ISSUE NO. 31 | JUNE 1, 2026

Publisher’s Note | from Denise Leslie

One of the unexpected joys of publishing Arts Perspective is revisiting the stories we’ve shared over the years. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s next—the next interview, the next performance, the next exhibition—and to forget how many remarkable artists have trusted us with their stories along the way.

This month, I found myself revisiting a few of those conversations and reflecting on the importance of capturing creative lives before the moments, memories, and lessons behind them fade. The artists featured here are very different in their disciplines, yet they share something important: each has left a lasting impression on our community through their work, courage, and willingness to create.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to browse, revisit a favorite story, or discover an artist you may have missed the first time. You never know which story might stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.

Sincerely,

Denise Leslie, Publisher
Arts Perspective magazine

PUBLISHER'S NOTE | Denise Leslie

A Publisher’s Perspective: The Stories We Almost Lose

What if the most important part of a work of art isn’t the art itself, but the story behind it? In this thoughtful reflection, Arts Perspective publisher Denise Leslie looks back on a year of conversations with artists whose lives reveal lessons about resilience, curiosity, creativity, and human connection. From musicians and poets to photographers and sculptors, these stories remind us why listening matters—and why the stories we almost lose are often the ones we need most.

VISUAL ARTS | PAINTING sponsored by Sharon Abshagen Fine Art

Chasing the Light: Why Sharon Abshagen’s Plein Air Paintings Matter in a Digital World

In a world overflowing with images, what does it really mean to see? Durango artist Sharon Abshagen’s plein air paintings offer a thoughtful answer. By slowing down and painting directly from the landscape, she captures something a photograph often misses—the experience of being present. Discover how her work invites us to look more closely at the places we thought we already knew and why the art of observation matters now more than ever.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT | sponsored by Four Leaves Winery

Amy Kucharik at Four Leaves Winery

What happens when exceptional musicianship meets storytelling, humor, and genuine connection? Singer-songwriter and ukulele artist Amy Kucharik brings all of that—and more—to Four Leaves Winery on June 5. Known for songs that are both witty and heartfelt, Kucharik challenges expectations while creating performances that feel intimate, engaging, and deeply human. Discover why this Massachusetts artist is captivating audiences and why her upcoming Durango appearance is worth experiencing firsthand.

LITERARY ARTS | SHORT STORIES sponsored by KSUT Public Radio

Arts Perspective Classics: ‘The Last Leaf’, by O. Henry

Some stories are timeless for a reason. In our new Stories That Endure series, we revisit literary works that continue to inspire generations of readers. Our first selection, The Last Leaf by O. Henry, is a moving tale of friendship, sacrifice, hope, and the unexpected power of art. Discover why this beloved classic still resonates more than a century after it was written—and why its message feels especially meaningful today.

Beyond Our Corners...highlights inspiring stories and ideas from beyond the Four Corners region. This week, we explore the growing intersection of creativity, wellness, and the healing power of the arts.

• The Power of Art in Community Wellness

Around the world, community arts programs are being recognized as valuable tools for improving mental health and reducing social isolation. Whether through collaborative murals, creative writing workshops, or public performances, these programs create opportunities for people to express themselves, connect with others, and strengthen their sense of belonging.

→ Read more

• How Music Helps the Brain Heal

Scientists and healthcare providers are increasingly exploring the relationship between music and the brain. Studies show that music can support memory, reduce anxiety, and improve quality of life for people living with neurological conditions, while also offering comfort and connection for families and caregivers.

→ Read more

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

Summer Sounds Return to Buckley Park

Summer in Durango means music under the open sky, and the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College is once again bringing the community together with Concert Hall at the Park.

This free outdoor concert series returns to Buckley Park on Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m., June 25 through August 6, featuring an exciting lineup of nationally touring and regional artists. From roots and rock to global rhythms and Americana, the series offers something for every music lover.

Now a cherished Durango summer tradition, Concert Hall at the Park transforms downtown into a gathering place where friends, families, and visitors can relax, connect, and enjoy live music in a welcoming outdoor setting.

Bring a lawn chair, pack a picnic, and join us for seven weeks of unforgettable summer evenings.

For more information, visit DurangoConcerts.com

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

Quote for the Week: “You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together.”

— Anthony Bourdain

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!