Podcast
Four Corners Arts Forum
Hosted by Margy Dudley · EN
Who knew that the small mountain town of Durango had such an active art scene! Four Corners Arts Forum features art that is visual, performance, literary, musical, corporal, culinary, and art that you may not have thought of as art. Host Margy Dudley finds remarkable stories of creative and dedicated artists who have long lived at the corners of our minds, and brings them to the center of our conversations.
38episodes
Episodes
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Join me for a conversation with Jody Chapel, artist and shop manager for The Mancos Common Press offering classes for letterpress, block printing, printing on presses, hand-printing methods and more.
Jan 9, 202500:28:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode I’m excited to be speaking with Jody Chapel from Mancos, Colorado who is an artist, art educator and passionate advocate for the arts. She received a Bachelor of Fine Art from Regis University in Denver. Jody volunteered with arts advocacy groups and served as commissioner for Denver’s Office of Cultural Affairs. She is currently the shop manager at the historic Mancos Common Press offering many workshops and classes including the first letterpress 101 class in the region. The storefront for the Mancos Times Tribune stood empty until 2013 when a discovery was made that all the original print materials from 1911 were still inside the building. With encouragement from a visiting preservation professor from the University of Pennsylvania, a local citizens group was formed to explore the restoration and revival of the building and its contents to Its original interior which includes a rare American Cranston printing press. Today The Mancos Common Press, a non-profit organization offers a wide array of printmaking classes throughout the year featuring letterpress, block printing, printing on presses, hand-printing methods and more. The organization hosts youth groups and art classes for the area schools to share the experience of letterpress and the history of printing techniques and technology. There is also an Artist in Residence program offered once a year for visiting artists. With the need for more space, the Mancos Commons Building has just been completed next door including space for creatives, retail and workforce housing. Grants and funding were provided by Colorado Creative Industries, Ballantine Family Foundation and the Colorado Division of Housing. To find out more you can visit their website at www.mancoscommonpress.org Which includes a PBS documentary “Bringing the Past into the Present”
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In this episode I speak with Mark Stevens an award winning author and member of the Four Corners Writers who co-edited the first anthology of short stories, poems and essays by local authors titled Four Corners Voices.
Jan 8, 202500:30:14Tap to summarizeJoining me today on the program is Mark Stevens from Mancos, Colorado who is an award winning author who has also worked as a reporter and a national television news producer specializing in public relations. He has recently written a new book called No Lie Lasts Forever which will be coming out this April. Today though we’ll be talking about the Four Corners Writers group and their first Anthology which was just published on December 10th titled Four Corners Voices. Mark co-edited the collection with Chuck Greaves and Lisa Taylor which includes 12 short stories, 24 poems and 13 essays written by regional authors. The authors include both experienced and beginning writers which were selected through submissions to a writing competition, the writers also vary in age from high school students to late 70s. The Four Corners Writers is an established 501c3 and they received generous financial support from the LOR Foundation and 81321 Launch which has made this book possible. The group is committed to highlighting the power of the written word and showcasing the enormous amount of talent here in the region. There is already discussion about a second anthology later this year if you missed the first one! The Four Corners Writers began meeting at the Mancos library in 2017 and has continued to grow in membership with the mission to identify, develop and promote literary voices in the area. In the future the group may grow to include additional areas in the Four Corners region such as Moab, Utah and Flagstaff, Arizona. On Saturday January 25th at 7pm at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez there will be live readings from the Anthology by 14 of the writers reading from their work. The Four Corners Writers continues to hold monthly workshops at the Zu Gallery in Cortez. You can purchase the book at Maria’s Bookshop in Durango, Zu Gallery in Cortez and Hand in Hand in Mancos. You can also visit the website Bookshop.org. For more information on the Four Corners Writers you can visit their website at www.fourcornerswriters.com.
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Kate Siber, a dharma leader at the Durango Dharma Center joins me on the program to speak about the many new and exciting upcoming events and programs for 2025.
Jan 7, 202500:28:42Tap to summarizeJoin me for a conversation with Kate Siber, a dharma leader at the Durango Dharma Center which facilitates mindfulness meditation, dharma talks, community gatherings and hosts many different retreats that last one day and longer. The Center practices Theravada Buddhism which originated in India and is based on the original teachings of the Buddha. Kate has been practicing Vipassana meditation there since 2012 and as a dharma leader hosts some of the regular monday night meditations with dharma talks which is also a great place for beginners to start their practice. She serves as a mentor for the Next Gen group for people in their 20’s and 30’s which is offered along with both Middle Gen and Senior Gen groups. In 2025 there will be a full schedule including some new events and retreats beginning Jan 7 with the Daily Life Retreat. The Mindfulness of Body Class and Spiritual Friends group will be happening in February and March. There are many ways the Dharma Center is also committed to helping to create a healthy Durango community offering recovery and compassionate listening groups to people needing assistance meeting life’s challenges. Kate has been a board member of the Dharma Center, communications chief, retreat manager and special event coordinator. She was invited and participated in Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leaders program. In addition to her involvement with the Dharma Center Kate works as a freelance magazine writer, correspondent for Outside Magazine and children’s book author. She tries to spend as much time as possible in the wilderness. To find out more about the many exciting upcoming programs for the new year in 2025 visit the website at www.durangodharmacenter.com.
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Join me for a conversation with professional glass artist Patricia Davidson who uses her love of art to make a positive impact on people’s lives through art therapy programs.
Dec 16, 202400:31:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Patricia Davidson, a glass artist who uses sculpting, blowing, casting and kiln forming techniques. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, she was awarded a residency at Pilchuck Glass School. During this time she was also invited to become a member of Dale Chihuly’s glass blowing team in Seattle, Washington where she worked for 10 years which included extensive traveling to work in glass factories in Europe. She has been the only woman gaffer of chandeliers at Chihuly studio and while working for Chihuly she also worked as a staff member, teacher and visiting artist at Pilchuck Glass School and Pratt Fine Arts. In the interview we learn the complex science behind the different kinds of glass materials used for different purposes. Patricia has been exhibiting her art over the years both nationally and internationally and has received numerous awards and scholarships for her artwork. Her work is in several private collections and international museums as well. Although she has achieved huge success with her own art, Patricia’s real passion lies in the Art Therapy programs she has developed using glass art in a way that can help transform students’ and adults’ lives. Hilltop Artists, a non-profit organization works with middle and high school students in Tacoma, Washington to empower them with positive youth development. Patricia also founded a program working with war veterans called Hot Shop Heroes in conjunction with the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. She shares the joy of making a difference in people’s lives who have suffered from trauma. Although she just moved to Durango a few months ago Patricia has already become an important member of the art community here. You can visit her at her studio in the Smiley Building at 1309 East Third Avenue. For more information you can go to her website at www.patriciadavidsonart.com or Instagram @pattydglass.
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In this episode I speak with Leroy Garcia, owner and founder of Blue Rain Gallery showcasing innovative and contemporary Native American and Southwestern art here in Durango, Colorado.
Dec 10, 202400:28:46Tap to summarizeJoining me on the program today is Leroy Garcia, founder and owner of Blue Rain Gallery which began over 30 years ago in his home in Taos, NM. The gallery which has grown and become hugely successful over the years now showcases exquisite sculpture and paintings from artists all over the country. Growing up in a large family of eleven, Leroy was used to hard physical labor, helping to build the family home. Being an entrepreneur himself, he began showing the work of Santa Clara Pueblo potter Tammy Garcia in the house which was just the beginning of his involvement in the art business. He holds an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in business administration and management from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Today Blue Rain Gallery’s main location is in Santa Fe, New Mexico in the Railyard Arts District and just two years ago opened an additional location here in Durango, Colorado at 934 Main Avenue. The Gallery showcases innovative and contemporary Native American and Southwestern art, representing over 50 artists including Preston Singletary, Rimi Yang, Jesse Littlebird, ZZ Wei and Thomas Breeze Marcus. Leroy himself is a sculpture and glass artist but mostly takes pride in maintaining strong relationships with the artists he represents in his gallery giving their work the attention and exposure it deserves. Leroy has also developed a strong secondary market with many regular customers and collectors. The gallery has produced over 90 podcasts on their website where Leroy speaks with the artists about their process. In addition, you will be able to read an up-to-date blog page. Also online you can find the Blue Rain Print Shop showcasing beautiful gifts and accessories highlighting many of the artists’ work. The gallery hosts opening receptions every First Friday of each month in Durango. To see the artists’ work he represents and to find out more you can visit blueraingallery.com. Visit them on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.
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Heather Hinsley, owner of Delicious Details Edible Nutritious Art is a local entrepreneur, chef, visual artist and writer who focuses on culinary nutrition for creating healthy delicious desserts which also facilitate well-being.
Dec 2, 202400:29:10Tap to summarizeJoining me in today’s episode is long time Durango local Heather Hinsley, an entrepreneur and accomplished “Chef Artist” who creates edible nutritious art. She is the owner of Delicious Details Edible Nutritious Art which will have its Grand Opening at the Smiley Building this Friday December 6th during Noel Night, an annual holiday celebration. Heather has a certification in nutrition and enjoys giving instruction and coaching classes in healthy options in tasty artwork that you can eat as nutritious desserts. The ingredients she sources for Delicious Details are sustainable and organic that can contribute to overall well-being using the finest raw ingredients to create a delicious and healthy alternative in desserts that are free from gluten, grains, dairy, eggs, soy and refined sugars. Her first business endeavor in Durango began as an espresso cart on Main Avenue where she was discovered by the manager of Aramark at Fort Lewis College who insisted that she move her cart into the CUB at the college where her business thrived. She later owned the Cake Cafe which also served as a coffee bar where in addition to creating beautiful and healthy wedding cakes she created espresso drinks and delicious cinnamon buns. Among her many careers she managed Manna Soup Kitchen’s culinary program for a year fulfilling her desire to be of service. She also worked with Joshua Hoffman at the local company Sarvaa Superfood and continues a business relationship with the them carrying the products in her new raw food bakery. As well as being a chef and visual artist she is also an exquisite writer and in 2023 she published a memoir including recipes called Delicious Details: Memoir With Family Recipes. Her memoir which is culturally inspired and beautifully written is of her journey through family trauma and recovery. Heather found comfort during her difficult childhood in the natural world, animals, visual art and culinary nutrition for enhancing recovery and facilitating healing. She continues to be influenced by her ancestry combining Sicilian Heritage with her Indigenous First Nation Mi’kmaq roots inspiring her culinary art which has become an intimate connection with food. Her book can be purchased locally at Maria’s Bookshop and White Rabbit Books and Curiosities as well as online at Barnes and Noble. You can find Heather and Delicious Details at 1309 East Third Avenue, Durango, Colorado in The Smiley Building above the Smiley cafe on the Second Floor. To find out more you can also visit her website at deliciousdetailsdurango.com Also on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram
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Join me for a conversation with three members of the Merely Players Theatre Company as we talk about the two upcoming plays in their 2024 Holiday Rep Theatre.
Nov 27, 202400:29:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode I’m excited to be talking about two of the upcoming plays presented by the Merely Players Theatre Company in Durango, Colorado which was founded in 1994 by Charles Ford and his wife Mona-Wood Patterson bringing professional level theatre to the community. Joining me today on the program are three company members, Zachary Chiero, Geoff Johnson and Charles Ford. We will be talking about the 2024 Holiday Rep Theatre presenting The Miraculous Journey Of Edward Tulane which will be directed by Zachary Chiero, who is Artistic Associate of the company. The play which is about the adventures of a china rabbit is adapted from the book by Kate Dicamillo. The performances begin December 5th. Also joining us is actor Geoff Johnson who will be doing a one-man show playing 18+ characters in Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, a reimagined story based on the Christmas classic by Tom Mula and directed by Mona Wood-Patterson. This play will be opening on December 13. In addition to co-founding Merely Players, Charles Ford who is Technical Director of the group and a master backstage technician will be doing the backstage tech for both plays including puppets for Edward Tulane. Zachary has worn many hats as actor, choreographer and director and has spent the last 12 years working with many theaters in the Philadelphia area. Goeff worked with Charles and Mona in the Durango High School Theatre program before going to Fort Lewis College where he studied in their theatre program. To buy tickets and for more information visit their website at www.merelyplayers.org. All performances are at THE MERELY PLAYERS UNDERGROUND at 789 TECH CENTER DRIVE, DURANGO Performance times for The Miraculous Journey Of Edward Tulane are DECEMBER 5,6,7,18,19 & 20 AT 7:00PM DECEMBER 8 & 21 AT 2:00PM TICKETS are $32 Performance times for Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol are DECEMBER 13,14,17 & 21 AT 7:00PM DECEMBER 15 & 22 AT 2:00PM TICKETS are $32-36
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In this episode I speak with artist Crystal Hartman about her upcoming solo exhibit at Studio & Gallery in Durango, Colorado titled There Was Always The Forest.
Nov 12, 202400:30:41Tap to summarizeToday I’m excited to be speaking with Crystal Hartman about her upcoming solo exhibit at Studio & Gallery in Durango, Colorado titled There Was Always The Forest. Crystal is known for her stunning fine art paintings, sculpture and jewelry. Growing up in Durango “behind a jeweler’s bench at the mouth of a canyon in SW Colorado” gave her plenty of opportunity to spend time exploring in the wilderness that she loves. Her art is her connection to nature but also to who we are as beings. She is currently living in Urbana, Illinois with her husband and working in her home studio there, creating new pieces of art that keep evolving. She has won many awards for her work and has been featured in Art Jewelry Magazine among others. Her artwork has been exhibited all over the world at the Center for Contemporary Art, in Barcelona, Spain, The National Palace of Culture in Sofia, Bulgaria, The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art in Boulder, Colorado and at the Denver International Airport to name just a few of the places. She began carving wax, cutting stones and forming metal as a young child and apprenticed in Durango with Stanton Engelhart beginning at the age of 14 until college where she earned her BFA from the University of Colorado in Boulder. The work she is bringing to this exhibit is abstract capturing the magic of the forest as a place we go to heal and meditate. She includes some sculpture made out of wooden blocks as well. Her show at Studio & opens this Friday November 15th and runs through November 23rd. The opening reception is from 5-9pm on November 15th and there will also be an artist talk on Saturday November 23rd at 2pm. You can see some of her work on her website at www.crystalhartman.com. She is also on Facebook and Instagram @crystalhartman.
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