by Stew Mosberg

The tiny art studio/gallery/think tank known as “&” launched its glass-fronted Main Avenue space on March 15, 2010. A mere two years later, it is arguably the most active art venue in Durango, mounting more than two dozen art shows. It is a place where one can buy art right off the walls, purchase T-shirts bearing clever imagery, or join in a random conversation with the artists themselves.

Tirzah Camacho, one of the original members of the group, offered her perspective on the venture. “My time with & has been like a science lab, except with art supplies and the beakers are people,” she said. “Changing the environment you work in changes your art. There has been much learned.”

Just the Facts What: The & art studio’s two-year anniversary celebration When: Thurs., March 1, 6-9 p.m. Where: 1027 Main Ave.

Describing the day-to-day experience of working in tight quarters within earshot of others, Camacho acknowledged, “I’ve learned that it’s hard for me to (make art) side-by-side with others, but the benefits otherwise are immeasurable; having a built-in support group, fan club, critique circle, (or) that random material you ran out of could be right across the room in a friend’s bucket.”

As to the studio’s relationship to Durango, she said, “What we want the community to know is that we’re here, doing this, for them. Art is made to be seen, so come see it, meet us; check in periodically to see how much the space can change in a week! Come to a show!”

Photographer McCarson Jones, an original member who has since moved on to a larger, private space, said & will always hold a special place in her heart. “My experience at & was a good one,” she said.

Charter member Tim Kapustka has taken on the role of spokesman for the studio. The graphic designer remains optimistic and enthusiastic about the direction the studio has taken and the goals it has already achieved. “We like to keep it rolling, and we always try to keep the shows fairly different from one month to the next,” he laughs. “We have our shows scheduled through August, and we have one every month, so it seems to me that we are going to keep the pace.”

Looking back on the last two years, Kapustka shrugs and remembers wondering about the concept and how to explain it. “I really made a big effort to not have a lot of expectations,” he said, admitting that he still doesn’t know where it’s all going.

As an incubator of ideas, & seems to be in a perpetual state of change, and plans are always evolving. “That is really what & is about, those things are usually centered around art, but not always, and that is great,” Kapustka said.

As with many young organizations, & struggles to generate revenue and the members are always seeking ways to build cash flow. They are currently working toward art raffles as one source, plus they hope to hold art classes in the space. “We have so much talent in this town this is a really fun prospect,” said Kapustka.

As to what the studio would like to add, the list is varied. “There are so many things that we need. We are always trying to raise funds to reinvest into the building or bring some crazy idea to fruition,” he said, before semi-jokingly adding that lighting seems to be a premium. “For some reason, we seem to blow more light bulbs in this place than anywhere else in the world. I blame the creative energy; but it’s probably the cheap track lighting.”

Shay Lopez joined in January of last year and notes changes since his arrival have been subtle, but significant. “I feel like we are now on the radar as a hotbed of not only our own local talent, but (also) as a place that continues to support emerging artists. As far as my own work is concerned, I feel like being in an encouraging environment is huge.”

Looking to the future, Lopez says he hopes & continues to be a place where, “any and all can walk in off the street and say, ‘What about this ... ?’  or ‘Wouldn’t it be fun if ... ?’”

Aubrey Merolanne signed up in June of 2011 and says she has “enjoyed every moment” of her participation. “It has given me space to spread my art wings and indulge my creative side,” she said. “My experience has exceeded my expectations. My studio-mates have become my good friends and are a real asset when it comes to brainstorming for various projects.”

She also said the shared space has been beneficial, offering experience as well as prime Main Avenue exposure without the price. “It has treated me kindly on a financial level as well, providing a gateway to building my own business,” she said. “Studio & has become an integral part of my day-to-day life, and I can’t imagine what my world would be like without it.”

Perhaps most vital to the success of & has been the Durango community, Kapustka said. “They have embraced what we have done right from the beginning, and that makes everything we want to try, and do, possible,” he said. “We are lucky to have that. I think it really speaks to not only the art community, but the community as a whole, that something like & could get off the ground, that’s a good thing. Thanks Durango. You’re alright.”

Editor’s note: Illustrators and musicians Annie and Jacob Brooks, two recent members of &, were unavailable during the writing of this story.