Creativity Produces Vitality and Promotes Well Being
The Mission of The Art Guild of Create
In April of 2023 there was a meeting with the artists of Create Art and Tea. We came up with a better way to represent the way of artists. We chose to be defined as a Guild because of the ancient strength and empowerment that Guilds developed through the centuries. Their development through the centuries has given integrity to specific arts and trades recognized within Guilds.
They brought benefits to commerce and trade for merchants and craft workers. A union that produced mutual aid, maintain standards , reduced competition. The Guilds also were influential in the communities and active in community well being.
We started The Art Guild of Create. because this historic integrity resonates closely with what The Art Guild of Create is set out to accomplish. Our motto at the time was let’s “Build the Guild” and it was our slogan.
Since the inception of The Art Guild of Create, we had initiatives that we we set our goals to accomplish.
Here is our Success up to now.
The Art Guild of Create
We, of the Art Guild of Create, are working together to provide a home base for all creative endeavors.
Mission Statement
The Art Guild of Create is an inclusive and welcoming support system by emerging local artists and artisans. We foster both creative and professional growth for individuals pursuing all artistic media, from crafts to fine arts to written and performative modes of expression. We believe that every creative individual’s intrinsic potential can offer support and inspiration to others’ artistic journeys. Through encouraging, mentoring, and nurturing the development of aspiring artists, as well as providing venues for exposure of their creative endeavors, we bring a new richness to the broader Durango community, which is only strengthening our artistic future together.
At this time we are in need of financial support to keep our vision and mission growing.
Our history of success and providing for the community are:
Art Exhibits for local artists. Each First Friday there is a new art opening. The experience for many artists has been to reignite their art passions and create inventory. The shows have been launching pads for many to gain more recognition and build their art connections with buyers and receive commissions.
Fundraising for non for profits
We have hosted fundraising events for:
SW Cancer Coalition
La Plata Humane Society
LaPlata Open Space
Alzheimer’s Support
Parker’s Puppies
LaPlata Youth Organization
Miller Middle School Art Show
Boys and Girls Club
La Plata Family Coalition
3. High Tea Parties
We have provided wonderful times for multi-generational reunions, Bridal Showers,
Baby Showers, Birthday parties for all ages
Many parties have been Great Grandmothers with Daughters and Granddaughters
We provide a elegant space with a wonderful tea service and homemade food by Caprice
4. Art Education
We have provided a space for many great art teachers. It is a Mentor / Apprentice Experience with many well-known Artists; ex. Beth Zinc, Patrice DeLorenzo and Juanita Nelson Mixed Palette is working monthly with us now.
We are working with SW Fiber Alliance and host their meetings. We have crochet, knitting and weaving classes all lined up on a repetitional basis.
5. Art Festivals
Since 2021 we have hosted the Plein Air Festival. It involves an Art Exhibit, a Call to Artists that is Juried with awards. The Juror of the festival will give a seminar for the artists of the show.. Alongside the Festival we have a “Paint Out" where the artists of the show go out and paint the scenes of the great outdoors. One year was the Streets of Durango. Last year was out at Butterfly Ranch with an exhibit here at the Gallery afterwards, The Paint Out has also been juried with cash awards. Sponsors for the events have been Art Supply House, Cream Bean Berry, Wells Group, and the Butterfly Collective.
6. .Fun events
Many events have taken place right outside our door on the sidewalk, The last event was a “Wheel Out” Where 4 different potters sat at their pottery wheel and demonstrated for folks.
Artists set up their easels and paint inside or outside the shop. One artist painted the Himalayan Cafe and we picked a contestant winner to get the art piece.
We created a 4 D Art Experience. In the evening, we had a Painter, a Poet and Musicians all creating at the same time. We got a lovely painting and a great evening of poetry and song mixing all together.
For Snowdown 2025 we had 3 events; the Puzzle Challenge, The Coin Drop and Trivia Pursuit, up the down staircase. All winners received a homemade cupcake.
7. Networking Opportunities
Every 3rd Wednesday of the Month The Butterfly Collective Meets here. It features a guest speaker, usually the artist of the month in the Gallery Loft talks about their show.
Every 4th Thursday of the Month Open Mic Poetry invites all poets to come and read and is open to the public to listen and enjoy.
Every 3rd Thursday we have Art Talks with Bindu Bammi of the Smiley Art Collective, but they have been put on hold until we can repair our 22” screen TV. We need the funds to get a new one,
8. Artist Residency and Retreat Centers.
One that is in service now is at Butterfly Ranch. We have information and pictures on our website:
www.CreateArtandTea.com It is only one year old and is still being developed.
Our Granite Peaks Retreat is under a development process now. We are planning textile retreats there starting Summer 2025.
The Retreats are in need of Marketing funding and support to get their workshops, seminars and conferences off the ground.
9. 17 small local art businesses represented within The Art Guild of Create:
Nancy Byers Glass Art
Mara Weir Crumpton Fine Art
Lisa Fairbank Fine Art
Soapbox Fiber / Yarn Shop Extraordinaire / Melissa Lunsford Fiber Artist
Alisa Hjermastad Fiber Artistry
James Lutomsky / Pottery
Linda Lutomski Fiber Artist
Elliot Holcomb Fine Art
Milt Beens Fine Art and Pottery
Pam Logan Jewelry
Annelle Fletcher Jewelry
Nancy Macho Jewelry
Deb Anderson Jewelry
Paul Bawden Sculpter
Create Art and Tea / Tea parties and Tea
Caryl Goode & Lori Preusch, Prints and Cards
10. Grants Received
Lodger’s Tax Grant for Lighting the Gallery Loft 2021
Visit Durango Marketing Grant for Plein Air Festival 2022
Durango Creates for Arts Month Festivities 2024
Visit Durango Grant for Durango Art Galleries Fall Art Walk 2024
11. Art Studios
Drea Clements ClayWorks has her studio downstairs and Kiln in the back garden
Velinda Gibbs has her art studio downstairs
12. Music Concerts
We have had wonderful music concerts EX: Tom Klema, Drea Pressley, Linda Mack
The Bowmaneers, Casey Reed
12. Reach Out Programs
2000 Subscribers to our Newsletter
Podcast development Called “The Art Talks” for Artists Sharing their Journey
We are sponsor for Music in the Mountains Scholarship program
We have been building a support system and a safe creative place for local artists since 2018
Many artists have started with Create Art and Tea (now The Art Guild of Create) emerging as a new art business and are now very successful on their own with business presences on Main Ave Durango. (EX; Crystal Boutique and Frontera Silver)
At 1015 Main Ave Downtown Durango , we have created a mini–Community Center that is quite extraordinary in how it meets the needs of many.
