Key Takeaways
- The year 2025 saw numerous notable events in the local arts and entertainment scene, including the 15th anniversary of Studio & Gallery, Durango High School Troupe 1096’s 12 Bobby G nominations, and the launch of the inaugural Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown.
- Local creatives, such as Jesse Ogle, competed in national competitions, including Netflix’s "Squid Game: The Challenge."
- The community came together to remember and honor local artists who passed away, including JoAnn Nevils and Kirk James.
- New exhibits and performances, such as "Voices Inside My Head" and "Hadestown: Teen Edition," showcased the talent and diversity of local artists.
- Music in the Mountains welcomed a new artistic director, Vadim Gluzman, and the Four Corners Writers’ anthology "Four Corners Voices" won a Colorado Book Award.
Introduction to the Local Arts Scene
The year 2025 was a remarkable one for the local arts and entertainment scene in Durango. From exciting new exhibits and performances to notable achievements by local creatives, there was no shortage of impressive events and milestones to celebrate. As the year drew to a close, it was clear that the community was thriving, with a diverse range of talented individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the local cultural landscape.
Studio & Gallery Celebrates 15 Years
One of the highlights of the year was the 15th anniversary of Studio & Gallery, a beloved local arts space that has been a staple of the community since 2010. Founded by a group of four artists, including Tim Kapustka, the gallery has consistently provided a platform for local artists to showcase their work and connect with audiences. As Kapustka noted, "Studio & pridefully is of the artist for the artist, and that’s why I keep doing it, because I am a working artist and I benefit from being able to show my work in our gallery." The gallery’s anniversary was a testament to the enduring power of art to bring people together and enrich the community.
Durango High School Troupe 1096 Earns Accolades
Another notable achievement in 2025 was the success of Durango High School Troupe 1096, which earned an impressive 12 Bobby G nominations for its production of "Hadestown: Teen Edition." The Bobby G awards, presented by the Denver Center for Performing Arts, recognize excellence in high school theater, and Troupe 1096’s nominations were a well-deserved recognition of the talented young actors and crew members involved in the production. As Director Ben Mattson observed, the experience was not only a valuable learning opportunity for the students but also a chance to showcase their talents to a wider audience.
Local Creatives Shine on the National Stage
The year also saw local creatives making waves on the national stage, including Jesse Ogle, who competed in the second season of Netflix’s "Squid Game: The Challenge." Ogle, a musician and co-founder of iAM Music, demonstrated his strength and resilience in the face of intense competition, and his participation in the show was a source of pride for the community. As Ogle himself noted, "I would totally do it again. Absolutely. You know, it’s not for everybody; you have to have a very strong constitution, and you cannot break under pressure."
Remembering Local Artists
Unfortunately, 2025 also saw the passing of several local artists, including JoAnn Nevils and Kirk James. Nevils, a longtime member of Merely Players, was remembered for her creative genius and generous spirit, while James was celebrated for his contributions to the local music scene as a musician and artist. The community came together to honor their memories and celebrate their legacies, with Merely Players staging a production of "Guys and Dolls" in Nevils’ honor and James’ family and friends sharing stories and memories of his life and work.
New Exhibits and Performances
The year was also marked by a range of exciting new exhibits and performances, including "Voices Inside My Head," a unique exhibit that combined visual art, poetry, and augmented reality. The exhibit, which featured paintings by Tad Smith and poems by local writers, showcased the diversity and creativity of the local arts scene. Another highlight was the launch of the inaugural Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown, which brought together five professional photographers to compete and showcase their work.
Music in the Mountains Welcomes New Artistic Director
In addition to these events, 2025 saw the appointment of a new artistic director at Music in the Mountains, Vadim Gluzman. A renowned violinist and educator, Gluzman brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, and his appointment was seen as a major coup for the organization. As Gluzman noted, "I am deeply honored and excited to join Music in the Mountains as its artistic director. For me, this appointment is truly a full-circle moment."
Four Corners Writers’ Anthology Wins Award
Finally, the year saw the publication of "Four Corners Voices," an anthology of writing by local authors, which won a Colorado Book Award in July. The anthology, which featured work by over 40 writers from the Four Corners region, was a testament to the richness and diversity of local literary talent. The award was a well-deserved recognition of the hard work and dedication of the writers and editors involved in the project.