‘Who’s New?’
Durango Arts Center spotlights emerging artists

by Stew Mosberg

In nature, emergence signifies change. Similarly, an artist seeks to evolve from a fledgling to an accomplished practitioner. Most developing artists, however, go unnoticed because they have no place to exhibit. The recently revitalized Durango Arts Center has also experienced an evolution of sorts. One example of that transition is greater attention to local artists teetering on the cusp of emergence.

Last Fri., Nov. 4, the DAC opened an exhibit featuring 63 pieces by 14 artists. The names of these artists are familiar to some, but others have gone unnoticed.

Entitled “Who’s New?” the exhibit was developed by DAC exhibits committee members. Maryellen Morrow and Pat Smiley, both gifted artists in their own right, took responsibility for culling the 20 applications and 87 images that were submitted. Morrow said the show was difficult to jury because of the differences in the quality of the work and the different framing used by the artists. Morrow further remarked that judging was made more complicated because of the disparity between the artists, “If we want to call them ‘emerging,’” she said, “well they seem to be emerging at very different levels.”

Thematically, the subjects and styles of the work run the gamut, which makes for an interesting, if not disjointed presentation. But there are a few that stand out. The age range of the artists is as broad as their experience and skill level; several are in their 20s while some are retirees. Curt Stafford is one such example, he has been painting for only a few years, and although his work lacks assurance, it does demonstrate a raw talent.

Chandler Wigton, a young artist with a flair for conceptual imagery, often incorporates the written word on his canvases and is definitely an artist on the cusp. His work is identifiable and diverse enough to be categorized as unique. The photography of Robert Bridges and Catherine Hearn are colorful and well composed. The most accomplished work in the show comes from Anne Montgomery, whose compelling portraits are well executed and intriguing. John Benjamin’s work is extremely different from the others and virtually jumps off the wall in color, composition and implementation.

Of the 14 artists, half have previously shown at the DAC, which sort of negates the show title. The others are either new to the area, to the profession, and/or to exhibiting, and therein lays the refreshing balance.

Jeannie Berger, DAC exhibits director, defined the show as a learning experience for everyone involved: for the artists, since most have not exhibited before; for the public, because it can learn about new artists and their techniques and methodologies; and for the DAC. She acknowledged that the Arts Center is planning more emerging artist shows and will hopefully keep them up longer than two weeks in the future. Speaking about the growth and renewed interest in local art, natural-materials artist Maryellen Long has long watched the ebb and flow of Durango’s capricious art community. Reflecting on the region’s artistic history, she said, “The community of artists was smaller but was quite visible. We’re talking 30 years ago. We were active in the beginning of the Arts Center, and we all knew each other.”

Considering more recent times, she added, “Over the past 10 years, there are more artists in town that have brought contemporary ideas than when I first arrived.” In the past two years, Long has started to see a more positive transition. “More artists are active in establishing their own communities outside the Arts Center,” she said. “There are connections that are being made between young and older artists that are not very evident or widespread, but that quietly indicate exciting possibilities for the future.”

As for how the DAC can enhance the emergence of talented artists, Long believes the “Who’s New?” show, along with the membership and juried shows, are all valuable steps. She recognizes that in this small and isolated arts community, “We all need each other to progress, mature and thrive. The smaller venues should be encouraged and the Arts Center can serve as a hub for all the energy that swirls around it.”

Printmaker and former radio personality Ron Fundingsland has been living here long enough to have witnessed numerous shifts in the art climate. As to current conditions, he said, “The visual arts scene in Durango feels positive. There are several indicators, but notables include the revival of the Durango Arts Center, the recent Salon des Independents at Fort Lewis College and the sustained energy of the dynamic ‘&’ group on Main Avenue. Artists uniting and overdue attention being paid to emerging artists signals a healthy turn of events.”

Long has been an active participant in the Arts Center for many years, and her insight is as valuable to the DAC as it is to the entire art community. Referring to the revitalized DAC she said, “There are very dedicated, smart and educated volunteers, board and staff who are now working hard to make this (support of the visual arts) happen.” •

“Who’s New?” an exhibit by emerging artists, is on display at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., through Nov. 12. The DAC Art Library is exhibiting the innovative and off-beat sculptural assemblages of Amy Wendland through the month of December.