“Jammies, Cocoa, and the Journey to the Polar Express”

There’s a special kind of magic when you decide—not just to go to an event—but to create an experience together. The Polar Express in Durango has always been magical, but when you make it a two-day tradition, something changes. Suddenly, it’s not just a train ride. It’s a shared memory in progress. It starts at […]

In the Quiet Moments: How Art Holds Us When Life Feels Heavy

An Arts Perspective feature This time of year has a way of amplifying things—sounds, expectations, emotions. Some people glide through the season with ease, while others feel a tug of something more complicated. I’ve lived through my own tender seasons. I think back to the winter of 1985, when I was eight months pregnant, unpacking […]

When Rural Libraries Evolve: How Southwest Colorado’s Libraries Are Becoming Community Anchors

Across Southwest Colorado, our rural libraries are evolving to meet the changing needs and increasing creativity of the communities they serve. Once viewed mainly as places to borrow books or study quietly, libraries in Durango, Bayfield, Ignacio, and Mancos now play a much broader role. They host hands-on workshops, seasonal celebrations, cultural programs, storytimes, and […]

A Musical Pathway: How Stillwater Music and Durango Montessori Are Growing Young Creatives

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when children discover music—not just notes and rhythms, but confidence, connection, and the joy of creating something together. Over the years, Durango Montessori School and Stillwater Music have shared a meaningful relationship built on that very magic, providing young students with a musical environment where curiosity thrives. […]