Featured Artists March 2022

Chris Vicari

To see more of Chris’s work check out her instagram @Charleaux_Designs

Rogelio Becerril

Rogelio has a passion for both portraiture and landscape photography. Initially inspired by the beautiful Durango area, Rogelio began photographing landscapes in 2016. He gracefully captures the serene and majestic scenery of the areas near this small mountain town. For Rogelio, each of Southwestern Colorado’s four defined seasons offers new explorations of natural expression and wild discovery. His photos are striking and dynamic, inviting viewers to linger just a while longer. As a true lover of photography, you will find Rogelio encouraging his friends to bring their own digital images to life. He enjoys sharing his unique images and watching how each of them “arouses a feeling” the first time people see them.

To see more of Rogelio’s photography check out his instagram @rogeliobphotography

New Addition

Kicking off this month we are adding an additional artist to our line up! A jeweler or potter will be featured in our downstairs gallery. This month’s artist is local ceramists James Lutomski of 1010 art studios in Pagosa Springs Colorado.

James Lutomski

James Lutomski moved his studio from Detroit, Michigan to Southwestern Colorado in 2015 after retiring from a 42 year college teaching career. His primary work has always been sculptural using a combination of clay, metal, wood, glass and other mixed media materials. He has been exhibiting his work since 1979 and his exhibition record includes solo shows at The Detroit Institute of Art, The Toledo Institute of Art, Cranbrook Art Museum, The Ella Sharp Museum as well as numerous other national and international exhibitions. James was invited to tour, exhibit and demonstrate in South Korea in 2008 as part of an International Ceramic Artist program, It was in S. Korea that he added tea ware to his repertoire. James is represented by Two Old Crows Gallery in Pagosa Springs, the DurangoArt Center, Create Art and Tea, Durango, and Flatlanders Art Gallery in Blissfield, MI. Last year, in addition to his normal studio output, James finished a large commission for the Durango Botanical Society and this year he is currently working on producing the award that will be given out by the Ruby Sisson Library in Pagosa Springs during their fundraising effort titled “The Library Affair” to be awarded in April of this year. “ I love the tactile nature of working with clay whether it be sculptural or utilitarian and the process of treating the surface constantly invites me to experiment with materials, techniques and firing atmospheres.

First Friday

This months featured artists will host First Friday with us in support of the Women's Resource Center. The Women’s Resource Center advocates for the personal empowerment and economic self-sufficiency of women and girls in La Plata County. They envision a future where ALL women and girls have the opportunity to thrive.

Writing from: Women’s Resource Center “Mission, Vision and Values” accessed February, 16, 2022
Find out more about Women’s Resource Center at wrcdurango.org

See our Event Calendar for more information on First Friday and check out all of our events by clicking the button below.

Featured Artists February 2022

KATHRINE HEISTER

Painting is an endeavor to communicate what, to me, is beautiful.  Light is an extremely important element of that beauty.  Light, as it falls on objects, distinguishes form by creating shadow and color.  I can't really recreate the beauty of light, but I can try to simulate it.  And that's the goal; to grow in my ability to simulate light and its effect on the world around us.

I find that the land is the subject that draws my attention most often.  I studied in watercolor for two years with Texas artist Linda Schmer; have taken classes with Don Sahli; and have been painting for 18 years.

Writing from: Kathrine Hiester “About The Artist” accessed January, 20 2022

Find out more about Kathrine and see more of her work a kathrinehister.com

MILT BEENS

J. Milton Beens is an acclaimed artist in several media. His background is one of outstanding dedication to his art and to his home, the American Southwest. 

Milt’s pottery and paintings are shown in regional and national exhibits. His works are represented in many private and institutional and commercial collections in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, California, Minnesota and New York. 

Milt received his undergraduate degree from Weber State College, Ogden, Utah, with an emphasis in painting and printmaking. After a brief spell as a commercial artist and three years with the U. S. Forest Service as an exhibit specialist, Milt attended graduate school at the University of Montana, Missoula. There he set up a graphic art department for the University Center. It was during that time that Milt became fascinated with ceramics. He completed his Masters Degree with a concentration in ceramics and then taught briefly at Bemidji State University, Bemidji, Minnesota. 

Missing the mountains and skiing of the West, Milt and his wife Dianne returned to Salt Lake City, Utah. Milt quickly became affiliated with the Salt Lake City Art Center where he instituted the “Potter- in- Residence” program. He managed the ceramics facility, taught hundreds of students and established himself as one of the area's finest craftsmen. He was president of Utah Designer Craftsmen for five consecutive years and organized a successful series of annual exhibitions and workshops. He taught at Weber State College and the University of Utah, Coordinating the University’s First Annual Summer Arts Festival at Snowbird. 

In 1976 Milt moved to his present home in Wildcat Canyon near Durango, Colorado where he became a full time studio artist, an avid outdoorsman enjoying archer and flyfishing and a great father to his daughter. From 1984 through !996, the Beens exhibited Milts paintings and 

pottery at their own gallery in downtown Durango. Today he continues to exhibit in galleries throughout the Southwest. Each work of art by Milt reflects his love for the outdoors and the special environment which is his American Southwest. 

Milt always took time off to ski each winter. He has been actively involved in the Professional Ski Instructors of America since 1964, serving as an examiner, trainer, and officer and holds an Honorary Lifetime Membership Award

Writing from: Milt Beens

Check out more of Milt’s art on his Instagram: @miltbeens

 FIRST FRIDAY

This months featured artists will host First Friday with us in support of Parkers Animal Rescue. Parker’s animal rescue is a Durango Parker's Animal Rescue strives to rescue, foster and find permanent loving homes for abandoned dogs and puppies in La Plata County and the rural Four Corners. The overriding principals of the organization are 1) to educate the public on the importance of spay and neutering, and 2) educate pet owners on the proper stewardship and teaching of animals.

Writing from: Parkers Animal Rescue “Our Mission” accessed January, 20, 2022
Find out more about Parkers Animal Rescue at parkersanimalrescue.com

Look at our Calendar for more information on First Friday and check out all of our events by clicking the button below.