This coming weekend, get yourselves over to the Durango Celtic Festival. It kicks off on Thursday night with a free event (donations are welcome) at the Henry Strater Theater. There'll be Irish and Scottish folk dancing and music. It continues all weekend, with performances and workshops both at the Henry Strater Theater and the Irish Embassy Pub. An all-weekend pass is only $35 - and you're set with everything! Tickets and more information is on their website (www.durangocelticfestival.com.)

Then, there's the Durango Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival happening at the Strater the weekend of March 14 - 16. There will be symposia, music sessions, silent film comedies, parties and more. Check it out at www.durangeragtimefestival.com.

And while I'm on the subject of Durango, don't miss Los Lobos at the Fort Lewis Concert Hall on March 27. There are no bad seats in that venue. I saw Keb' Mo' last week in the "nose bleed" section and I didn't miss a thing!

Mancos School art show

This is a fabulous event. Every single student in the Mancos School has some work in this show.even the littlest kids do amazing work. It opens with a reception for all on Friday, March 24 from 5-7 pm. I went last year, and I couldn't believe that this was the work of everyone ages 6 through 17. I know there's a lot going on in Mancos that weekend, but try to stop over at the Cortez Cultural Center and take a look at this show. You will not be disappointed!

Snow (or No) Show 2014

The Arts Council's next show at the Town Gallery will be the Sixth Annual Snow Show. All art submitted must be framed and ready to hand - the theme is snow (or no snow) as the case may be. Well, it looks like the lack of snow has saddened all us artists as the turnout for the erstwhile snow show is very light. There are only eight entries for this show.so we won't be having a reception, but the work we did get was fantastic. So drop by the Town Gallery in the Visitors' Center and take a look!

HerStory comes alive

Celebrating Women's History Month features Terri Helm and (Arts Council board member) Midge Kirk bring two women of Rico Betty Pellett and Lizzy Knight back to life! This event will take place at the Cortez Cultural Center. A cash bar and appetizers will be offered before the programs. Tickets are $5 for Members and $7 for non-members.

Back to warm weather

Well, it's the end of winter ... and spring is just around the corner. The community will spring into action in a few weeks. There are many opportunities to participate in creative activities while the sun is shining. The Art Fest (which happens in conjunction with the Balloon Festival) is threatening to become a real "Street Fair" - we are looking for craftsmen who want to show and sell.and demonstrate! We're looking for musicians, dancers and anyone who can bring their craft to this event. Call Marianne at the Visitors' Center (533-7434) to volunteer or to just get involved in this event.

Call for entries

The next show at the Mancos Town Gallery is "Mancos in Motion" inspired by The Cowboy Half-Marathon. Can you capture movement in your art, whether it's photography or oil paints? We'd love to see the results. Exciting new developments are happening at The Mancos Project! This company will soon expand its High Altitude Training Center. This new expansion will specialize in high altitude training for various sports. Currently we also manage the Mancos Cowboy Half Marathon on May 17, 2014. Mark your calendars today for this special event! For more information, the Official Race site is www.cowboyhalfmarathon.com. The Arts Council is accepting work on April 11 & 12th at the Gallery. Contact Jan Wright (882-3130) or Marilyn Kroeker (533-7464) if you want to show. All media are accepted!

Reach Dian Law at dhlaw4367@gmail.com