Daylight savings is wreaking havoc – havoc on our sleep, our moods and our ability to be anywhere on time this week. Funny how just one little hour can make all the difference, right? I don’t know what Phil the Groundhog is up to, but last I heard he gave Father Time a lewd gesture and headed to Vegas. Still, there’s hope. Across the street from the amazing Steamworks Brewing Co., there is a little mountain arts center. In honor of St. Paddy’s day, all sorts of spirit-lifting shenanigans will be happening in that hot spot. You’re invited.
Come unwind after work Friday, and enjoy a green beer while hand-building a leprechaun out of clay at the popular “Pots & Pints” clay class from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The beloved Mr. B (aka Benjamin Dukeminier) has the inspiration you seek. And the clay. He will guide you through the step-by-step instructions to turn your slab of mud into a delightful talisman of luck. There is no better metaphor for survival in the Rocky Mountain springtime than this.
Mr. B, for those of you who don’t know, is an artist, a sculptor, a creator and a work of art all on his own. You may have seen him wearing stilts or a unicycle, juggling kittens (not real ones, I don’t think), throwing fire and doing a host of death-defying things. What makes Mr. B exceptional is that for all of his creative acumen and daredevil escapades, he is a humble and patient instructor. He can be found showing his students how to play chess or cook a healthy meal following art class. He teaches adults how to make amazing things while they are drinking. This is not easy. Mr. B helps all of his students discover and actualize their own creative potential.
After class, you can take your beer right on into the theater for the premier showing of “Reefer Madness, the Musical” that’s been called one of the funniest musical parodies ever made. This live performance features local actors and a few surprises, and is sure to have you laughing at this spoof of the 1936 anti-marijuana propaganda films that some of us grew up seeing in school.
Don’t forget that Friday is your last day to shop the Whimsical Wonderland community art exhibit. There are some marvelous things in there that will bring a smile and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Sorry folks, I already bought the anatomically correct fairy riding a motorized soap bubble.
If you have kids, please let them know that the DAC is preparing for the 28th annual Creativity Festivity and all the youths of our community are invited to showcase their artwork in April. They just need to register online (the deadline is this Saturday) and they are welcome to price and sell their work. This is a wonderful opportunity for young creatives to build confidence and have a professional gallery experience – as an artist. One hundred percent of the proceeds of the sales go to the students.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone. I’ve been told we all have a little bit of the luck of the Irish in us. May you find all the gold at the end of the rainbow. See you at the DAC.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Donate, become a member for discounts and to be a patron of the arts, register for classes, buy tickets, and keep in touch at DurangoArts.org and find things fast at https://linktr.ee/durangoartscenter.
Brenda Macon has been executive director of Durango Arts Center since 2018.