What strikes me most is how naturally artists in our region turn their creativity into care. As the days grow shorter and the cool weather settles in, it feels natural to look around and notice the many ways people in our creative community support each other. From small-town galleries to mountain-side studios, from brewery stages to weaving circles, generosity is woven throughout our arts scene in a way that feels steady, genuine, and deeply rooted in Southwest Colorado.
Across Durango, Mancos, Cortez, Ignacio, Pagosa Springs, Dolores, Bayfield, and beyond, creatives are using their talents to uplift others in quiet, powerful ways. As Thanksgiving approaches, their stories serve as a reminder of what community looks like when art becomes a bridge connecting us.
Inside the historic Smiley Building in Durango, the artists of The Artroom Collective have created something that extends far beyond their creative studios. Throughout the year, they support local causes through donations of artwork, community workshops, and collaborative projects—but what stands out most is their quick response when a need arises. Their current Art with Purpose initiative grew from a larger global situation that is still evolving, impacting people locally in very real ways. As the need persists, the artists keep showing up—donating pieces, raising funds, and finding inventive ways to support the community. When one artist steps in to help, others follow. That spirit has transformed The Artroom Collective into a giving tree of creativity—branches reaching in every direction, leaves shining with compassion. It’s a reminder that generosity doesn’t have to be loud to be felt; it simply becomes the culture of a place.
Across town, Tóhatin Gallery demonstrates its commitment to the community. Every year, their Winter Clothing & Food Drive transforms the gallery into a lively drop-off spot for neighbors eager to support Navajo families in need. Piles of coats, blankets, gloves, hats, and non-perishable foods gather beneath vibrant, welcoming walls adorned with artwork. Behind the scenes, the gallery family has consistently organized quiet acts of support—such as joining friends for wood-cutting days to collect and deliver firewood for Navajo weavers and elders. During First Fridays and gallery events, visitors arrive with bags of donations, often staying to chat, browse, and experience the strong sense of connection. Tóhatin has become a place where art and generosity naturally flourish—a reminder that creative spaces can serve as catalysts for community support.
Durango’s creative community is full of people who use their talents to help others, including those who serve. Local artist Deborah Kelroy provides a strong example through her oil-painting program for veterans. Taught in the style of Steve Ross—son of the legendary Bob Ross—her six-week workshop brings veterans together to learn landscape painting in a welcoming, encouraging environment. The program is funded by the city’s Lodgers’ Tax Arts and Culture fund, which offers full scholarships so veterans can attend at no cost. Classes are held at the VFW, where each student completes a painting every session, leaving with a finished piece and a renewed sense of confidence, community, and calm. It’s creativity as care—brushstroke by brushstroke.
Durango’s musicians also play an active role in community support. The Powerhouse Community Concert Series transforms warm Wednesday nights into more than just a show. Local bands—bluegrass, Americana, funk, indie, and multi-genre collaborations—perform not for profit but for a cause, with each night supporting a different nonprofit partner.
Musicians are often the first to show up when someone needs help. Benefit concerts, backyard fundraisers, brewery pop-ups, and even impromptu street-corner performances happen during times of crisis. Last year, regional bands united for a benefit concert supporting survivors of the Lahaina fires in Maui—a reminder that our creative community shows compassion far beyond county lines.
And in smaller corners of the region, ukulele groups lead singalongs in senior centers, folk players drop into care facilities, and singer-songwriters perform music in intimate settings just to bring joy. Music rarely seeks recognition — it simply arrives where it’s needed.
In Ignacio, the Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts keeps its doors wide open as a symbol of inclusiveness and healing. Their mission is clear: art should be accessible, meaningful, and community-focused. From wheelchair-accessible pottery wheels to therapeutic art classes, this nonprofit weaves creativity into the everyday fabric of life.
Just a few blocks away, the Ignacio Creative District empowers youth and families through public art, free workshops, and programs that celebrate the town’s rich tri-ethnic heritage. In Ignacio, giving back isn’t just an event—it’s a way of life.
Pagosa Springs showcases its own spirit of creative generosity. Textile artist Linda Lutomski gathered a group of weavers for “Our Community Eats,” creating handmade pieces to support food-insecurity programs. Threads become nourishment, literally woven into hope.
Pagosa is also home to Andy Arnold, whose patriotic and nature-inspired paintings support disabled veterans and children with disabilities. Through his giving, Andy turns his artwork into a direct contribution to causes close to his heart—turning creativity into comfort, support, and hope for others.
Another powerful example is Ursala Hudson, whose cross-disciplinary work spans weaving, painting, design, and cultural storytelling. Her collaborative “Giving Strength Robe,” created with weavers across North America, was donated to a gender-inclusive shelter supporting survivors of violence—a textile offering with deep roots and even deeper meaning.
Every June at the 19th Hole Concerts, local musicians donate their Thursday evenings so that 100% of the modest ticket price can go directly to nonprofits. Music as philanthropy — it’s a long-standing tradition here, and Pagosa carries it on with heart.
In Dolores this past June, Tha Yoties shared their mix of reggae rhythms and Native storytelling at the Dolores River Brewery during a fundraiser for the Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance. Good music, a good cause, a small town coming together—that’s the magic of art in the Four Corners.
As I look across our region, I’m reminded that much of the generosity in our creative community isn’t loud or showy—it’s steady, everyday, and often happens where no spotlight shines. Artists help neighbors. Musicians show up when someone needs comfort. Makers step in with open hands and open hearts. There are countless acts of kindness we’ll never fully know about, and maybe that’s what makes them even more meaningful.
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the creators who make Southwest Colorado not just beautiful but also compassionate.
For the hands that give.
For the songs that heal.
For the art that becomes food, warmth, courage, and connection.
And as a reminder, creativity at its core is one of the most generous gifts we share.
