by Hank Stowers

A new venue for artists and enthusiasts opened its doors last month, and with it opened an entirely new approach to local art.

Tucked into the underground atrium that was once host to a quilt shop of all things, Paint the Town is located at the crossroads of downtown Durango, at College and Main. Outside, there is a lively scene, with coffee, action sports videos playing on an array of monitors, and an occasional free performer. However, it is within the walls of the building that Durango’s underground art scene comes to life.

 

Decorated with dozens of paintings and photographs, the walls stretch more than 20 feet to the glass ceiling above. Styles differ throughout the gallery, with panoramic photography projected onto vinyl records, painted portraits of iconic figures and locals alike, and case upon case of creative pottery.

The artwork is as varied as the artists themselves. Paint the Town offers a unique opportunity for local artists, who can become members for $10 a month and gain access to their own work and display space. Located in the back of the venue, the casual studio space is littered with hammocks, speakers and endless boxes and drawers of materials. Members are welcome to come and go as they please. With more than 20 artists’ work on display, the gallery presents styles for all different tastes.

“My vision in starting this gallery was not just to promote personal work but to also exploit talents from the surrounding community,” says Thomas Baca, owner and founder of Paint the Town. “I can’t see talents of such magnitude going unrecognized anymore.”

Baca’s vision for Paint the Town spawns from his past experiences in painting and his upbringing in Farmington and Bloomfield. His experience has ranged from air-brushing cars to painting murals for local businesses and has led him to the creation of his studio and gallery. He envisions not just a space for visual art, but also performances, private events and more.

With his latest venture, Baca says he hopes to provide a place for community members of all ages to develop healthy social activities.

“There is no place like this,” says Baca. “Paint the Town is a drug- and alcohol-free studio and gallery and will remain that way.”

Baca is planning to use the building for far more than paintings and photography. Open mic nights, poetry slams, comedy nights, dance nights, live bands and DJs, private parties, fund-raisers, and many more projects are expected to take place at Paint the Town. In fact, he says he is open to practically anything.

“If anyone has an idea, of any sort, please come talk to me, and let’s get it done,” says Baca.

Indeed, the venue presents apt space for many events. The youth-friendly atmosphere is apparent at first glance, with a work table set up in the middle of the gallery, inviting anyone to “draw your own sticker.” Free CDs and small prints of artists’ work are placed for the taking throughout the gallery, and hundreds of different displays can be viewed, free of charge.

For a local resident and lifetime artist, creating a gallery of this magnitude is anything but easy. Baca attributes his inspiration to the support he has received from multiple “starving artists” in his life, including himself. “Being a starving artist means having impenetrable self-confidence. It means adapting to current social, economic and personal situations with perseverance,” he says. “There will always be an artist to inspire.”

Baca says gallery members are not restricted in context, as long as their work is not “rhetorically inappropriate.”

Within the gallery lies a visible theme of progression, in creativity and content matter. The walls display all work by local artists, and a theme consistent with Durango’s unique lifestyle is present. Images of mountains, sunsets and ironic celebrity portrayals present a local’s view on life, in and outside of the town. Paint the Town is seeking to change how locals view art, combating traditional commercial styles with simple truths and honest portrayals of the artists.

“Social improvements can only be put forth by strong actions of sincerity, truth and what’s relative,” says Baca.

Holding true to Baca’s goals and vision for Paint the Town, most visitors who enter are pleasantly surprised at what they find. Often, they end up staying much longer than expected, engaging in deep discussions with Baca or simply marveling at the aesthetics of the building. And if more than a few leave with a new fire inside and an inspiration to create their own work, Baca’s mission has been accomplished.