Durango Arts Center

This original musical melodrama, written by Colorado Springs playwrights Mark and Lauren Arnest, is a spirited and sophisticated musical theatre take on the classic western melodrama. Set in the Colorado mountains in 1914, the story follows Buck Worthington, a young man arriving in Goldville looking to strike it rich. He encounters Crook Robberson, a wealthy, unethical real estate tycoon who sells worthless mining claims by “salting” them with gold. From weary prospectors seeking the earth’s riches to unexpected romance and villains lurking in the shadows, this original musical has something for everyone!

Friday, July 10 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, July 11 @ 7:30pm
Sunday, July 12 @ 5:00pm
Monday, July 13 @ 7:30pm - Industry Night!
Thursday, July 16 @ 7:30pm
Friday, July 17 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, July 18 @ 7:30pm
Sunday, July 19 @ 5:00pm

Get your tickets at durangoarts.org

Learn the fundamentals of pottery wheel throwing in this 6-week class with Jim Lutomski, who studied pottery in South Korea and brings over 40 years of experience to the studio. Students will practice centering, shaping, trimming, and glazing while creating functional pieces like bowls and mugs. Perfect for beginners or those looking to build confidence on the wheel. Mondays: June 1 – July 6, 2026 (6 weeks)
5:00-7:00pm

Visit Durangoarts.org to sign up!

Art doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people like YOU believe in it.
For 60 years, the Durango Arts Center has been the creative heartbeat of this community — a place where imagination takes shape, where children discover their voices on stage, where neighbors become artists and audiences become family. This is YOUR arts center. And right now, we need you more than ever.

2026 marks our 60th anniversary, and we’re launching our boldest membership drive yet: $60,000 in 60 days. Every dollar raised goes directly back into the art, the people, and the places that makes Durango extraordinary. Visit our website to see the benefits of becoming a member- Durangoarts.org

Opening TONIGHT 🎉 MAY 15 - JUNE 27, 2026

4 Common Corners is a group of 12 fiber artists drawn together by a shared sense of place and culture. In the United States there is only one place where you can stand in four states at one time. The junction of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah creates a geographical crossroads and encapsulates the heart of the American southwest. 4 Common Corners is an invitational group of art quilters who come from one of those four states, and we are drawn together and influenced by the unusual and striking beauty of our area. Our group is committed to creating themed exhibitions to share our unique area with the world.

Our goal for this exhibition is to promote the art quilt as a creative artistic medium while sharing our love for our region and highlighting our individual interpretations of what living in this area means for us.

This exhibition contains 36 pieces grouped into three collections of work: “Where the Pavement Ends,” “Abandoned,” and “Hidden Life.”

Need a special activity for Mother’s Day? Come enjoy a Sunday afternoon with silent film classics accompanied live by professional pianist Adam Swanson! At least once a year, Adam presents a series of short comedy films from the silent era. In May, he will feature Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, and a thrilling railroad-themed movie! All films will be accompanied with original period music LIVE on the DAC’s beautiful 9-foot grand piano. These events will be family friendly, so bring your kids and enjoy this fun and unique opportunity.

Explore bold colors and playful compositions in this two-hour, one-shot acryllic painting class with artist Mike Scieszka. Through his whimsical, vibrant style, you’ll create a fun, eye-catching piece using beginner-friendly shapes, color theory, and creative expression. Each month features a new painting subject to keep things fun and fresh.

No experience necessary — just come ready to paint, experiment, and leave with a unique artwork of your own. All supplies, beverages, and an exceptional teacher are included!

Welcome to the Durango Arts Center’s 16th Annual 10-Minute Play Festival! Our 2026 season theme — “The State We Are In” — celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 150th anniversary of Colorado. To complement this theme, we sought out submissions featuring Colorado or U.S.-based subject matter. We received 200 submissions, and our readers have narrowed it down to eight plays to be directed and performed by Durango’s amazing talent. Don’t miss these original, never-before-seen plays!

Directed by and starring Durango’s finest!

Friday, May 29 7:30pm
Saturday, May 30 7:30pm
Sunday, May 31 5:00pm

Our Own Lives is a non-profit organization that provides direct services to the disability community in Southwest Colorado. We provide supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan Counties. We have decades of experience providing person-centered, inclusion-focused supports to the disabled community on its own terms.

From our backbone of Direct Service Providers, to our leadership team, Board of Directors, and Client Leadership Council, Our Own Lives has people with disabilities driving our work. Which includes all the artwork in this amazing exhibit!