Four Corners Arts Forum

Margy Dudley
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Arts
  • Updated Weekly

Who knew that the small mountain town of Durango had such an active art scene! Four Corners Arts Forum features art that is visual, performance, literary, musical, corporal, culinary, and art that you may not have thought of as art. Host Margy Dudley finds remarkable stories of creative and dedicated artists who have long lived at the corners of our minds, and brings them to the center of our conversations.

  1. 6d ago

    The Durango Friends of the Arts has been raising funds since 1991 to help the arts and culture thrive in our community.

    In this episode I'm excited to be speaking about the Durango Friends of the Arts which is a local non-profit all volunteer organization raising funds since 1991 for projects and programs whose goals are to provide educational and cultural benefits. This includes performing and visual arts in schools and art organizations across La Plata County. Joining me on the program to talk more about the organization are Mary Steinberg, President of Durango Friends of the Arts, Simon Massey, Vice President and Karen Little, Program Director. The program receives wide support through seasonal events and workshops and in 2025 the organization raised $40,000 awarding 16 grants to help the arts and culture thrive in our community. Some of the past grant recipients included the San Juan Symphony, Durango PLayFest, the Durango Botanic Gardens, the Cowboy Gathering and The Hive Durango among others. To become a member, to volunteer or to donate you can visit the website at durangofriends.org

  2. Sep 21

    The Merely Players Theatre Company is presenting "The Importance of Being Earnest" a timeless satirical masterpiece by Victorian playwright Oscar Wilde.

    In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Mohriah James and Geoff Johnson both immensely talented local actors appearing in the Merely Players' production of "The Importance of Being Earnest" A Wildly Elegant Comedy by Oscar Wilde who is regarded as the greatest playwright of the Victorian era. In this timeless satirical masterpiece directed by Mona Wood-Patterson, Mohriah plays the role of Gwendolyn Fairfax and Geoff plays the role of Algernon Moncrieff. What makes this even more interesting is that Moriah and Geoff are husband and wife in real life and have appeared in many productions around town together. In this charming and hilarious story two young women declare they have always wanted to fall in love with a man named Earnest leading two young bachelors to create an alter ego with the name Earnest. The Merely Players Theatre Company has been "celebrating imagination and the creative spirit through quality theatre in Durango" since 1994 when it was first founded by Mona Wood-Patterson and her husband Charles Ford. Beginning this Friday September 25th there will be 6 evening performances at 7pm and 3 matinee performances at 1pm at the Merely Underground located at 789 Tech Center Drive. There will be a a short pre-show talk given by Mona called "Wilde About Oscar" in the ForeWords series included in the ticket price at 6:25pm for the 7:00pm shows and 12:25pm for the 1:00pm matinees. Although tickets are sold out for all the performances you can show up 30 minutes before the performance to grab a last minute ticket or join the waitlist by visiting the website at merelyplayers.org.

  3. Sep 14

    The 32nd Annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival on Second Avenue takes Saturday and Sunday September 19th and 20th.

    Joining me on this episode is Jeni Heerat the Director of the Annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival in it's 32nd year presented by the Durango Arts Center were Jeni is also Director of Operations. The Festival which takes place on 2nd Avenue features 78 artists this year exhibiting Fine Arts and Crafts as well as the second Annual Young Artist - Huge Impact Market which provides a learning experience for the next generation of artists. There will also be food trucks, vendor and information tents and cocktails in the Art Bar. You can experience "Art with Atmosphere" at the largest fine arts and crafts festival in the Four Corners region with makers coming from across the country to Historic Downtown Durango. Every year there are multiple awards selected for Best of Show and this year there will be seven featured artists who won awards last year. This event brings in well over 6,000 visitors a year keeping restaurants and hotels busy in Durango and the surrounding area. All this exciting activity happens this Saturday and Sunday September 19th and 20th from 10am until 5pm located on East Second Avenue from 7th to 10th streets. For more information or to become involved and sign up as a volunteer you can visit the website at durangorts.org.

  4. Sep 8

    The Powerhouse Children's Museum and Science Center in Durango is hosting "The Chemistry of Cuisine" the Annual STEAMFEST Fundraiser on Friday September 18th!

    Joining me for this episode are Sydnie Golden and Chandra Stubbs from the Powerhouse Children's Museum and Science Center in Durango, providing STEAM education encouraging innovative real world skills and critical thinking for children and their families. Sydnie is the Deputy Director and Chandra is the Director of Advancement there and we'll be talking about all the wonderful exhibits and educational programs they provide including summer camps, field trips, after school activities and partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club and Compañeros. A new addition this year is the WonderLab, a licensed childcare program for 18 months through 5 years old made possible by sponsorships from Animas Surgical Hospital, Carver Brewing Company and the City of Durango. We'll also be talking about the exciting upcoming events this year including the STEAMFEST Annual Fundraiser on Friday September 18th from 6-9pm called "The Chemistry of Cuisine" bringing the science of food and drink to life. Proceeds from ticket purchases and auction item sales helps the Powerhouse continue to provide high quality education programs while keeping them accessible to everyone through the Open Doors initiative. For more information and to purchase tickets for the STEAMFEST visit the website at powsci.org.

  5. Sep 1

    "New And Used: An Exploration of Life in Youth and Aging" is performed by Wordy Old Men and Friends at the Merely Underground Theatre.

    In this episode we're talking about "New And Used: An Exploration of Life in Youth and Aging" an upcoming spoken word performance featuring the Wordy Old Men & Friends, this year including some of the younger generation encouraging a deeper understanding and acceptance. Joining me in the studio to talk about the event are Anthony Myers, a local performer, comedian and talented storyteller as well as Founder and Creative Director of Artists of Aging. Also joining me is "Larry from Durango" an accomplished poet and author of "Laughing at the Scars" bringing experiences to life through his thought provoking poetry and unique voice. This is a Merely Players Studio Series Production in cooperation with the Artists of Aging organization "designed to inspire and stimulate your soul and intellect" and show that there is a place for talented older actors and performers where they can continue to be involved in the theatre arts. There will be poetry, pros, storytelling, comedy as well as a musician. The shows take place this Friday and Saturday Sept 4th and 5th at 7pm and Sunday Sept 6th at 2pm. The Merely Underground theatre is located at 789 Tech Center Drive, Durango. No reservations are necessary and pay what you wish. For information on the Studio Series you can visit merelyplayers.org

  6. Aug 25

    The 2nd Annual Mesa Verde Literary Festival is happening in Mancos, Colorado on Saturday September 5th!

    In this episode I'm excited to be speaking about the upcoming 2nd Annual Mesa Verde Literary Festival happening throughout the town in Mancos, Colorado on Saturday September 5th, "Bringing writers and readers together in the the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park". Joining me in the studio to talk about this free full day event featuring 50 local and nationally recognized authors are writer Mark Stevens of Mancos an award winning author whose second novel has just been released in April and Annette McGivney, a presenter at the Mesa Verde Literary Festival and author who's newest book is soon to be released about a true crime investigation. The day will feature readings, talks, panels, presentations, teen workshops, book signing and sales. The Keynote Speaker who will cap off the day is California based award winning mystery writer Nina Simon. In addition, Colorado Poet Laureate Crisosto Apache will come to Mancos to be a part of the Festival. The Mancos Creative District is helping to make all of this possible. This will be an exciting day of celebrating the written word! For more information you can visit the website at mesaverdewriters.org

  7. Aug 17

    Durango Natural Foods is hosting its 6th Annual free Harvest Festival Saturday August 22nd at Rotary Park from 2 - 7pm.

    I'm excited to be speaking about Durango Natural Foods 6th Annual Harvest Festival which happens this Saturday August 22from 2 - 7pm at Rotary Park, celebrating Durango's only Co-op Grocery Store. There will be live music, local vendors, food, beverages and family friendly activities. Joining me in the studio to talk more about the amazing free event are Sheryl McGourty, Board President of Durango Natural Foods and Jacob Leinhardt, Communications Manager. We'll be talking about what goes on at the event and what is new and exciting for the 2026 Harvest Festival in addition to what a co-op grocery store brings to the community. Rotary Park is located at 1565 East 2nd Avenue along the Animas River. To find out more about the event and the co-op you can visit the website at durangonaturalfoods.coop.

  8. Aug 12

    The Durango Arts Repertory Theatre is presenting "The Minutes" a play directed by Monica DiBiasio, featuring local talent Brian Devine and Abby Drabek.

    In this episode I'm excited to be speaking with Monica DiBiasio, Artistic Managing Director of the Performing Arts Department at the Durango Arts Center. Monica is directing the upcoming production of "The Minutes" by playwright Tracy Letts who won a Pulitzer Prize for his play "August:Osage County". Also joining me in the studio are two of the very talented local actors, Brian Devine who is playing the role of Mayor Superba and Abby Drabek who plays Ms. Johnson, the clerk. Both have appeared together in "I Hate Hamlet" also at the Durango Arts Center in addition to many productions in other local theaters including the Merely Players Theatre Company. When they are not performing in the evenings onstage Brian is working for the City of Durango and Abby is a therapist in town. The Minutes is a one act dark comedy about a very small town that keeps very large secrets. As director Monica has been a theatre artist for over 40 years as an actor, producer, teacher, director and designer. She owned Complex Hollywood in LA for 10 years facilitating thousands of theatre performances. Durango Arts Repertory Theatre under Monica's guidance presents 4-5 major productions annually representing the very best in local talent bringing unique shows that entertains and challenges the audience. "The Minutes" begins this Friday August 14th and runs through Sunday August 23rd with 6 performances at 7:30 and two Sunday performances at 5:00pm. Tickets can be purchased on the website at durangoarts.org for $20 online, $25 at the door and $15 for students.

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About

Who knew that the small mountain town of Durango had such an active art scene! Four Corners Arts Forum features art that is visual, performance, literary, musical, corporal, culinary, and art that you may not have thought of as art. Host Margy Dudley finds remarkable stories of creative and dedicated artists who have long lived at the corners of our minds, and brings them to the center of our conversations.

Information

  • Creator
    Margy Dudley
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    154
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Four Corners Arts Forum