HOME TOWN PRIDE: A few years back, when the downtown art scene began to happen in Mancos with the first Mancos on the Move, a great newspaper article came out about us, stating that Mancos has more art galleries per capita than other major art capitals, such as New York or Los Angeles. That was over three years ago in 2009. Well, have we kept pace with that designation? You betcha! A short stroll around town center will land you at eight art venues, Artisans of Mancos Coop, Raven House gallery, Goodnight Trail Gallery of Western Art, Art and Accents, The Accidental Art Gallery (at Geeks on Grand), the art wall at the public library, Olio and the Mancos Town Gallery (at the Visitors Center.) Of course, I would have to include craftsmen who make beautiful things such as Nathaniels of Colorado Master Hatters, our local wainwright, Will Stone, the gang at Painted Turtle Studio, and Herb Folsom at Custom Framing on the Park. I dont think Steve Klumpker (Zuma) considers himself as an artist, but the improvements he and Cynthia have brought to the corner of Main and Highway 160 are amazing and beautiful. They have turned an abandoned building with dust and weeds all around it to a gorgeous setting for Mancos front door to the world. Im sure there are some other creative enterprises Ive left out. Everywhere you turn, someone is creating something fantastic. So, lets celebrate our good fortune here in our small western town, with the arts abundance!
NEW GUY IN TOWN: Theres a new and terrific photographer in town, Brian Killigrew, late of New York City. He recently had a one-man show at the Open Shutter Gallery in Durango. He works with large format cameras and traditional photographic techniques. Watch for his work showing up in local galleries. Seems that Mancos has a magnetic pull for artists.
NEW AT RAVEN: John Ninneman, photographer, has joined Raven House with his unique photographic style. His works are black and white with a unique border technique. Hard to explain, please go see!
AT OLIO: Go see my stuff at Olio its the best my work has ever looked! Rena Wilson hung the show to its best advantage. The lighting, the background color on the walls all produce a wow setting for art.
NEW SHOW IN TOWN: This Friday, Sep. 14, The Landscape Show will open at the Mancos Town Gallery (at the Visitors Center on Bauer at Boyle Park). The featured artists are Milt Beens, Janet Chanay, Peggy Cloy, Marilyn Kroeker, Susan Mattson and Kim Russell. Mostly paintings, with some photography. The opening reception will be Friday, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Youre all invited! VIXEN REDUX: The great female trio, Vixen, continues to put out beautiful close harmonies (think Wailin Jennies) with a new lineup. Marilyn Kroeker and Beth Wheeler are the two veterans, with Sara Swift replacing Chris Massengill. The sound is better than ever and I really like the conga drum sounds that Beth brings to the group.
KEEP IN TOUCH: Let me know whats happening in the arts community. Call me: 970-533-7536. I have a fairly a new email address: dhlaw4367@gmail.com.