¡Viva las mujeres!

Notable and talented Durango artist Shay Lopez unveils 12 new original art works tonight at Studio &. “Revolution Mary: Women of Protest and Progress,” are all oil paintings on various surfaces – canvas, boards, aged wood and more. The art depicts women in settings of corporate, political and personal protest and struggle. “I got fascinated with the images from these movements from the Mexican Revolution to the Ukraine, from the Civil Rights Movement to the overthrow of Mubarek in Egypt,” Lopez said of his inspiration for the exhibit. “I wanted to depict the role women have played in these movements.” Lopez’s paintings are based on original photographs but none depict actual people; each is, in his words, “the anonymous everywoman.” “I’m intrigued by the stories of these people and what they’re fired up about,” Lopez said. “Whether it’s a teenage girl who becomes a guerilla fighter in Colombia or some girl getting a fire hose turned on her in Birmingham. It’s shedding a light on the people who are pissed off.” Lopez will create some written captions to accompany each painting, but not a full narrative – in this case the pictures are meant to tell the story and the captions are intended only to provide some historical context. “I’m not taking a side here – some of these people don’t champion the best positions and ideologies. I’m not condoning self-immolation.”

An opening reception will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Studio &, 1027 Main Ave. The exhibit will be on display through May 4.

Young voices

“Circles” is the name of the concert to be presented Sunday by the Durango Children’s Chorale. Director Amy Barrett will lead the kids in a concert celebrating circles through song and dance, including traditional rounds, festive folk songs and dances. The concert will start at 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 2917 Aspen Drive. Tickets are $10/adults and $5/students and children, and are available online at www.durangochoralsociety.org, at the door or call (800) 838-3006.

On a roll

Local band High Rollers is releasing a new CD, and Saturday they will share that with new and sustaining fans. Nearing 20 years of being together, the band often is invited to international locales to play festivals. Last year it played in Pontivy, France, riding on the wave of its popular single “Colorado Girl.” The music video the band made for that features the stunning Colorado landscape, and it has had more than 27,000 hits on YouTube since January 2013. This year, says band leader Andy Janowsky, the High Rollers will play in Spain, as well as festivals in Grand Junction and Montana. The CD release party and performance will be at 8:30 p.m. today at Wild Horse Saloon, 601 East Second Ave.

Watch the “Colorado Girls” music video online at www.durangoherald.com.

Pour and sip

The 8th annual Durango Wine Experience started Thursday, and there are two more days to take advantage of seminars, wine dinners and tastings. The signature even, the Walk-About Durango, will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. today at various locations downtown. The Grand Tasting will be held from 3-6:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information and schedule, visit www.durangowine.com.