What do the numbers 60, 36, 16 and 10 have in common? These all relate to the packed month of May at the Durango Arts Center.
Before I elaborate, here are three quick reminders. The incredible exhibit Exploring Feminism, Beauty or Bondage ends Saturday. Sunday is Mother’s Day and piano virtuoso Adam Swanson accompanies a special showing of short silent films for audiences of all ages. Durango Youth Theater students from kindergarten through middle school present “A Twist In Time,” book, lyrics and music by Tabatha Bettin based on concepts by the DYT students. May 15 to 17, kids from “Earth 3” win the newest episode of the intergalactic game show “The Galaxy Games” and go on a whirlwind journey across time and space. All show tickets are at www.durangoarts.org.
Now to the numbers. To celebrate 60 years, the DAC board of directors is committed to raising $60,000 in 60 days – from May 1 to July 1. Art doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people like you believe in it.
Since 1966, the DAC has been the creative heartbeat of this community – a place where imagination takes shape, children discover their voices on stage, neighbors become artists and audiences become family. Every dollar is invested into a full year of arts and theater education, and scholarships for youths age 5 to 17.
Whether you’re a lapsed member, or a new member there’s a place for you in the giving pyramid:
Click and give at www.durangoarts.org and take the DAC to $60,000 in 60 days.
The next number: 36 – the number of fine art quilts in the next Barbara Conrad Gallery exhibit, 4 Common Corners, opening May 15. Sponsored by Stitch – Inspiration by the Yard, this exhibition features 36 pieces in three collections: “Where the Pavement Ends,” “Abandoned” and “Hidden Life.” 4 Common Corners is an invitational group of New Mexico artists. The works are stunning and will be on exhibit through June 27.
The 16th annual 10-Minute Play Festival wraps up the numbers game May 29 to 31. Eight original works featuring local actors, directors and crew members were selected from more than 200 submissions. Among them is the comedy “Suspended,” about two strangers stuck midair in a gondola at a ski area – one a panicking first-time skier, the other a deadpan retired ski patroller more concerned with her trail mix than their current predicament. The additional plays are “Letter to the Editor 1971,” “HELLthcare,” “Murder by Chairlift,” “Don’t Shoot Your Mother,” “Cuts,” “The Diary of Maria” and “Rock/Scissors/Paper.” Showtimes and tickets are at www.durangoarts.org.
Thank you, Bronson Family McDonald’s, for sponsoring scholarships at the DAC. A historic number of scholarship youths are in summer art and theater camps. You can invest in these young people as a scholarship sponsor. Email [email protected].
Thank you to every supporter – past, present and new – for making art happen at the DAC.
Beth Lamberson Warren is executive director of Durango Arts Center.