Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Ongoing Upcoming

City of Durango presents sprint triathlon
Hot Club of Cowtown plays The Hank
Aspen Guard Station opens to the public

Submit items for On the Town to: 534 Main Ave., Durango, CO, 81301; fax: ( 970) 259-0448; e-mail: telegraph@durangotelegraph.com ; or fill out this form


Thursday31

Music in the Mountains presents a free downtown concert at 12 noon at the First National Bank of Durango. The show features performances from Aleksandr Snytkin and Ignacy Grzelazka. www.musicinthemountains.com for details.

The Durango Arts Center’s Summer Theater Academy presents Disney’s “Aristocats” at the DAC Theater, 802 East 2nd. Ave., at 2 p.m. Call 259-2606 for information and tickets.

Durango’s weekly Critical Mass ride leaves Buckley Park, located at the corner of 12th St. and Main, at 5 p.m.

The Mancos Farmers Market, featuring weekly live music, meets at Boyle Park from 5-7 p.m. This week, the Miserabillies play their neo-traditional country music. 533-7725 for details.

Singer-songwriter Annie Brooks plays from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Common Sense Internet Cafe at 1480 E. Second Ave.

Lacey Black performs on piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., at 6:30 p.m. 247-4433.

Music in the Mountains presents the Chamber Concert Enchanted Evening at 7 p.m. under the Purgatory Village Tent. The show features selections from Brahms, Schubert and Prokofiev. www.musicinthe

mountains.com for details.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., offers Salsa Night. The evening includes salsa lessons from 7-7:30 p.m. and DJ Twelfth Night spinning on the patio until 11 p.m. 259-9018 for details.

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, performs at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., starting at 7 p.m.

The 8th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., offers karaoke from 8 p.m. to close. 259-8801 for details.

DJs NoEgo & Mateo spin 70s & 80s dance party at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9: 30 p.m. 247-2324.

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Friday1

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., offers the Paint Bar in the Garage Art Studio from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 259-2606 for details.

The Durango Arts Center’s Summer Theater Academy presents Disney’s “Aristocats” at the DAC Theater, 802 East 2nd. Ave., at 1 p.m. Performances take place Friday and Saturday as well. Call 259-2606 for information and tickets.

The Durango Public Library celebrates the release of Breaking Dawn, the final book in the young adult Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyers, at 3 p.m. 375-3387 to RSVP for the free event.

The River Rat Café, located in the DoubleTree Hotel, hosts open mic night from 4-7 p.m. 749-7299 for details.

The Southwest Colorado Peace and Justice Coalition holds a peace vigil from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the corner of Main Ave. and 11th St. Signs will be available or bring your own. 259-4185.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts a 5-7 p.m. artists reception for the new exhibits, “High Drama,” a show by visual artists delivering their interpretation of drama; the Regional Invitational Book Arts Show; and Play Posters and Wood Sculptures by Cindy Coleman and Dave Sipe. The three exhibits run throughout August. The 259-2606 for details.

Singer-songwriter David Earl Pfeiffer plays swing and blues from 5-9 p.m. at the Quaking Aspen Cafe and Gallery in Bayfield. 884-2002 for details.

The One Wheel is Better Unicycle Club meets at 6 p.m. on the Animas River Trail near the BMX Call  769-1244 for details.

Formula 151 rocks the Billy Goat Saloon on Highway 160 in Gem Village starting at 8 p.m. Call 884-9155 for details.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents live jazz on the patio from 5:30-8:30 p.m., and a DJ spinning for late night happy hour from 9 p.m.-close. 259-9018 for details.

The Mike McCalister Duo plays at El Patio, 600 Main Ave., at 5 p.m.

Donny Johnson plays Serious Texas BBQ South, 650 S. Camino del Rio, from 6-9 p.m. 259-9507.

Tom MacCluskey performs on piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 247-4433 for details.

Music in the Mountain presents the Conservatory Young Artists performing” Next Generation V” at 7:30 p.m. at the Roshong Recital Hall. www.musicinthemountains.com for details.

Mancos State Park, located 5 miles from Mancos, hosts a plant and flower walk near Jackson Lake at 7:30 p.m. 533-7065 for details.

The 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., presents jam rock from the Sweats starting at 8 p.m. 259-8801.

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., hosts a hip hop blowout with Mex with The Smob, Artikle, Verbal and Definition Rare at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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Saturday2

The Durango Farmers Market meets from 8 a.m.-noon at First National Bank of Durango, 259 W. 9th St. The event includes produce from local farmers, prepared food items and locally made crafts. Food stamps accepted.

A free workshop for beginner or experienced fly fishers, the Physics of Fly Casting, happens at Santa Rita Park from 8:30-10 a.m. www.proflyfishers.com or 385-9048 to register. Donations appreciated.

The Arts & Crafts Market of Durango meets at Buckley Park from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The market includes local art by local artists and partial proceeds benefit the San Juan Citizens Alliance. www.acmdurango.org.

Purgatory’s Summer Family Festival happens 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Purgatory Village Plaza. Activities include a magic show by Mysto the Magician, 4

a juggler, balloon animals and face painting as well as Purgatory’s famous Root Beer Festival, featuring floats, coke bears, ice cream and more. Regular daily activities will also be open.

Chiropractors Nick Kapustka and Rachel Coburn from Serving Life, 1040 Main Ave #2, will be holding a chiropractic fund-raiser for a family in need from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Proceeds from chiropractic services will help offset medical costs for a friend who suffered a spinal injury. Call (970) 422-2032 for details or to make a reservation.

WolfWood Refuge, a local nonprofit haven for wolves and wolf-dogs, holds its annual fund-raiser from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Five Branches Campground at Vallecito Lake. Ambassador wolves and wolf-dogs will greet attendees, and there will be a silent auction and lunch. 946-9606.

The San Juan Mountains Association offers a guided nature walk at Durango Mountain Resort from 10 a.m.-noon. The walks are free and participants should meet outside Guest Services at DMR. 385-1256 for details.

The Durango Discovery Museum at the Powerhouse, 1333 Camino del Rio, offers Powerhouse Playdays from 12 noon-3 p.m., featuring free electric shows, tours, music, food and pedal-powered Wi-Fi.

The Durango Arts Center’s Summer Theater Academy presents Disney’s “Aristocats” at the DAC Theater, 802 East 2nd. Ave., at 1 p.m. There will be a performance Saturday as well Call 259-2606 for information and tickets.

The Contra Dance season kicks off with an afternoon workshop, a potluck dinner, and a dance at the VFW Hall, 1550 Main Ave. An English Country Dance workshop meets at 3 p.m., a community potluck is set for 5:30 p.m., beginner dance instruction follows at 7 p.m. and the Contra Dance begins at 7:30 p.m. 385-9292 for details.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., offers the Paint Bar in the Garage Art Studio from noon-4 p.m. 259-2606 for details.

Music in the Mountains presents the Festival Orchestra performing Passion and Power at 5 p.m. under the Purgatory Village Tent. The show features selections from Adams, Schumann and Beethoven.  www.musicinthemountains.com for details.

The Dean Murphy Duo plays El Patio, 600 Main Ave., from 5-9 p.m.

Singer/songwriter Dave Brown plays from 5-8 p.m. at Steamworks Brewery in Bayfield. Call 884-7837 for details.

Singer-songwriter David Earl Pfeiffer plays swing and blues from 5-9 p.m. at the Quaking Aspen Cafe and Gallery in Bayfield. 884-2002 for details.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents DJ Igene spinning reggae on the patio from 5:30-8:30 p.m., and dancing on the patio from 9 p.m.-close. 259-9018.

Tom MacCluskey performs on piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 247-4433.

Singer-songwriter Cyle Talley plays his unique acoustic “indie pop” with special guests at Durango Joe’s, 730 College, from 7-9 p.m.

Mancos State Park, located 5 miles from Mancos, hosts Country Music in the Mountains at the amphitheater at 7:30 p.m. 533-7065.

The 8th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., offers karaoke from 8 p.m. to close. 259-8801 for details.

Formula 151 performs at The Hollywood bar in Dolores starting at 8 p.m.

International Farmers bring their reggae and funk to the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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Sunday3

Tara Mandala Buddhist Retreat Center, located in Pagosa Springs, hosts an open house beginning at 10 a.m. A meditation session will be offered before lunch. 731-3711 to RSVP.

The Durango chapter of Food Not Bombs serves free vegetarian/vegan food starting at 1 p.m. at Riverfront Park in conjunction with a drum circle. Volunteers, donations and potluck dishes are welcome at the weekly event. durangofoodnotbombs@gmail.com for details.

Music in the Mountains draws to a close with the Festival Orchestra performing The Light Fantastic at 5 p.m. under the Purgatory Village Tent. The show features selections from Rossini, Puccini, Gershwin, Sierra and others. www.musicinthemountains.com for details.

Carver Brewing Co., 1022 Main Ave., welcomes Strange New Shoes from 3-6 p.m. on the back patio. 

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, plays a 5-9 p.m. show at El Patio, 600 Main Ave.

Durango BMX hosts racing just south of Gateway Park with sign-ups from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and racing to follow. 799-1780 or www.durangobmx.com for details.

An Introduction to Fly Fishing takes place Sunday through August at Santa Rita Park from 6–7:30 p.m. Visit www.proflyfishers.com or call 385-9048 to register. Donations appreciated.

The Blue Moon Ramblers play their weekly gig at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The 8th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., offers karaoke from 8 p.m. to close. 259-8801 for details.

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Monday4

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard returns to El Patio, 600 Main Ave., from 5-9 p.m.

Judy Nolte Temple reads from and signs copies of her biography Baby Doe Tabor: The Madwoman in the Cabin from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave. 247-1438 for details.

Singer-songwriter Cyle Talley plays his unique acoustic “indie pop” at the Common Sense Cafe, 1480 E. Second Ave., from 6: 30-8 p.m.

The 8th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., hosts open mic night from 8 p.m. to close. 259-8801 for details.

An open-level Latin/Salsa Dance Party takes place at 8:30 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave. No partner necessary. 903-9402 for details.

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Tuesday5

Durango Nature Studies hosts a 9 a.m. wildflower walk at the Engineer Mountain trailhead. The hike 4

will be led by local wildflower expert Candice Carson. 769-1800 for details.

The San Juan Mountains Association offers a guided nature walk at Durango Mountain Resort from 10 a.m.-noon. The walks are free and participants should meet outside Guest Services at DMR. 385-1256 for details.

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, plays solo for happy hour at the River Rat Café, located in the DoubleTree Hotel, from 4-7 p.m.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., offers Paint Bar Happy Hours in the Garage Art Studio from 5-7 p.m. 259-2606.

Tim Guidotti plays the first of two shows at El Patio, 600 Main Ave., from 5-9 p.m.

Durango BMX hosts practices from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the track just south of Gateway Park. 799-1780 or www.durangobmx.com.

Ultimate Frisbee takes place at Miller Middle School at 5:30 p.m. and is open to all comers.

The Jeff Solon Jazz Group, along with vocalist Alison Dance, plays the Cyprus Café, 725 E. Second Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 385-6884.

The Durango Community Recreation Center offers Open Kayak Night from 7-8:45 p.m. 375-7300.

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., presents open mic night from 7 p.m.-midnight. Bands and DJs are welcome. 247-2324 for details.

Acoustic folk/pop/indie troubadours Annie Brooks and Cyle Talley split a set of originals at the Durango Coffee Co., 730 Main Ave., from 7-9 p.m.

The Billy Goat Saloon, located on Highway 160 in Gem Village, hosts karaoke with Crazy Charlie starting at 7:30 p.m. 884-9155 for details.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., hosts live music and dancing on the patio from 8 p.m.-close. 259-9018 for details.  

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, performs solo at Joel’s,119 W. 8th St., at 8 p.m. 385-0430 for details.

The Columbine Bar, located on Grand Ave. in Mancos, hosts its Tuesday Night Jam beginning at 8 p.m. The session is open to all musicians.

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Wednesday6

The River Rat Café, located in the DoubleTree Hotel, offers open mic night from 4-7 p.m. 749-7299.

The Wednesday Durango Farmers Market meets at the Smiley Building, 1309 E. Third Ave., from 4:30-6 p.m. The market features locally grown foods, and food stamps are accepted.

Singer-songwriter Tim Guidotti plays an encore at El Patio, 600 Main Ave., from 5-9 p.m.

Durango BMX hosts its Wednesday night races just south of Gateway Park with sign-ups from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with racing to follow. 799-1780 or www.durangobmx.com.

The Southwest Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1911 Main Ave., Suite 282, offers an Adult CPR/AED First Aid class from 6-10 p.m. 259-5383 to pre-register.

An open bluegrass jam meets from 6-8 p.m. at the Durango Brewing Co., 3000 Main Ave. The circle gathers every Wednesday. 247-1264 for details.

The Jeff Solon Jazz Duo plays the Cyprus Café, 725 E. Second Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 385-6884 for details.

The Durango Chess Club gathers for its weekly meeting at Durango Joe’s, 732 E. College, at 6:30 p.m.

A free class on mysticism and meditation meets from 7-8 p.m. at Chiropractic Durango, 555 Rivergate Lane, Suite B1-108. The ongoing class is hosted by the Center of Light. 882-4920.

Singer-songwriter Tim Guidotti plays acoustic rock at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 7-11 p.m.

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, performs solo at Joel’s starting at 8 p.m.

An open-level East Coast Swing Party takes place at 8:30 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center. No partner necessary. 903-9402 for details.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., hosts DJs spinning dance music on the patio from 9 p.m.-close. 259-9018.  

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Ongoing

The Henry Strater Theater, 699 Main Ave., presents the Off-Broadway and Las Vegas sensation “Forever Plaid” nightly (except Mondays) at 7:30 p.m. The play mixes music and witty comedy. 375-7160.

Art Supply House is showing the colored pencil drawings and acrylic paintings of wildlife and landscape artist Richard Ostergaard, through Aug. 2. Call 375-0009 for details.

The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College hosts “Connections: Earth + Art = A Tribute Art Show in Resistance to Desert Rock” through Sept. 28. The Center is also exhibiting “Transitions,” a Navajo textile show, “100 Contemporary Works” by native artists from the Hensler Collection, and selections of the jewelry of Ben Nighthorse. Visit http://swcenter.fortlewis.edu or call 970-247-7456 for more information.

The Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., hosts ragtime piano from Hoyle Osborne weekdays except Sundays at 7:30 p.m.

The nature photography of Durangoan Howard Rachlin is on display through August at the Ignacio Community Library. 375-7877 for details.

The Diamond Circle Melodrama continues its 47th season in the newly renovated Durango Arts Center Theatre, 802 E. Second Ave. “The Spoilers” and “Whoop-Ti-Ay!” show nightly (except Mondays) at 8 p.m. The performances continue through Aug. 31. www.diamondcirclemelodrama.com.

The Animas Museum, 3065 W. Second Ave., host the exhibit “Eskimo Artifacts from Arctic Alaska.” This show features clothing, masks, hunting and fishing tools, dolls, toys, fetishes and other items. The museum is also hosting “Boots & Saddles: Historic Foot Gear and Horse Gear from Southwestern Colorado.” 259-2402 for details.

Professional Business Builders, a chapter of Business Networking International, meets every Thursday from 7-8:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Church in Durango. BNI Referral Matrix meets every Thursday from 7-8:30 a.m. at the Wells Group. The BNI Referral Market meets from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Prudential. BNI Business Connections meets every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Durango Rec. Center. BNI is the largest business networking organization in the world. Call 422-2032 or e-mail servinglife@hotmail.com for details.

The Children’s Museum, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts the exhibit, “Living off the Land.” The museum offers a hands-on exploration of the Rocky Mountain ecosystem and is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wed.-Fri. and 1-5 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. 259-9234 .

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Upcoming

The Gourds return to Durango for an Aug. 7 show at the Summit.

Durango High School Track Team host “Friday Night at the Races,” a 5K road Rrace and ½-mile and 1-mile fun run Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Three Springs Mercado District. Register online at www.active.com or at Your Running Store, 444 East College Ave. Call 259-7114 or e-mail glotteson@msn.com  for details.

The Durango Discovery Museum at the Powerhouse will offer free open–air movie nights on Saturdays beginning Aug. 9.

Mancos State Park presents the fine art photography and a slideshow by local photographer Bill Proud on Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mancos State Park Amphitheater.

Nonprofit Turtle Lake Refuge is sponsoring storyteller Sara Ransom’s presentation of “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” the story of one man’s search for immortality in what is now Iraq, on Aug.10 at 8 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Retreat, 848 E 3rd Ave. Donations accepted. Visit sara@sararansom.com for details.

The Second Annual “Eco Eve @ the Abbey Theatre,” a benefit for the Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado, happens Aug. 12 at the Abbey Theatre starting at 6:15 p.m. Films include “Waste = Food,”  “Global Focus IV” and “Cheat Neutral.” Call Eco Home Center, 259-8326, for details.

Asleep at the Wheel brings its Western swing back to the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College on Aug. 13.

The Taj Mahal Trio plays the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College on Aug. 14.

Mancos State Park, 5 miles north of Mancos, presents “Slim McWilliams, Cowboy Songs,” Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m. at the Mancos State Park Amphitheater.

Writer Courtney White will read from and sign copies of her book Revolution on the Range: The Rise of a New Ranch in the American West at Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave., on Aug. 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Young Professionals of Durango (YPOD) will host a Durango Board Workshop on Aug. 21 for young professional interested in serving charitable organizations. 247-0312 to register.

Slim Cessna’s Auto Club plays The Summit, 600 Main Ave., on Aug. 22, at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

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City of Durango presents sprint triathlon
What: The 5th Annual Durango Parks and Recreation Triathlon
Where: Durango Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave.
When: Sat., Aug. 2 beginning at 8:30 a.m.  

Swimming, cycling and running go into the limelight this weekend. The 5th Annual Durango Parks and Recreation Triathlon  takes off from the Durango Community Recreation Center at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. By incorporating sprint triathlon distances, the race will attract beginner triathletes as well as seasoned veterans looking to complete a competitive training course. The course includes a 500-yard swim in the lap pool, a 13-mile bike ride, and a 5K (3.1-mile) run. 

Durango Parks and Recreation is excited to introduce “chip timing” to the event for the first time this year. Each participant will carry a transponder that will allow faster electronic timing and will provide participants with their individual times for swimming, running and biking.

Racers must check in at the Durango Community Recreation Center between 7:30 and 8 a.m. on Aug. 2, and the first heat begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Aquatics Area. Following the race, there will be a barbeque for participants, and their friends and family at the Recreation Center Amphitheater. Awards and prizes will be presented. 

Participants, either individuals or teams, must register at the Durango Community Recreation Center or online at www.active.com by Fri., Aug. 1, at noon. For more information, call 375-7306.

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Hot Club of Cowtown plays The Hank
What: Live show from acclaimed Texas Western swing outfit
Where: Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave.
When: Tues., Aug. 5. Doors open at 6 p.m.,

After a two-year hiatus from a rigorous touring schedule, one of Austin’s most acclaimed bands will be swinging back through Durango. “The most globe-trotting, hard-swinging Western Swing trio on the planet,” The Hot Club of Cowtown, plays the Henry Strater Theatre this Tuesday, starting at 7 p.m.

“We made the show early so people can get to work the next morning,” said “The Hank” theatre manager, Sophie Parrott.

Made up of Elana James, on violin and vocals, Whit Smith on guitar and vocals, and Jake Erwin on bass and vocals, the trio got its start in the mid-’90s when James met up with Smith through an ad in New York City’s Village Voice. Rooted in hot jazz, Americana, vintage pop and folk, the Hot Club of Cowtown has grown from its early days busking for tips in San Diego’s Balboa Park to a formidable international sensation and ever-growing presence on the festival scene. Along with its relentless touring schedule, the band has managed to release five critically acclaimed albums along the way.

Regular tour mates with the likes of Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, the band took a break two years ago while James went on the road with Dylan. However, the three have reunited in anticipation of an upcoming release this fall.

Among the youngest members ever inducted into the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame, Hot Club of Cowtown has been featured on shows such as NPR’s “All Things Considered,” “The Grand Ol’ Opry“ and “A Prairie Home Companion,” among others.

Early birds who get to The Hank by 6 p.m. will be treated to a free swing dance lesson. Bar and main doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. show. Tickets and more information is available at the theatre Box Office daily from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., by calling 3750-7160 or online at www.HenryStraterTheatre.com. 

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Aspen Guard Station opens to the public
What: An artists open house at the historic ranger station
Where: The Aspen Guard Station, located outside Mancos
When: Fri., Aug. 1, from 1-5 p.m.  

The Aspen Guard Station is opening the doors to the public this week. On Aug. 1, current artist in residence, Dan Oakleaf, will hold a 1-5 p.m. open house at the historic cabin near Mancos.

Oakleaf is one of eight artists selected for residencies this year at the old San Juan National Forest ranger station. Residents are selected by area arts councils to participate in the program each summer and fall. In return, they donate their time and talents to local communities.

Oakleaf is an artist from Arvada who depicts the natural world and wildlife in oil paintings produced both “plein air” and in the studio. His style is “painterly realism,” although he does experiment with color and texture. Animals are often depicted in his work, and he has been informally studying in the Zoology Department at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for the past year. 

Visitors to the cabin will be able to view Oakleaf’s studies and completed paintings produced during his two-week stay at the cabin, as well as view work in progress. Oakleaf is currently featured in an invitational show and accompanying book at Showings Fine Art Gallery in Denver.

More information on the Artist-in-Residence Program is available at: www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan/about/a-i-r/. For directions to the cabin, call 385-1219.

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