytelling Between Strings & Streams

There’s a quiet power in Thom Chacon’s music—an honest simplicity that leaks through the cracks of metaphor and stays long after the last chord. In Durango, he’s more than just a singer-songwriter; he’s become a local troubadour whose stories feel like essential conversations.

Chacon divides his life between two rhythms: the steady cast of a fly line over the Animas River and the strum of his guitar.
READ THE STORY HERE...

VISUAL ARTS
John W. Grow: Painting Realism with a Wink

John W. Grow paints reality with a wink—his technical precision draws you in, then surprises you with symbolism, humor, and mystery. A Durango artist since the late 1970s, Grow left Chicago’s advertising world for the inspiration of Colorado’s landscapes and small-town life. His paintings—often described as “whimsical yet profound”—transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. From allegorical portraits to quiet creek scenes, each canvas displays both mastery and mischief, inviting viewers to look just a little closer. READ THE STORY HERE...

CREATIVE VOICES | sponsored by Jimmy's Music & Supply

Creative Voices is where the heart of Arts Perspective comes alive—real stories from artists, musicians, and makers whose work inspires connection and hope. In this special feature, Denise Leslie, Publisher of Arts Perspective, shares her own Creative Voice story—a reflection on how music, memory, and community continue to shape her creative journey. READ AND LISTEN HERE...

EVENT SPOTLIGHT | sponsored by Sunflower Theatre

The Sunflower Theatre in Cortez presents Come See Me in the Good Light on Thursday, November 13, with a preshow reception at 6:00 p.m. and film screening at 7:00 p.m. This luminous love story follows award-winning poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley as they navigate illness, creativity, and connection with wit and grace. Set against the backdrop of one of the region’s most beloved cultural venues, the screening celebrates both the transformative power of art and the community spirit that has made the Sunflower Theatre a beacon for storytelling in the Four Corners. READ AND LISTEN HERE...

ART HUBS | sponsored by Colorado Creative Industries

Mancos Creative District: Where a Small Town Thinks Big

In the small town of Mancos, Colorado, creativity is more than expression—it’s transformation. What began as a grassroots effort to support local artists has grown into a thriving movement, proving how art can revive a community from the inside out. Discover how the Mancos Creative District is redefining what a rural creative economy can be. READ THE STORY HERE...

Thank you to our Weekly Edition Sponsor | Arts Perspective magazine

This space could have your name on it!

Each week, Arts Perspective keeps an eye on the arts with curiosity, joy, and heart—spotlighting the people, performances, and places that make our region shine. As a Weekly Edition Sponsor, your name appears right here, alongside the stories that celebrate creativity across the Four Corners.

Want to learn more? Visit Denise at 1309 E. 3rd Ave., Suite 110, in Durango, and feel the hum of our creative community in action.

Quote for the Week “Wherever you look there are inspirations, books, literature, paintings, landscapes, everything. Just living is an inspiration.” – GAVIN ROSSDALE

Your Eye on the Arts is free to read and share. We believe stories about creativity should be accessible to everyone, which is why there’s no paywall. If you find value in our work, we welcome donations or ongoing support through our Buy Me a Coffee platform — every contribution helps bring more stories to life.