Four Corners Arts Forum

It is my pleasure to have the multi-talented Ted Moore joining me on the program for the fifth consecutive year which has become a tradition here at KDUR radio and the Four Corners Arts Forum. Ted is a local artist, musician, song-writer and teacher based in Hesperus, Colorado and each year there is something new to discuss in his creative journey. His stunning art pieces which are made using wood panels, ink paint and gold leaf are inspired by nature and medieval influences taking the mundane into the extraordinary mixing the traditional with contemporary aesthetics. For years his work has been displayed in galleries throughout the state of Colorado and is currently represented by Blue Rain Gallery both in Durango and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Ted is a drum and percussion instructor at iAM Music and Stillwater Music both in Durango, Colorado and a former drummer for the very successful Mojo Birds band playing in venues both locally and throughout North America and now he'll be taking more time to focus on his songwriting. He looks forward to traveling with his family to Italy and being around the classical art there and continuing with his passion to learn to speak Italian. He grew up in Washington State, Maryland, Colorado, and Italy, and earned his B.A. in Classics from University of Colorado, Boulder. He also has an M.A. and Phd in Medieval Studies from University of Toronto, Canada and a Masters in Fine Art from Maine College of Art & Design. To see images of his unique and stunning work you can visit his website at tedmoorewoodworkandart.com and blueraingallery.com. You can also follow Ted on Instagram and Facebook.

Joining me on this episode is Rhonda Muckerman, an accomplished musician, teacher and conductor. She is the Artistic Director of the Durango Choral Society and we are speaking about the exciting schedule of concerts for the current season entitled "Horizons". Coming up this holiday season is their Christmas Concert at the Community Concert Hall featuring the Durango Choral Society's Women's Choir, Youth Choir, the Children's Chorale, and Vocal Motion, along with pianist Adam Swanson, performing and a wide selection of music from around the world. The season will end with a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City in May 2027 which Rhonda will be conducting with singers from Durango and Telluride, Colorado. The mission of the Durango Choral Society is "to enhance the vocal, musical and cultural development of our community of Southwest Colorado." The Durango Choral Society also emphasize educational opportunities and the benefits of singing and experiencing music and the effect that powerful voices can have on the human spirit. Rhonda holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Michigan State University and a Masters of Music degree from the College-Conservatory of Music/University of Cincinnati in wind conducting. For over 40 years Rhonda has taught instrumental and choral music to musicians of all ages, she has also served as the Artistic Director of the Telluride Choral Society for 11 years and performed and conducted internationally in Florence and Verona, Italy. In addition to all of this she is a published author of the book "Of Song and Water". For more information about the season's performances and to buy tickets, visit the website at durangochoralsociety.com

In this episode we are speaking about the Durango Poet Laureate program which is searching for the next "Champion of Poetry", an exciting opportunity to engage with the community through original poetry. Submissions are being accepted until October 31, so there's still time to submit an application. Joining me on the program to talk more about this is Esther Belin the inaugural and current Durango Poet Laureate who also teaches Native American and Indigenous Studies here at Fort Lewis College. Also joining us is Spenser Snarr who is a Librarian Manager at the Durango Public Library serving programming, information and resources to the community for 9 years. The mission of the Durango Poet Laureate is "to act as a representative of the poetic arts through recitation of original poetry and attendance at various events and community gatherings, creation of poetry that reflects our unique past and present, and furthering Durango's Creative Economy through active engagement with the community". The Durango Poet Laureate will serve a two year term receiving a yearly stipend and is funded by the Durango Public Library and a Poet Laureate Committee. For more information and to request an application you can email [email protected].

I'm excited to be speaking about the upcoming exhibit at Studio & Gallery titled "Raven and the Dance of Shadows" beginning this Friday October 16th and running through Sunday October 25th. This is a ceremonial exhibition which will open with a free performance. Joining me on the program today are the three artists who's work will be presented, Tempist Jade, Chris Haas and Nikki Moon weaving together performance art, wearable sculpture, live poetry, visual art and music. Through mythic storytelling inspired by the artist's relationships with their more-than-human relatives and current events, the general public will be immersed in a transformative world birthed of shadows and dreams, perfect for this time of year. The Opening Reception is Friday October 16 from 5pm-9pm and there will also be an Artist Talk on Sunday October 25 at 2pm. For more information about the show you can visit anddurango.com.

Joining me on this episode is local artist Cindy Miller Atchison owner of CMA Art, a graphic design company here in Durango, Colorado. As well as being a professional landscape painter working with both acrylic and oil paints, she is also the organizer of the Durango Open Studio Tour, an exciting event which provides the opportunity for free self-guided visits to local working artists' spaces. There will be 22 artists opening their doors to the public where you can watch demonstrations, learn about their artistic process and purchase original jewelry, ceramics, glass art, paintings and sculpture directly from emerging and professional artists. The tour takes place on Saturday and Sunday October 17 & 18 from 10am-4pm. You can drive, carpool, bike or use public transportation to easily visit a number of studios each day. There are maps and brochures available on the website at durangoopenstudiotour.com or at the Durango Creative District and the Smiley Building.

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

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.

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.

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.

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