Shows
Four Corners Arts ForumJesse Ogle and Julianne Marqua co-executive directors of iAM Music Institute talk about the upcoming annual iAM Music Fest in it’s 10th year.In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Jesse Ogle and Julianne Marqua both co-executive directors of iAM Music Institute about the exciting 10th annual iAM Music Festival which begins this Thursday May 1st and continues through Sunday May 4th with seven stages presenting 35 artists over three nights. Along with many local bands such as Desiderata, Eldergrown, Secret Circus Society, and Joy’s Familiar there will be regional, national and international bands including the March 4th big band from Portland, Oregon and Blessing Bled Chimanga from Zimbabawe. Most of the music takes place on Second Avenue at th...2025-05-0630 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this episode I speak with Durango High School theatre students from DHS Troupe 1096 about their upcoming Senior Showcase and Nationals Fundraiser this Friday May 9th!In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Durango High School students from DHS Troupe 1096 of the theatre department which recently put on a hugely successful production of Hadestown in April. Sheri, Donovan, Lindsi, Sofia, Angel, Rhen, Violet and Noah who each plays a key role in the troupe, both on and off stage join me to talk about the recent production of Hadestown which received the most nominations in the state—12 total. This was adjudicated by the Bobby G Awards, Colorado’s regional high school musical theatre program that recognizes outstanding performances and serves as a gatew...2025-05-0629 min
Four Corners Arts ForumZachary Chiero, Mandy Irons and Matt Bodo of the Merely Players Theatre Company join me for a conversation about the upcoming production of the musical Guys and Dolls.In this episode I’m excited to be speaking with three members of the Merely Players Theatre Company here in Durango, Colorado. The company was founded by Mona Wood-Patterson and her husband Charles Ford in 1994, bringing professional theatre to our community. Joining me in the studio are Mandy Irons and Matt Bodo both actors in the upcoming production of Guys and Dolls a classic from the Golden Age of musical theatre. Matt will be playing Nathan Detroit and Mandy will be playing his fiancé Adelaide. Also joining us is Zachery Chiero Assistant Director of Merely Players who will be a c...2025-04-1429 min
Four Corners Arts ForumDurango PlayFest's Real World Speaker series brings New York City actor Erika Vetter to Durango to speak with High School and College Theatre Students as well as the Public on Thursday April 3 from 1-2pm.Erika Vetter is a professional actor from New York City who will be visiting Durango as a part of PlayFest’s 2025 Real World Speaker Series connecting young theatre professionals with our local high school and college students who may be interested in pursuing a career in theatre. This Thursday April 3rd from 1-2pm Erika will give a free talk for Fort Lewis College students as well as regional high School students. This event which is also open to the public will take place at the FLC Main Stage Theatre building. During the week Erika will be busy speaking di...2025-04-0229 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with Tim Kapustka owner of Studio & and artist Louisa Palmer to discuss the exciting events coming up this April and May.Today I have two very talented guests joining me in the KDUR studios, artist Louisa Plamer and Tim Kapustka an owner of Studio & to talk about some of the exciting events happening at the Gallery in April and May. Studio & just celebrated their 15 year anniversary from March 15-22 with an exhibit titled “15” highlighting many of the shows they have done over the years supporting artists in our community and brining fresh perspectives to the local art scene. Louisa Palmer speaks about the upcoming exhibit in April, as an artist who will be featured along with Jenn Rawling and Miki Hard...2025-03-2628 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with Aidan Park and Ben Gross of the YAY Foundation and learn about the healing power of laughter for those dealing with drug abuse, depression and physical health issues.In this episode we learn about the great work that the folks at the YAY Foundation do here in Durango and other parts of the country. The YAY foundation, a non-profit organization uses comedy and the healing power of laughter to help people dealing with drug addiction, depression and physical health issues by making these tough conversations more approachable. Joining me in the studio today is Aidan Park who founded YAY in 2022 and Ben Gross, Program Director. Aidan Park who is now also a professional actor and comedian has experienced life as an immigrant, homelessness, depression, drug abuse and...2025-03-0832 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with Dahlia Coats co-editor-in-chief of Images Magazine, Fort Lewis College’s Journal of Creative Work.In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Dahlia Coats a college student here who is co-editor-in-chief of Images Magazine, Fort Lewis College’s Journal of Creative Work By The Students, For The Students. Dahlia is in her junior year and is an English major with a minor in writing which is her passion. The magazine is published twice a year both in the Spring and the Fall highlighting essays, poetry, paintings, photography, collage and just about any art form. The majority of the submissions are sent in by current students but include some alumni as well pr...2025-02-2729 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin guest host Bryant Liggett for a conversation with Durango based musician Joshua Mendrala.In this episode guest host Bryant Liggett station manager of KDUR radio speaks with Durango based musician Joshua Mendrala. Making music under the name Ragged Oak, they speak about the new Ragged Oak record, making music on a budget, and why collecting records/cassettes is better than streaming!" 2025-02-1130 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin 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.In 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 orig...2025-01-0928 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn 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.Joining 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...2025-01-0830 min
Four Corners Arts ForumKate 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.Join 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...2025-01-0728 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin 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.In 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 ga...2024-12-1631 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn 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.Joining 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...2024-12-1028 min
Four Corners Arts ForumHeather 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.Joining 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 fi...2024-12-0229 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin 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.In 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 ad...2024-11-2729 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn 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.Today 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 h...2024-11-1230 min
Four Corners Arts ForumLocal artist and musician Ted Moore talks about his current art exhibit at SPACE Gallery in Denver and the exciting opportunity in Nashville for his band Mojo Birds.Join me for a conversation with local artist Ted Moore a man of many talents as a creator of woodwork and fine art, a musician and a teacher. Ted currently has an exhibit of his fine art work at SPACE Gallery in Denver, Colorado. The show is a two person exhibit that he shares with Anna Elis Johnson and is titled GROUNDED which runs through Saturday November 2nd. Ted’s own body of work is titled “The Alphabet of Trees” which highlights the storytelling nature of trees over the centuries. His artwork is inspired by landscape, culture and the history...2024-10-2930 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with Dr. Holly Quist, a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado and the two professional musicians participating in the Artists in Residence program.Joining me in the studio today is Dr. Holly Quist, a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music here at Fort Lewis College. She recently completed a Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance and pedagogy at The University of Wisconsin in Madison with a minor in musicology. I’m excited to be speaking with Holly about the Artists in Residence program and the two musicians she is bringing to Durango. Both musicians are joining us today as well, that’s Dr. Kelariz Keshavarz and Brian Seaton. Kelariz is an Assistant Professor of Flute at Western Carolina University. She is also an a...2024-10-2228 min
Four Corners Arts ForumLocal artist Chyako Hashimoto shares her artistic journey with us as an accomplished potter and pottery teacher in Durango, Colorado.Join me for an inspiring and informative conversation with local artist and long time Durango, Colorado resident Chyako Hashimoto. As an an artist she is a potter, pottery teacher and gardener. Chyako has been the owner of YUNOMI Pottery Studio for the last thirteen years which is located in the Smiley Building. She is a native of Japan but found her love of pottery making when she came to America to attend Fort Lewis College. She expresses that her goal has always been to “dedicate your life to something you love”. Chyako has studied with many master potters and exhi...2024-10-1828 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this episode I speak with local artists Cindy Coleman, Elizabeth Kinahan and Miki Harder about the “Super Amazing Extraordinary” Biggest Little Art Show in Durango happening this Saturday!Today we are talking about an exciting event which is the the Biggest Little Art Show in Durango titled “Super Amazing Extraordinary”. I am joined in the studio by three of the artists, Cindy Coleman, Miki Harder and Elizabeth Kinahan to talk about the upcoming exhibit. The show will feature small works by a total of six local artists which will also include Mariah Kaminsky, Amy Vaclav and Allison Leigh Smith. This all started in the summer of 2009 with the help of artist Heather Leavitt Martinez who was also the gallery director of the Durango Arts Center at the time...2024-10-0928 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this episode I speak with actor Katlyn Bowie and stage manager Maddie Kraus both Fort Lewis College students about the performance of Thanksgiving Play. We are also joined by James Padilla, Fort Lewis College Tech Director.Join me for a conversation about the upcoming performance at the Fort Lewis College Main Stage Theatre titled The Thanksgiving Play a satirical comedy written by Larissa FastHorse, a Native American playwright. She began her career in Native American film before becoming a playwright and this play made it onto the list of one of the top 10 most produced plays in the US. The play which is directed by Felicia Meyer, Artistic Director and Chair of the Performing Arts Department is mostly student driven, and joining me today are students Maddie Krause as stage manager and Katelyn Bowie a...2024-10-0229 min
Four Corners Arts ForumPart 2: This episode is the second in a series celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Maria’s Bookshop which has become a beloved Durango institution. I’m joined by Evan Schertz and Andrea Avantaggio.Today’s episode is the second in a two part series celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Maria’s Bookshop here in Durango. There will be an anniversary party this Saturday September 28th from 4-9pm with beer from SKA Brewing, snacks, dancing, live music, family fun games and giveaways and everyone is welcome! Last week I had an interesting and fun conversation with Evan Schertz the current owner of Maria’s and we talked about the bookstore as it is today. He joins me again in the studio and this time we have also brought in Andrea Avantaggio one of the...2024-09-2329 min
Four Corners Arts ForumPart 1: In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Evan Schertz, owner of Maria’s bookstore talking about the upcoming 40th Anniversary celebration!Today’s episode is the first of a two part series celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Maria’s Bookshop here in Durango. There will be an anniversary party on Saturday Sept 28th from 4-9pm at the store with beer from SKA Brewing, snacks, live music, dancing, family fun games and giveaways and everyone is welcome! This is a chance for them to show their customer appreciation for the many years of support. Joining me on the program today is Evan Schertz the current owner of Maria’s Bookshop which has been run by the family for over 20 years. As a l...2024-09-1628 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with Meghann Zenteno, the new Executive Director for the San Juan Symphony.In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Meghann Zenteno, the new Executive Director for the San Juan Symphony. She comes with 15 years of experience as music educator and non-profit administrator in Dallas, Texas, she also has a proven record as successful fundraiser. As an advocate for access to music education in schools, especially in urban school districts, she is a highly sought after award winning consultant for band programs. She gets the most joy from seeing the next generation of students reach their full potential. Meghann looks forward to working with The San Juan Symphony in...2024-09-1230 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Zach Hively, an award winning humorist, poet, creative non-fiction author and publisher.Join me for a conversation with Zach Hively, an award winning humorist, poet, creative non-fiction author and publisher. He has just released a new collection of short essays in a book titled Call Me Zach Hively: Because That Is My Name in which he highlights the perils of navigating the world as a so called adult in a way that touches the reader through our similar experiences enabling us to relate closely to his light-hearted humor. He continues to write and publish his Fool’s Gold column that has run in various western publications such as the Durango Telegraph, Th...2024-09-0230 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with Dr. Gary Rottman as we talk about History Live! Celebrating the humanities in Southwest Colorado throughout the month of September.My guest today is Dr. Gary Rottman who for 30 years was Associate Director at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He is currently a member of the Professional Associates of Fort Lewis College which helps build awareness of the college and the importance of liberal arts, serving students, faculty, staff and the community. He is here on the program with me today to talk about History Live! a month long event celebrating the humanities in Southwest Colorado beginning with two Chautauqua style performances by Brain “Fox” Ellis at the college on September 5th a...2024-08-2628 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with Terry Bacon, a novelist, poet, playwright and science fiction writer as we talk about his recent and upcoming books.In this episode I speak with long time Durango local Terry Bacon, Phd. He is a novelist, poet, playwright and author of professional books. Before he became a full-time fiction writer he was an adjunct professor at the University of Utah, a consultant in a writing training firm and a co-founder of Lore International, a widely respected executive development firm. He also taught several college level courses at the Utah State Prison which he found to be a very gratifying experience. As an avid reader Terry has always been interested in literature even as early as the age of 9...2024-08-1928 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this episode I speak with award winning author Paolo Bacigalupi about his newly released literary fantasy novel titled Navola. In this episode I speak with Paolo Bacigalupi, best selling science fiction author of The Water Knife and The Windup Girl. His writing has also won a Hugo and Nebula award, the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award and is a three time winner of the Locus award. He has also written short stories and the young adult novel Ship Breaker, which was a finalist for the National Book Award. His science fiction work has also been recognized internationally in Japan, Spain, Germany and France. After years of writing about apocalyptic climate f...2024-08-1228 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this interview I have the pleasure of speaking with Adam Swanson a professional pianist and one of the world’s foremost performers of vintage American popular music.Join me for conversation with Adam Swanson one of the world’s foremost performers of vintage American popular music, including ragtime, early jazz and the Great American Songbook. He is a four-time winner of the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest, and a featured performer and lecturer at ragtime and jazz festivals across the US and abroad. He made his New York debut in Carnegie Hall at the age of nineteen and has also performed at the Cinecon Classic Film Festival in Hollywood as well as the Kennedy Center and internationally in Hungary, Switzerland and Australia. He received a bac...2024-08-0829 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with Felicia Meyer, artistic director of the 2025 Durango Playfest and Richard Dresser a New York Playwright.The sixth annual Durango Playfest begins Tuesday June 25th and runs through Sunday June 30, 2024. Join me for a conversation with Felicia Meyer, the Artistic Director of Playfest and producer of the annual event. She is also the Associate Professor at the Theatre Department at Fort Lewis College in Durango which partners with Playfest. Also joining me is New York Playwright Richard Dresser who will be workshopping his new play All that Remains at this years event. Richard’s play Our Shrinking, Shrinking World premiered at Playfest’s 2022 festival and then went on to a full, production at the New Jers...2024-08-0230 min
Four Corners Arts ForumAria Petty One, “Durango’s Favorite Drag Queen” joins me for a conversation about the art of drag in a small mountain town. Aria Petty One, “Durango’s Favorite Drag Queen” joins me for a conversation about the art of drag in Durango, a small mountain town. Her goal is to bring an art form that you normally have to go to a big city to experience to the Southwest area creating a safe and supportive environment where drag performers can can spread joy, laughter and connection in our community. She’s won multiple awards at the DIVAS awards events in Denver being named Fresh Face of Colorado Drag in 2022 and Best Drag Show in 2023 and through hard work has created a successful business...2024-07-1929 min
Four Corners Arts ForumMysto The Magi has performed more than 10,000 magic shows over the last 30 years and is bringing his "Really Big Magic Show” to the Animas City Theatre in Durango!Mysto The Magi first fell in love with magic at the age of 12 when he performed his first professional show. He has since performed more than 10,000 magic shows over 30 years throughout the country. His shows are inspired by the timeless traditions of Vaudeville creating an organic and exciting program! As a performer and storyteller Mysto has won numerous awards for his stage performances and close-up sleight of hand. His audiences vary in shape and size, from private gatherings and corporate events to Hollywood movies and major theaters. He shares his experiences of the world of magic conventions and competitions...2024-07-0930 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this episode I speak with author Burt Baldwin who has just published a new anthology of poetry tilted Selected Poem from 1973-2023.Author Burt Baldwin from Bayfield, Colorado has just published a new anthology of poetry titled Selected Poems from 1973-2023. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and the Methodist Theological School in Ohio after which he became the Assistant Chaplain at Ohio Wesleyan. He has been an educator for over 40 years teaching at Franklin University, Pueblo Community College and Fort Lewis College here in Durango. He spent many years teaching at the Ignacio School District as well. He has won a long list of awards for his teaching including the Colorado Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education, Southern Ut...2024-06-1130 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with musician John Thomas and long time friend Charmaine Stewart who transcribed John’s songs to create a new music book.Joining me on the program are John Thomas and Charmaine Stewart who together recently published a music book written for guitar with a collection of John’s songs from his life and musical career. Charmaine listened to the recordings and transcribed his songs by writing out the musical notations, time signature, key, chords and lyrics using a music software program called Finale. In addition the book also contains entertaining stories behind the many songs which are written about various friends and life experiences giving the background inspiration. Besides being an accomplished musician, John is a painter, teacher and film an...2024-06-1030 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Durango artist Miki Harder, known for her drawings, paintings, illustrations and sculpture.In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with the multi-talented Durango artist Miki Harder. She is known for her incredibly unique and beautiful drawings, paintings, illustrations and sculpture. She graduated from Fort Lewis College in Durango with a degree in Fine Art and Biology where many professors influenced her work through their teachings and inspiration. Miki’s art reflects the relationship between her two passions, in her words “the desire to share the joy I find in the interplay of a connected natural world”. Her subjects regularly include ravens, horses, dragons and any other interesting creature that catch...2024-06-1029 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with the new Executive Director of the Durango Arts Center, Jason Lythgoe.Join me for a conversation with the new Executive Director of the Durango Arts Center, Jason Lythgoe. This is an exciting new role for Lythgoe who has already been involved with the Arts Center for over a decade teaching and managing the youth and adult theatre programs. He has always had a passion for community based arts and its power to enrich lives through a diverse range of exhibits, classes, workshops and events. He has been performing in theatre since he was 7 years old at the Fullerton Children’s Repertory Theatre in southern California. He studied Theatre at California St...2024-06-0729 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this episode I'm excited to be speaking with Maureen May, a well respected and accomplished artist who uses a variety of different media in her work.In this episode I'm excited to be speaking with long time Durango community member Maureen May, a well respected and accomplished artist who uses a variety of different media in her work. She grew up in a supportive family with 15 children and parents who found the time to expose her to museums, opera and theatre in her hometown of Chicago. Throughout her life and artistic career she has been blessed with wonderful teachers who pushed her to reach beyond the safe boundaries. In her words “depending on the message or image I am trying to convey I use abstract to...2024-06-0230 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this episode I speak with Leesa Zarinelli a local community member and an internationally recognized textile and fiber artist.Leesa Zarinelli’s elegant fiber and textile art has been shown in galleries and art centers around the world. She has had solo exhibtions in Japan and throughout the US and has participated in over 25 juried and invitational shows as well. Her work has appeared in multiple publications including Japan Times, Art Quilts International and Fiber Art Now where she had the front and back covers. In addition Leesa has also written articles for European Textile Network and Surface Design Journal to name a few. Although she grew upon in a creative family of “makers” with a father who owned...2024-05-0129 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this episode I speak with local artist and master printmaker Ron Fundingsland whose stunning art work is recognized internationally.Join me for a conversation with local artist and master printmaker Ron Fundingsland whose beautiful art is recognized internationally. He is affiliated with the American Society of Graphic Artists, The International Print Triennial Society and The Boston Printmakers to name a few. His work is in the public collections of the Denver Art Museum, The Seattle Art Museum, The Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, the Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe, the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. He is also represented by many galleries including the Robischon Gallery...2024-04-1630 min
Four Corners Arts ForumI this episode we learn about the art of roasting coffee beans from Matt Steffans and Brice Ward who are are co-owners of 81301 Coffee House and Easy Coffee Roasters.Join me in this episode as we learn about the art of roasting coffee beans and making coffee “from seed to cup”. Brice Ward and Matt Steffans are co-owners of 81301 Coffee House and Easy Coffee Roasters located on North Main Avenue in Durango. Matt and Brice bought the business in July 2022 although they’ve worked together for 6 years. Matt is the head roaster working in back while Brice is the face you will come to know as you walk into the Coffee House. To roast perfect coffee it is important to control the temperature, time and airflow optimally for produc...2024-04-0929 min
Four Corners Arts ForumLocal Durango artist Bindu Bammi is a painter, designer, jeweler and art therapist who was born and raised in India creating art that embraces both Western and Indian cultures.Join me for a conversation with Bindu Bammi, a local artist who was born and raised in India, lived in the Philippines, Indonesia and Philadelphia before settling in Durango in 2016. She is a designer, painter, art educator and art therapist with two masters degrees. Bindu is part of the Art Room Collective at the Smiley Building where you can find her in her beautiful studio at 1309 East 3rd avenue. Her art celebrates both her Indian culture and western cultures around the world. In high school she became interested in art and specifically textile design after which she went on...2024-04-0330 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this episode I speak with Durango resident Gail Harris who as a retired Navy Captain is now a student at The Julliard School and composer of broadway-style musicals.Gail Harris retired from her job in 2001 as the highest-ranking African American female in the U.S. Navy. She has written a memoire called “A Woman’s War” about her experiences and has also become an event speaker about the intelligence community and her role in it. As a double minority she faced her challenges with humor and grit which gained her respect among her male peers but she also never took ‘no’ for an answer. Through all of her life’s challenges she found that music and the support of her family helped to ground her. Retirement has given her th...2024-03-2929 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with Dr. Michael Rendon, Assistant Professer of Sociology and Political Science at Fort Lewis College and member of the local gypsy music band Carute Roma.Dr. Michael Rendon, a long time Durango community member is an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Political Science here at Fort Lewis College. He is also the President of the Board of the San Juans Citizens Alliance among many other things. In the past he’s been on the City Council and Mayor of Durango as well as the first male Director of SASO, Sexual Assault Services Organization. Although he is very busy with his community involvement, he still finds time to play violin with the band Carute Roma, a high energy Southwest Colorado based gypsy music band bringing di...2024-03-2728 min
Four Corners Arts ForumLearn about the evolution of Mariah Kaminsky’s successful career as a fine art painter and mural artist in Durango.Mariah Kaminsky, a fine art surrealist painter and mural artist has been instrumental in making the town of Durango a beautiful place to enjoy the visual arts. You can find her oil paintings in Eolus Bar and Restaurant, the Durango Coffee Company and the Animas Chocolate Company. She has participated in multiple exhibitions at the Studio & Gallery as well. Her paintings include people portraits, aerial acrobats and floral compositions. Some of the larger ones which can be found on the walls at Eolus are images of landscapes from the air taken from maps and created with paints and textured...2024-03-1229 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with Alex Riad an Egyptian-American New York City based playwright who will be coming to Durango to speak with and inspire high school and college theatre students.Alex Riad, an Egyptian-American playwright from New York City will be visiting Durango as part of PlayFest's 2024 Real-World Speaker series as a way to connect young theatre professionals from diverse backgrounds with our local high school and college students. This Thursday March 7 at 1pm Alex will give a free talk for the Fort Lewis College students and the general public at the FLC theatre building. During the week Alex will also speak to students at Durango High School and Animas High School about his path to becoming a playwright. Also over the weekend March 9 & 10 Alex will lead a playwrighting...2024-03-0429 min
Four Corners Arts ForumLearn about FACETS, the exciting collaboration between 20 Moons Dance Theatre Company and the San Juan Symphony’s Bach Festival.My guests on this episode are Anne Bartlett and Jessica Perino co-artistic directors of 20 Moons Dance Theatre Company and Jeroen Van Tyne, musical director of 20 Moons and Executive Director of Stillwater Music. In this episode we talk about this year’s 2024 Durango Bach Festival which celebrates it’s opening night with FACETS, a production combining 20 Moons dancers with select musicians from the San Juan Symphony and members of the San Juan Symphony Chambers singers. This takes place at the Light Box theatre at Stillwater Music on Saturday March 2nd at 7pm. Tickets for the opening night are sold out but...2024-02-2928 min
Four Corners Arts ForumRosie McGowan never gave up on her passion for art even after she found herself drawn into the corporate world.Rosie McGowen always knew she was an artist beginning at the age of 11 when she created remarkably sophisticated paintings and drawings. Although she had support for her art as she was growing up, she eventually found herself with a career in the corporate world managing businesses and as a consultant to leaders and start-ups. In her family she was the youngest of five children and at the age of 30 she was finally introduced to the man that she hadn’t known was her real father, different from her siblings. Interestingly he turned out to be a true creative making he...2024-02-2329 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with director Zachary Chierio and actor Tara Demmy where we discuss the upcoming show called “Small Mouth Sounds” presented by the Merely Players theatre group.Once again the Merely Players Theatre Group is presenting another great theatre performance. You never know what they are up to but it’s always something unique and exciting. Zachary Chiero is directing the show called “Small Mouth Sounds” and Tara Demmy is one of the actors in the play joining us from Washington, DC. There is almost no dialogue in this show written by Bess Wohl which is based on the experiences of six participants on a five day silent retreat. Even without words there is great character development through this physical theatre piece. Each participant in the retrea...2024-02-0929 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this episode professional artist Lisa Pedolsky talks about her process for making her unique hand built ceramics.Join me for a conversation with long time Durango community member and professional artist Lisa Pedolsky. Her unique fine art hand built ceramics are sophisticated yet playful reflecting a fusion of African and Japanese influences from textiles and crafts as well as mid century modern designs. These ceramic sculptures are made with a process called slab construction using red earthenware clay. Lisa takes us through the steps of this process from the two dimensional sketch to the finished piece which has been fired twice in her electric kiln. Her work is recognizable but open to interpretation, “offering an opportunity fo...2024-01-3030 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this episode I speak with Tyana Arviso and Lapita Arviso who share their journey as photographers and their unique bond as mother and daughter artists.Tyana Arviso and Lapita Arviso both Diné artists and photographers are based in the Colorado high desert. They share a unique bond as a mother and daughter pair supporting and inspiring each other in their creative journey, sharing the language of photography. They currently live in Cortez, Colorado but travel the region extensively finding inspiration for their photographs. Lapita was practicing landscape and commercial photography when her daughter Tyana became interested and picked up her own camera. They both speak about the desire to create and achieve that flow state of an artist in sharing a part of themselves i...2024-01-2227 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this episode Thomas Heuser Music Director and Conductor of the San Juan Symphony talks about the new string quartet debuting this month!Thomas Heuser has been the Music Director and Conductor of the San Juan Symphony since 2016, a regional orchestra bringing professional high caliber music and concerts to our area as well as collaborations with other community organizations. They also support music education with a junior orchestra and youth orchestra providing many opportunities for youth development in orchestra music. After merging earlier this year with the Third Avenue Arts, the Symphony has begun a new series called Beyond the Concert Hall and is debuting the San Juan Symphony String Quartet which will be performing works by many diverse composers including 20th...2024-01-0928 min
Four Corners Arts ForumScott Smith talks about his career as a professional photographer in Durango and his involvement and passion for the growing public art scene.Scott Smith, a graduate of Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO started his professional photography studio, Imagesmith Photography, 30 years ago and it has been growing ever since. He shares with us the evolution of his career and the path on which he has found himself by doing what he loves, spending time outside snowboarding while shooting images of some of the world’s best professional athletes. His work has taken him to many mountain locations around the world including some of the highest mountains in India and Alaska. His work has been recognized internationally and has appeared in many we...2024-01-0930 min
Four Corners Arts ForumChristmas is the perfect time to be talking about pastries with Kate Naumann owner of La Bonne Patisserie.It’s Christmas and the perfect time to be talking about culinary art! Kate Naumann brings elegant and tasty French pastries to the Durango community. She opened her shop a year ago at 3101 North Main Avenue. Using European techniques to create delicious pastries such as opera cakes, tartines, eclairs, croissant, chocolate peppermint cream puffs to name a few as well as empanadas with southwest flavors. Kate’s ingredients are local and fresh, working closely with farmers and ranchers in the area. She sources mushrooms from Leaf Cutter Farms, honey from Honeyville and wheat from Mountain Mama Milling in addition to m...2023-12-3028 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with professional artist and musician Ted Moore.In this episode I speak with local artist Ted Moore about his current exhibit at Gallery at 11th Street Station. The show is titled Ec(h)o and features artwork inspired by landscape, culture and the history of the Southwest where we live. Ted uses wood panels, gold leaf and ink paint to create these unique and stunning pieces, a result of observation and meditative attention to detail. He references Medieval iconography creating hand-crafted frames, triptychs and reliquaries honoring the mundane and the transcendental and their relationship to the natural world. The main focus of the art is on...2023-12-1128 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for an informative discussion with professional tattoo artist Tom Kipp owner of Conductor Tattoo in Durango.In this episode my guest is professional tattoo artist Tom Kipp, owner of Conductor Tattoo. Join me for an informative discussion about the tattoo industry and how local artist Tom Kipp learned his skill though multiple apprenticeships in the trade. Tom has been passionate about line drawing since elementary school and through the support of his family he continued to develop his skill. Beginning in the Front Range where he grew up, Tom became more serious about his career through various apprenticeships eventually bringing him to Durango where he has called home for the last 20 years. After he completed 10...2023-12-0429 min
Four Corners Arts ForumThe Merely Players Theatre Company is excited to present the modern musical “Hands on a Hardbody” directed by Dallas Padoven who joins me as well as Zachary Chiero a main actor in the play.The Merely Players Theatre Company has been bringing professional theatre to the Durango community since 1994 when it was founded by Mona Wood-Patterson and her husband Charles Ford. In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Dallas Padoven who is directing the upcoming performance of “Hands on a Hard Body” and the very talented actor Zachary Chiero who plays the role of Benny Perkins. Benny is one of ten characters who are hoping to win a Nissan truck by keeping at least one hand on the vehicle for longest amount of time only stopping for 15 minutes every six hour...2023-12-0230 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with local artist Ilze Aviks who’s fine art textile work has been recognized internationally.Longtime Durango artist Ilze Aviks whose mixed media and fiber arts has been recognized internationally speaks about the history of textiles and the role they play as an expression of culture and storytelling. She received her MFA in textiles at Colorado State University and over the last 30 years has taught Studio Art and Theory at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. She has been a visiting artist at many universities throughout the country and has also conducted artist workshops in the US, Canada and Australia. Her various series of work include cyanotypes, mixed media, collage, monoprints and many other...2023-11-2930 min
Four Corners Arts ForumMary Jane Ramos and Alix DuBois speak about their final marketing project at Durango high School. Graphic designer Cindy Miller Hutchinson joins us as well.Mary Jane Ramos and Alix DuBois both students at Durango High School speak about their final project, an Integrated Marketing Campaign for the business class they are enrolled in. This is an opportunity to work with the community and gain real life experience as they promote and advertise the upcoming holiday events at the Art Room Collective at the Smiley Building in downtown Durango. Cindy Miller Atchison, an artist and graphic designer in the Art Room Collective will also be following their project. The students are utilizing Instagram, newspaper and radio coverage and flyers that will be posted throughout...2023-11-2129 min
Four Corners Arts ForumLocal artist Joe Schafer shares his unique process in creating beautiful large scale landscape paintings on metal.Joe Schafer, a local self taught artist who has developed his own unique style of creating stunning landscape paintings on metal canvases shares his technique with us in this interview. After a successful career as a house painter he discovered his talent for fine art faux finishes which lead him to experiment using mixed media in the fine art realm. It is through this experimentation that he learned to express his love of the beauty of the surrounding wilderness in our area. His scenes of mountain and desert landscapes use sand, dyes, stains and water. Many times the canvases...2023-11-0828 min
Four Corners Arts ForumLeading cell biologist and author Ursula Goodenough discusses her book "The Sacred Depths of Nature: How Life Has Emerged and Evolved"Join me for a conversation with author and scientist Ursula Goodenough. She is a professor emerita of biology at Washington University in St. Louis and is one of America’s leading cell biologists. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her book is titled “The Sacred Depths of Nature: How Life Has Emerged and Evolved. This is the second edition of the book which was originally published in 1997. Understanding mankind and our place on earth is the main topic covered in the book leading to questions such as “Why are people religious?” By looking...2023-11-0729 min
Four Corners Arts ForumChef Arnold Safari Ngumbao introduces us to the flavors and culture of Africa with his African Fusion food truck in Durango, Colorado!Join me for a conversation with local Chef Arnold Safari to learn more about the journey that has brought him from his home village in Kenya, to Europe and then Durango. He began his culinary training at the age of 9 in the kitchen with his father who was a chef at one of Kenya’s most prestigious resorts. From there he entered the Kenya Utalii College’s culinary program after high school and later continued his international training at the Sweden Culinary School. Along the way he has participated in Chef’s without Borders in different regions of Africa as wel...2023-11-0629 min
Four Corners Arts ForumDurango is poised to select its first poet laureate with the help of two co-chairs of the new committee, Daisy Grice and Gail Lovell. Join me for a conversation with Gail Lovell and Daisy Grice, co-chairs of the Durango Poet Laureate committee. The committee will be selecting the first Poet Laureates for Durango, an exciting addition to the literary scene in the community. There will be both an adult and youth poet laureate selected to represent Durango and La Plata County, both will serve a three year term and receive a stipend. Gail Lovell is on the board of Friends of the Library and Daisy Grice is the Adult and Circulation Supervisor for the library. The city accepted applications from community m...2023-10-2730 min
Four Corners Arts ForumStella Zhu of the Fort Lewis College Grub Hub and Seanan Culloty of the Manna Soup kitchen practice the art of lending a hand to those in need.When people don’t have their basic needs met in our community, Stella Zhu of the Grub Hub at Fort Lewis College and Seanan Culloty of the Manna Soup kitchen use their energy and compassion to make sure no one gets left behind. By working together and combining their resources they can accomplish so much more in providing prepared foods, grocery items, housing, job skills, and a safe shame-free environment to spend time and hang out. Manna makes soup five days a week, some of which is also brought to the Grub Hub. Through creative thinking, lots of energy an...2023-10-2529 min
Four Corners Arts ForumMarissa Hunt and Emily Ciszek founders of Rodeo Odyssey are the visionaries behind SPACE, a pop-up Art Market.The art scene in Durango is getting a big boost from the creative energy and vision of Marissa Hunt and Emily Ciszek. Together they founded Rodeo Odyssey as an entity to support local artists and celebrate these talents through a project called SPACE. This will be a month long pop-up Art Market in the vacant Basin Printing building in downtown during the month of November 2023. The participating artists applied for a 10’ X 10’ lot which can used as a gallery and retail space. In addition there will be workshops, art installations, music and other creative and diverse types of art. Thro...2023-10-1729 min
Four Corners Arts ForumThe Merely Players Theatre Company is excited to present William Shakespear’s The Tempest Directed by Mona Wood-Patterson. Also joining me are the talented actors Paul Laakso and Matt Bodo.The Merely Players Theatre Company has been bringing professional theatre to the Durango community since 1994 when it was founded by Mona Wood-Patterson and her husband Charles Ford. In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Mona who is directing the upcoming performances of William Shakespear’s The Tempest and two of the talented actors Paul Laakso and Matt Bodo. Paul Laakso plays the role of Prospero the banished Duke of Milan and Matt Bodo plays the part of the savage servant Caliban. Learn about the techniques they use to embrace their characters’ roles. Any Shakespeare play is a hu...2023-10-0329 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with the three very talented people who created The Hive, an important community resource in Durango.In this episode I speak with Jeff Hamner, Alex Vick and Briana Boyer also known as BB. These three put their talents and enthusiasm to work as they create a brave space to encourage youth and community members to realize their true potential. Jeff is the program director who founded the organization together with Alex who is the creative director. BB works as program coordinator and fabric workshop instructor. The mission of the hive is to “create and pollinate” working together with other community organizations to build an atmosphere of inclusiveness. An indoor skate park allows students to build conf...2023-09-2128 min
Four Corners Arts ForumNavajo author Stacie Denetsosie released her debut book titled The Missing Morning Star to many positive reviews this month.I speak with author Stacie Denetsosie about the release of her debut book this month titled The Missing Morning Star. Stacie is a member of the Navajo Nation and her writing has previously been featured in many magazines and journals. This book consists of nine short stories highlighting the resilience of the many Navajo characters dealing with complex family bonds. Stacie writes with such depth and texture appealing to all of the readers’ senses. The character development is brilliant bringing the people in her stories to life creating a book that is both heartbreaking and up lifting. Stacie speaks of...2023-09-2030 min
Four Corners Arts ForumHannah Wilson will be unveiling her new outdoor mural during Durango’s first annual Arts Week!Local artist and painter Hannah Wilson will be unveiling her new outdoor mural during Durango’s first annual Arts Week! This event will be held on Thursday Sept 21 from 1-3pm at 3124 Main Avenue when there will also be a ribbon cutting ceremony. Hannah’s use of colors is bold and exciting bringing a vibrancy to North Main. The mural is on the north facing wall of Mac’s Liquors celebrating the beer brewing culture of Durango as the brewing capital of Southwest Colorado. There will also be a small BBQ hosted by Tina Haefele the owner of the busine...2023-09-1929 min
Four Corners Arts ForumMerely Players associate Director Zachary Chiero and performance artist Javon “Ja Moon” Jones speak about the dance theatre piece A Slow Crawl Towards Heaven which Jones created.Javon “Ja Moon” Jones premiered his solo performance A Slow Crawl Towards Heaven at the Merely Players Theatre space this month, the Merely Underground. The performance which was created by Jones is an immersive experience of storytelling through movement, text and sound. He worked closely with associate director Zachary Chiero of the Merely Players to bring the performance to life. The soothing space created by Ja Moon for the performance encourages a feeling of trust between the performer and the audience while the tough subject of slavery is explored. Ancestral traditions through the generations are woven onto the storytelling. Ja g...2023-08-3028 min
Four Corners Arts ForumIn this episode I speak with Greg Marshall, author of a memoir titled Leg: The story of a limb and the boy who grew from it.Join me for a conversation with Greg Marshall the author of a memoir titled Leg: The story of a limb and the boy who grew from it. Greg is a National Endowment for the Arts Fellow in prose and graduated from the Michener Center for Writers in Austin, Texas where he currently lives with his husband. Growing up in his eccentric but also very loving family had it's many challenges. He deals with the struggle of having a Mom who has been fighting cancer for many years while bringing up five kids, and a Dad who died at age 55...2023-08-2532 min
Four Corners Arts ForumKathryn Waggoner and Bekah Kolbe both with the Durango Creative district, share their passion for supporting the arts in Durango.Kathryn Waggoner is the Executive Director of the recently formed Durango Creative District working closely with Bekah Kolbe who is the Communication and Project Manager. They both bring years of experience as gallery owners and managers to the organization, but mostly focus on supporting and mentoring emerging artists in this community. With information on fundraising, marketing, website design and opportunities to exhibit their art, they encourage the development of these artists’ careers. The art scene in Durango has really blossomed recently with many different art forms being created by the talented artists in this area. As a result it ca...2023-08-1429 min
Four Corners Arts ForumTim Kapustka, graphic designer and co-founder of Studios & shares his passion for the arts in Durango, Colorado.Durango artist and graphic designer Tim Kapustka knew since high school that he wanted to be a graphic designer but didn’t know what that path looked like. He studied advertising in college and eventually landed a job at a publishing house in Chicago which gave him the opportunity to learn graphic design by fire, and soon after two years he became the Art Director. During that time he started Cabbage Creative, his own design firm which is wonderfully successful. Having visited his brother in Durango multiple times he finally decided it was time to move here in 2009. Shortly af...2023-08-0829 min
Four Corners Arts ForumAlejandro Valdepeñas and Hannah Ji, share insights on the life of a classical musician.Alejandro Valdepeñas and Hannah Ji joined Music in the Mountains for its 37th season this month. Both play with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra during the regular season and in the summer months join music festivals around the country. This is Hannah’s third year with Music in the Mountains and Alé’s first. They bring a level of skill and talent to our small town that is so valued by the community, their bios are impressive. During the three weeks here with Music in the Mountains they played a variety of music including Symphonic, Salsa, Pops, Movie music...2023-07-3129 min
Four Corners Arts ForumTurner Wyatt discusses his documentary film MOVING LINE, "an unexpected story of adventure and art." tTurner Wyatt talks about his journey in creating a documentary film that he and his brother Cameron Wyatt are producing together. The movie, MOVING LINE, documents a winter adventure taken by three men on skis 45 years ago over 6 weeks. Their purpose was to find the most direct route from Durango to Ft. Collins over the Colorado rocky mountains. Two of these men, now 85 years old, approached Turner and Cameron asking them to make a film highlighting their journey which laid much of the route for the Colorado Trail. The surprise though was how much this became an adventure of...2023-07-2728 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJeff Wise, longtime Durango resident and professional artist takes us on a journey through the evolution of his art career.Jeff Glode Wise is a long time Durango resident and professional artist. In his words “Art has inhabited me continuously, and the making of objects has defined my life” He’s always had a passion to create since he was young, enjoying the process as much as the finished art piece. His unique large scale sculptures can be viewed in many locations around town, they are playful and engaging taking the viewer on a visual journeys as they move with the forces of gravity and balance. Jeff finds his inspiration from the movement of birds, Mayan Stelae, curling waves and sm...2023-07-1829 min
Four Corners Arts ForumCat Jaffe, audio producer and podcast creator shares her passion for storytelling.All her life Cat Jaffe has had a passion for storytelling inspired by the people she’s met traveling and at home in her own community. Not only did she travel, but she ended up living in multiple countries around the world. She spent close to 7 years in Eastern Turkey organizing a honey-tasting trekking company called Balyolu using the proceeds to train local women in beekeeping and hospitality. This eventually lead to her becoming an audio producer and podcast creator and founder of the House of Pod in Denver, Colorado with the mission of “Building a better world through bett...2023-07-1129 min
Four Corners Arts ForumJoin me for a conversation with Angie Beach, the executive Director of Music in the Mountains as we talk about the upcoming 37th Season in Durango, Colorado, July 6-30!For the 37th year Music in the Mountains hosts over a hundred proffesional classical musicians in Durango, Colorado for its annual music festival. Angie Beach has been the Executive Director for the last 13 years and speaks about all of the many exciting events that will be happening. Beginning July 6th for three days there will be free chamber music performances on mobile stages in Durango, Pagosa Springs, Mancos, Bayfield and Ignacio. Beginning July 14th the Festival Orchestra conducted by Artistic Director Guillermo Figueroa will perform 11 different events which include guest musicians and soloists. One of those events is a...2023-07-0328 min
Four Corners Arts ForumDurango Playfest is hosting it's fifth annual season this month.The Durango Playfest is hosting it's fifth annual season from Wednesday June 28th through July 2nd. This is an exciting event bringing professional actors, playwrights and directors to our town. If you're not sure what a playfest is, listen to this podcast to find out more! It's a unique opportunity for community members as the audience to see script readings of plays that are still being developed. It allows them to be part of the creative process by giving feedback after the performances. Three of the plays will be performed twice and the second time may have changed to...2023-06-2628 min
Four Corners Arts ForumA Lettering Journey with Heather Martinez, Visual Facilitator and Tech HostIn this interview I speak with artist Heather Martinez a long time Durango area resident and community member. She takes us on a journey through her experiences to becoming a lettering artist and more specifically a visual practitioner, facilitator and trainer. This journey has taken her internationally to learn from the best graffiti artists, sign painters and calligraphers worldwide. She continues to travel to legal graffiti meet ups were she can advance her skills. We talk about Visual Facilitating which she performed for three years at the Nat Geospatial Agency and other corporate and non-profit businesses in Washington, DC...2023-06-2028 min
Four Corners Arts ForumLearn about the Improvisational theatre scene in Durango, CO from Cindy Laudadio-HillImprovisational Theatre is alive and well in our mountain town of Durango, Colorado! This is thanks to the many talents of Cindy Laudadio-Hill who is an actor, comedian, writer, producer, director, and teacher. Through performances at the Durango Arts Center theatre as well as improv adult classes on Thursday evenings, she brings laughter and spontaneity to our community. While in Durango she collaborates with Mary Quinn who also has a passion for sharing her love of the art form. Laudadio-Hill recently moved from Denver where she founded the all women improv group “Dishwater Blondes”, The Denver Improv Festival as well...2023-06-1628 min
Four Corners Arts ForumFort Lewis College Theatre, Durango, ColoradoFrom the Archives: Felicia Meyer, Associate Professor of the Theatre Department of Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado talks about the upcoming production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Also with me are Siena Weiden and Maya Moray both students at Fort Lewis College performing as the two main characters in the play. Just as in the past where men played all the roles, including those of women, in this scenario two women are cast in both roles as Romeo and Juliette. The other unique aspect about this production is that rather than being set in Italy in 1590, it ta...2023-06-0629 min
Four Corners Arts ForumFour Corners Arts Forum What is an artist residency? In this episode you’ll learn about artist residencies at Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve and Education Center in Mancos, Colorado. It is a result of the vision of Peggy and Lee Cloy who met in Seattle, Washington before moving to Colorado. Peggy, an accomplished artist herself and Lee a water engineer and Tai Chi instructor started the program in 2012. Peggy bought the land in 1992 and with the help of Lee created a unique and beautiful oasis in a dry juniper/pinion forest. This brought an energy to the land that provides a qui...2023-06-0629 min
Four Corners Arts ForumBook release: Brave the Wild River by Melissa SevignyIn this episode Mellisa Sevigny will take you on a thrilling and dangerous ride down the Grand Canyon as she talks about her new book Brave the Wild River: The untold story of two women who mapped the botany of the Grand Canyon. What made this trip so unique were the two women scientists who planned this project in 1938 at a time when there was no support for women in the field of science, meaning that getting funding was almost impossible. On the river there were different physical challenges that the six members of the team faced, all of...2023-05-3029 min
Four Corners Arts ForumCelebration of 25th Anniversary of the Community Concert Hall in Durango, ColoradoIn this interview I had the pleasure of speaking with Charles Leslie, director of the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Since 2008 he has been bringing outstanding performances to the community including music, dance, circus acts, comedy and everything else! On Saturday June 3rd at 7:30 there will be a celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Concert Hall in a unique collaboration of the Latin band Nosotros from Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico together with our own San Juan Symphony. Don’t miss this special concert called Amor Sincero. These 12 songs were beautifully arranged by...2023-05-2527 min
Four Corners Arts ForumThe Life Span of a Fact by The Merely Players Theatre CompanyFrom the Archives: The Merely Players, a community based theatre company in Durango, Colorado has had a very busy spring! They’ve put on three productions just since the beginning of 2023. The Merely Players was founded by Mona Wood-Patterson and Charles Ford in 1994 and has been bringing outstanding shows to the community ever since. In this Interview I spoke with Melanie McLean and Stephen Bowers who are two of the actors in the play “The Life Span of a Fact”, a true story based on a book written by John D’Agata and Jim Fingal. The story centers a...2023-05-2529 min
Four Corners Arts ForumHappenings at the San Juan SymphonyJoin me for a conversation with Music Director and Conductor of the San Juan Symphony Orchestra Thomas Heuser, as well as Executive Director Chandra Stubbs to learn about all the exciting things that are happening! The Symphony brings proffesional orchestra music to Durango, Colorado and Farmington, New Mexico with musicians from the Four Corners region and beyond. These performances highlight the work of the best composers of classical music from the last few centuries as well as the modern era. There are side by side concerts with the Youth Orchestra, large performances with the Choral Societies of Durango and...2023-05-1931 min
Four Corners Arts ForumArt At The CornersCristin Alexandria speaks with Margy Dudley who will be continuing as the new host for the Four Corners Arts Forum beginning next week December 5th, 2022. Cristen has been at the helm for the last three years bringing you up to date in what's happening in Durango and the region beyond.2023-05-0427 min