Events

The Durango Arts Center is Excited to Invite All Youth Artists throughout our community, ages 1 thru 18, to submit their artwork for the 2024 Gallery Exhibit "Budding Artists!"

Please register here to show your work. Limit to 3 pieces. Artwork that is not ready to hang on a hook Will Not Be Accepted Into This Exhibit.

Grand Opening and Artists Reception, Friday, March 15th from 4:00 to 6:00pm.  Event ends April 8th. 
Gallery event is free to the public. 
After registration, you will be contacted to set up a time to deliver your artwork to the DAC.   
Thank you for sharing your work!

Please email ben@durangoarts.org or deena@durangoarts.org for any assistance.

Image creating a world where nothing is larger than your thumb! Join us for Fairy Houses, a fun, creative summer class, encouraging imagination and a connection with nature.  Fairy houses come in various shapes and sizes, from simple structures to more elaborate ones, and can resemble hobbit houses, castles, or cottages. They are typically constructed using natural, foraged materials like sticks, twigs, leaves, moss, bark, pebbles, and pinecones. These houses can be found in various locations, including gardens, yards, under trees, or even on beaches, often blending in with their surroundings. Come and join Ms. Deena and create your own Fairy House and Garden in this amazingly creative class!

The Arts can improve motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork! You will find that here at The Durango Art Center where our classes offer enjoyable, non competitive opportunities to explore new skills and individual expression.
Scholarships are available. 

Summer Musical Theatre Camp DYT Company Middle School and Up $450
JULY 7th through JULY 31st MONDAY - THURSDAY 1pm - 4pm
Performances FRI - SUN AUGUST 1st - 3rd

DYT Company members will spend the days taking their theatre knowledge to the next level by working on voice and movement techniques, script analysis, musical theatre dance, participating in theatre games and skill exercises, and adding to their performance tool belt. These skills will be put to the test by rehearsing for a full scale musical production on the final weekend.
SHOW TITLE TBD
Performances AUGUST 1st - 3rd Fri 7pm, Sat 7pm, Sun 2pm *Possible Saturday matinee at 2pm

Join us for an inspiring week of artistic exploration, personal growth, and creative development in Durango! This program is designed for young creatives, ages 12 to 17, who are eager to expand their skills and cultivate the mindset of a modern Renaissance person. Whether you're passionate about art or looking to develop new talents, this program offers a unique opportunity to explore your creativity in a fun and supportive environment.

Throughout the week, students will engage with a variety of guest artist instructors, learning a diverse range of art techniques and skills. From painting to sculpture, each day offers a chance to experiment with different mediums, allowing students to discover new artistic passions while refining their abilities.

In addition to developing artistic skills, participants will have the opportunity to explore circus skills, promoting physical coordination, mental focus, and creativity. These fun and engaging breaks offer a chance to exercise both the body and mind, fostering a well-rounded approach to learning.

By the end of the program, students will not only have developed valuable artistic abilities, but they will also leave with increased confidence, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of their creative potential. It’s the perfect environment for young artists to grow, have fun, and make lasting memories.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Mr. B at ben@durangoarts.org.

Scholarships are available.

Summer Musical Theatre Camp DYT Jr Company 3rd-5th Grade $450
JULY 7th through JULY 31st MONDAY - THURSDAY 9am - 12pm
Performances FRI - SUN AUGUST 1st - 3rd

DYT JR Company members will be able to hone their performance skills with this in-person performance camp. JR Company members will spend the days working on theatre skills such as voice and movement techniques, character development, singing and musical theatre dance using stage games and theatre exercises. Students will put these skills into practice by rehearsing for a performance on the final weekend.
SHOW TITLE TBD
Performances AUGUST 1st - 3rd Fri 7pm, Sat 7pm, Sun 2pm *Possible Saturday matinee at 2pm

Let the wild beauty of the La Plata Mountains guide your brush in this relaxing gouache and watercolor workshop. You'll learn techniques for painting dramatic peaks, glowing skies, and layered landscapes using two distinct but complementary mediums. Discover how to create atmospheric depth and rich textures while enjoying the meditative flow of watercolor and the bold clarity of gouache. Jeff Chudy will guide you every step of the way during this scenic, soul-soothing session. All levels are welcome—come connect with nature through art!

Unleash your creativity and discover the exciting world of mixed media art in this fun and interactive class designed for young artists aged 8 to 11! In this hands-on program, students will explore how to combine different materials and techniques to create unique works of art. Whether you love painting, drawing, or crafting, this class will show you how to blend various art forms into something new and exciting.

Throughout the course, students will experiment with a wide range of materials, such as paint, fabric, paper, clay, and even natural objects. They'll learn how to layer textures, colors, and shapes to create dynamic compositions that reflect their personal style. Each project encourages imagination and innovation, helping students develop their artistic skills while having fun.

By the end of the class, young artists will have several mixed media projects to take home, along with new skills and a greater appreciation for the endless possibilities of combining different art materials. This is the perfect opportunity for kids to express themselves creatively and discover the joy of creating art in all its forms!

Sign up today and join us for a creative adventure!

Contact Mr. B with any questions at ben@durangoarts.org

Scholarships available

Mastering photography comes about from fully understanding the visual and technical dimensions of the photographic medium. This is a class for both newbies and enthusiasts. In this class that meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings you will learn: 1. The technical/mechanical aspects of photography; 2. Learning to ‘see photographically’; 3. Understanding the aesthetic aspects of making visually striking photographs; 4. Basic editing skills; and 5. How to create meaning and intention in your photographic images.
A 35mm based camera with manual settings is recommended but not required.

Wanna learn to paint with acrylics? This class is perfect for beginners! We'll dive into mixing colors, cool brush techniques, and trying out different painting styles, from making things look real to getting totally abstract. You'll also get the basics down, like how to arrange your painting, play with light and dark, and use colors like a pro. It's all about giving you a solid start for your art adventures.

Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. (SAQA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the art quilt: "a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure."

Our vision is that the art quilt is universally respected as a fine art medium. SAQA’s core values are: excellence, innovation, integrity, and inclusion.

Create a brilliant work of stained glass artistry! 
In this 5 to 6 hour workshop, students will learn the basics of stained glass. Techniques being taught include: cutting, grinding, foiling, assembling, soldering, finishing, and the proper safety steps to take along the way. Students will have pre-drawn designs, a variety of colors to choose from, and leave at the end of the workshop with a unique, completed Stained Glass Mountain Landscape.

Painting encourages children to express their thoughts and feelings, fostering creativity and imaginative thinking. In this class students will learn with step-by-step instruction how to draw, mix colors and apply brushstrokes to create masterpieces in oils, acyrlic and other water based paints.  Each session will have a different theme, inspired by a famous artist or style. If you like to paint and have fun, this is the class for you!
The Arts can improve motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork! You will find that here at The Durango Art Center where our classes offer enjoyable, non competitive opportunities to explore new skills and individual expression.
Scholarships are available. 

Laughter and Drawing walk hand in hand in this fun-filled class!  A cartoon is a single drawing or series of drawings that tells a joke or a silly story. Students have the opportunity to express their creativity and imagination through drawing, capturing expression, using angles to add excitement, bringing characters to life with motion, and telling a comic story.  Students will also learn about different types of pens and inks, how to hold a pen, and basic line techniques. The Arts can improve motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork! You will find that here at The Durango Art Center where our classes offer enjoyable, non competitive opportunities to explore new skills and individual expression.
Scholarships are available. 

Mondays will become your favorite day of the week this summer with 6 weeks of learning and conquering throwing clay on the wheel! Come join us, and be exposed to a variety of techniques and skills used in creating clay masterpieces, with an exceptional instructor, James Lutomski, to give you guidance along the way.Beginners are welcome!  This class is also perfect for students with previous throwing experience. All supplies, laughter, and inspiration included!

We are proud to announce an all-new Arts Intensive, summer program with a focus on sustainable materials. What if you were unable to purchase art supplies? In this fun-filled class, we will explore a wide range of sustainable art techniques, including paper making, charcoal drawing, mixing our own natural paints, making our paint brushes and creating our own clay. This program also offers lessons in leadership, integrity and self confidence each day Please Join Us, this is a great program to help young artists find their confidence, all the while having fun and making new friends for years to come. Scholarships Available!

This painting class focuses on capturing the spirit and character of Durango’s people through expressive portrait painting. Students will learn foundational techniques for sketching faces, mixing skin tones, and adding personality with color, light, and brushwork. Whether you're painting a loved one or creating a character from imagination, this fun and supportive workshop is all about bringing portraits to life. Join your amazing instructor, Jeff Chudy, as he walks you step-by-step through the process. All levels are welcome—no experience needed, just a love for people and paint!

Create a brilliant work of stained glass artistry of your choosing! This is a class for the intermediate student who has already taken classes from our instructor, Sarah Larkin. 
In this 5 to 6 hour workshop, students will bring in their own pre-drawn designs and patterns to create an amazing stained glass piece, with the help of your instructor. Students must be familiar with the following techniques: cutting, grinding, foiling, assembling, soldering, finishing, and the proper safety steps to take along the way. With a variety of colors to choose from, you will leave at the end of this workshop with a unique, completed Stained Glass Masterpiece!

Golden aspens, winding roads, and crisp mountain air—capture it all in this autumn-themed painting class inspired by Colorado’s iconic Million Dollar Highway. Students will learn how to paint glowing fall colors, dramatic elevations, and the rich textures of a high-country landscape at its most dazzling. With an emphasis on layering and mood, this session invites you to play with contrast and movement in your composition. Let Jeff Chudy lead you through a colorful, cozy journey—perfect for artists of all levels who love the magic of fall!

Juried exhibit for Members of the Plein Air Painters of the Four Corners.
Opening Reception, September 5th, 5:00 to 7:00 PM

Founded as an informal painting group in the 1990’s.  The goal was to inspire and encourage painting enthusiasts to collaborate.  Sharing ideas and painting locations, artists could hone their skills while enjoying beautiful country. Today our painting group continues to hold true to the tradition of painting in every season.  Our beautiful oils, acrylics, watercolors, and pastels, express the joy, friendship, and admiration these artists share in the outdoors painting experience. 

Step into a world where heads are televisions and every channel broadcasts a flicker of truth. “Stay Tuned: If You Care” is a surreal, thought-provoking photo gallery that uses the whimsical image of TV-headed beings reenacting everyday life to tune viewers into something far more grounded—the lived experiences of our unhoused neighbors.

This exhibit fuses fantasy and empathy, drawing you in with playful absurdity before gently peeling back the layers of societal neglect. Through bizarre yet eerily familiar tableaus, the TV-headed characters echo how society broadcasts, scrolls past, or outright tunes out those without homes.

But this is more than just art. “Stay Tuned” turns the lens toward real people in our community. Alongside the staged scenes, you’ll meet local individuals facing homelessness, whose stories, resilience, and humanity shine through candid portraits and personal narratives.

Proceeds from this exhibit benefit Manna, Durango’s homeless resource center, and the Durango Arts Center, ensuring your attention—and your compassion—have a ripple effect.

Whimsical, poignant, and unexpectedly heart-tuning—this is a broadcast you don’t want to miss.

This year's annual winter market is going to be bigger and better than ever but we need YOU and your beautiful work. We are seeking all media: Jewelry, 2-D and 3-D art, pottery, textiles, mixed media, hand-made clothing and toys for children, children's books by local authors/illustrators, and art that makes great gifts for everyone! The Durango Arts Center is pleased to invite all community artists, jewelers and crafters to submit their work for the "2024 Gift Gallery", Opening Friday, November 8th 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Event ends Januray 4th, 2025. Gifts for men, teens and children greatly appreciated. 

Please register here to sell your work. After registration, you will be contacted to set up a time to deliver your art to the DAC.   

Unlock your creativity and dive into the world of clay in this hands-on class designed for teens ages 12-17! In this course, you’ll explore three exciting techniques for working with clay: wheel throwing, slab building, and polymer sculptures. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this class offers a great opportunity to develop your skills while creating unique, personalized pieces.

Through wheel throwing, you’ll learn to shape and form clay on the pottery wheel, creating everything from bowls to cups. With slab building, you’ll experiment with rolling and cutting clay to craft functional items and artistic creations. Plus, you’ll explore the world of polymer clay, sculpting imaginative and colorful figures or accessories.

Each project encourages artistic growth and self-expression, allowing you to develop your own style while gaining new skills. By the end of the class, you’ll have a collection of clay creations to take home, from pottery to sculptural pieces, all made by you!

Join us for a creative, hands-on experience that will leave you inspired and eager to keep crafting!

For any questions please contact Mr.B at ben@durangoarts.org

Scholarships available 

*students will have to return to finish their own pieces after they've been bisque fired on our glazing day on July 11th from 10-3pm or at their own convenience before the end of summer break 

Mondays will become your favorite day of the week this summer with 6 weeks of learning and conquering throwing clay on the wheel! Come join us, and be exposed to a variety of techniques and skills used in creating clay masterpieces, with an exceptional instructor, James Lutomski, to give you guidance along the way.Beginners are welcome!  This class is also perfect for students with previous throwing experience. All supplies, laughter, and inspiration included!

Come express yourself through painting and develop your artistic style in our inspiring class!
You'll be exposed to a variety of tips, tricks, techniques, and styles used in creating masterpieces throughout history in watercolor, encaustics, oil paints, and ink. Work with experienced instructors who will provide guidance along the way.
Beginners are welcome, and this class is also perfect for students with previous painting experience or those who have taken this class before.
The class includes 6 sessions, and all supplies are provided.

Voices Inside My Head returns, inviting you to Echo the experience of art, poetry and augmented reality through the paintings of Durango Artist Tad Smith. This unique exhibit comes alive as you scan a QR code, allowing you to hear local poets recite their poems written for each painting while watching the 2D artwork transform before your eyes. Join us and engage all your senses in the one-of-kind exhibition, Voices Inside My Head - Echo. 

This introductory course provides a comprehensive foundation for individuals with little to no prior experience in the rewarding medium of oil painting. Participants will embark on a creative journey, acquiring fundamental knowledge and practical skills essential for expressing their artistic vision. The curriculum is carefully structured to build confidence and proficiency in core techniques, including the art of color blending to achieve nuanced hues, developing skillful brush manipulation for varied textural effects, and understanding foundational compositional strategies to create balanced and engaging artwork. Students will gain familiarity with the unique properties of oil paints and the tools necessary to work effectively with this versatile medium.