Cindy Miller Atchison Design & Art

ARE YOU AI-CURIOUS?
What do AI, processing emotions and art have in common? Christine Mulholland! The Mullholand Family Art & Photography have been exploring AI-inspired art and they find it to be both fun and therapeutic. Christine Mulholland and family start with an emotion and idea, and then engage with the AI technology as if it were a trusted friend to produce a wide range of notecards and art. Their notecards are currently being sold at Durango Coffee, Maria’s Bookstore and There’s No Place Like Home. (this AI-generated image is Christine's husband as an Irish Eagle!)

On Friday, May 3 at 5:30, Christine will demonstrate her AI process, and will take requests from anyone to create or modify an image. She will also discuss her RememberStuff software – an art computer program which is a way to provide care and restore dignity and independence for a loved one with dementia.

The ArtRoom Collective at The Smiley is a diverse, working studio gallery where 23 artists, jewelers, potters, hat makers and others create, display and sell their handmade goods. Creating, collaborating and sharing their passion with the community. For more information, go to www.theartroomcollective.com.

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/397747553044061

I am excited to share that my ArtRoom artist friend, Bindu Bammi Hughes, will be conducting a series of Art Talks at Create Art and Tea (https://www.createartandtea.com/), 1015 Main Ave., Durango, CO.

The next talk is on Thursday, April 18th from 4pm-5:30pm on an Introduction to The Renaissance and Michelangelo.

It is Bindu's hope to learn together about art and its dynamic impact on our lives. What inspired the great artists and how they communicated it through art. I hope you will be able to attend and encourage me to continue with this. I look forward to seeing you there. Please feel free to share this with your friends. Thank you!

Check out this Dream Team! We're a collaboration of local professional artists — a few movers and shakers of the Durango mural and art scene. I'm fortunate to be part of this talented crew, chosen to colorfully transform the Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility Administration building walls at Santa Rita Park. The mural is inspired by our local seasons, nature, and watershed and will be unveiled during Animas River Days on June 1 and 2. Thank you, City of Durango , for this creative opportunity!

Visit our team's Insta pages and follow for creative inspiration!




artgrl


Thomas Donley, regional director of The Walls Project and master coordinator!

Read the City of Durango News Flash here:
https://www.durangoco.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3547

and the Durango Herald Article in today's paper: https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/nine-durango-artists-come-together-for-mural-at-citys-wastewater-plant/

This is love... ❤
Installation day was such fun, made complete with wine and friends!

Thank you, Fergie and Donna, for the opportunty to capture your journey's story in a triptych painting commission of the beach where you fell in love.

Do you have a special moment or place you'd like to capture in a painting? Let's talk about a commission.

Click "subscribe" to receive my monthly newsletter of art, design and flavor inspiration. https://www.cindyatchison.com
For a sneak peek, read previous newsletters by clicking on "NEWSLETTERS" in the menu.

Join me and the Durango art community at Studio& tomorrow! Studio&'s opening receptions are ALWAYS a party. I'm so happy my oil painting "Falls Creek Cocktails" is part of this show. Hope to see you there!

DELICATE: An Open Group Show
Opening Reception: Friday, February 23 • 5-9pm
Studio & Gallery • 1027 Main Ave. Durango, Colo.
Please join us this Friday for an opening reception for Delicate: An Open Group Show featuring nearly 60 artists from around the area.

We are incredibly proud to host Delicate, which is an "open to everyone" show. It has long been an important part of our existence at Studio & to offer an arena for artists of all stages of their careers to show their work. And from the response to this show we think the Durango community thinks it's important too. We were greeted with a line around the block to drop off work for Delicate! WOW!!

We've packed the gallery with the work for Delicate... All that is left is for you to come out and see the work of your friends and neighbors! We hope to see you all on Friday and celebrate the depth of talent and love for art in Durango!

Delicate will be up at the gallery February 23 - March 2
For more information, please visit anddurango.com

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Don't you just love a good love story?

I recently completed a commissioned painting for a dear friend who recently found her love. Most of us know someone who is an inspiration... one who consistently impresses and affirms in such a way that you feel better just thinking of them. Donna is that person for me – ever thoughtful, intelligent, beautiful, and, for a while, single. Let me tell you her love story...

Donna () is full of love, lives life to the fullest in beautiful Washington State, and wished to find a partner to share her rich life with. After a few "meh" dating experiences, she pretty much thought all the ships had sailed and was prepared to find a tugboat…a solid tugboat for adventuring. Little did she know a yacht would come into port. Enter John! A mutual friend put two and two together and made a long-distance introduction. Although they live 1300 miles apart, they speak hours each night remotely. This commissioned painting, "Caught in Awe," was inspired by the Oregon beach where they first met in person, then John and Donna sailed off into the sunset!!

They're feeling extremely blessed right now. He’s her person. And she's his. And they're feeling such gratitude and love right now. It’s pretty amazing. Click here to see a timelapse process of their painting: https://www.cindyatchison.com/fergie-and-donna

Love can take many forms: a love for a person (looking at you, Scott, XO), a passion for an endeavor (hello, ART!), or an affection for food (food is love). How will you celebrate your love story this month... and all year long?

Sign up for my monthly newsletter at my link in my bio to receive monthly art, design and flavor inspiration. https://www.cindyatchison.com/, and read previous newsletters on the Newsletter menu page: https://www.cindyatchison.com/newsletters

#

Durango First Friday enthusiasts!
THANK YOU to all of the businesses and artists who participated in First Fridays in 2023! This was a fantastic start to this initiative in partnership with Local First, Durango Creative District, and The ArtRoom Collective. We'd LOVE to hear from you at one of our upcoming listening sessions. What worked, what didn't work, what you want to see more of in 2024.

The ArtRoom Collective has been a proud founder and participant in Durango First Friday for the past year. We invite you to join us on for one of these First Friday Listening Sessions:

January 23, Tuesday from 4:30-5:30pm at EsoTerra Ciderworks at 558 Main Ave
OR
January 24, Wednesday from 8:30-9:30am at Create Art and Create Art & Tea, 1015 Main Ave for businesses, artists and supporters.

3

Durango artists! Got space?!

Did you know Create Art & Tea is now offering local artists Main Avenue working gallery space to create, display, and sell? Rent varies from $250-$500, and includes:

• Historic Main Street Durango Location
• Receive complimentary membership to The Create Art Guild
• Opportunity to create a working studio, display art, and sell your creations
• Access to teaching space in the upper gallery
• Opportunity to have personal art shows in the upper gallery
• Access to rotating Main Street window display
• Be part of an art community of like-minded artists
• A Create retail employee is always available to process payments for your artwork
• Monthly payout for art sales
• Standard art gallery commission for art sales

For more information, contact Caprice Fox at Create Art and Tea
970-764-4104
www.CreateArtAndTea.com
[email protected]
1015 Main Avenue, Durango

Happy New Year!
I feel incredibly blessed to have been surrounded by such beauty in 2023. The support I have received has been heartwarming and encouraging. Thank you!!

I've been fortunate beyond measure to have the opportunity to capture moments and scenes on canvas, with the desire to connect with others through a shared appreciation for nature. Here's looking at an inspirational 2024, with opportunities to seek beauty always!

Fresh off the easel this month — “A Shared Joy”

Some of my best experiences are those that are shared. I bicycled along the Animas River Trail one August evening, heading home from my art studio. I followed the colorful progression of a cloud to the north, changing into the most breathtaking hues of oranges and golds. As I crossed the pedestrian bridge near my home, there was an explosion of color in its Animas River reflection. I stopped to join four others who were breathing in the same scene. This shared, joyful moment was impactful, with us all silently in awe of the splendor, wearing the same silly grin on our faces. I captured the memory of this moment on canvas -- I hope you enjoy it, too.

"A Shared Joy"
40" x 30" | acrylic on canvas
available

Celebrate this holiday season creatively at The ArtRoom Collective at the Smiley Building for merriment, art, gifts and holiday cheer on NOEL NIGHT December 1 from 4-7pm, and The ArtRoom Collective HOLIDAY ART MARKET December 2 from 10am - 3pm!

The ArtRoom Collective First Friday Art Crawl NOEL NIGHT is December 1, from 4pm - 7pm at the Smiley. Come talk with local artists, be inspired by creative work, or buy a local, handcrafted item for yourself or a special someone at the Smiley Building. Come for the art, stay for the cocoa... https://www.facebook.com/events/591372679708585

Live Music from Durango High School students, and an art exhibit from Animas High School will make for a festive evening!

Shop locally for art, special handmade gifts or stocking stuffers at the The ArtRoom Collective HOLIDAY ART MARKET on Saturday, December 2, 10 am to 3 pm at 1309 E. 3rd Avenue in the Smiley Building in downtown Durango. https://www.facebook.com/events/1021911422266903

For the first time, I'm offering canvas prints of a few of my favorite paintings in editions of 50. These canvases are ready to hang, with a full image wrap on a 1-1/2" frame, measuring 20-24" at their longest dimension.

All canvas prints, notecards and spiral notebooks will be 20% off on Noel Night, December 1 from 4-7pm, and during our Holiday Art Market, December 2 from 10am - 3pm. Come experience The ArtRoom Collective at the Smiley ArtRoom, 1309 E 3rd Ave, Durango!

Each Christmas, my church, Summit Church, selects several organizations to receive 100% of their Christmas Offering. I'm thankful for the good work they continue to offer our local community and the world. The 2023 Christmas Offering recipients are Summit Early Learning Center, Durango Habitat for Humanity, and the Nyogaya Foundation/Dominion School in Kenya. To learn more about our 2023 offering recipients, visit: https://www.summitdurango.org/christmas/. I'll have a donation jar in my Smiley ArtRoom studio #17, and will match the total donation (up to $500) to these worthy organizations. Please give generously!

To learn more about Cindy Miller Atchison Design | Art: https://www.cindyatchison.com/

The ArtRoom Collective is Durango's working studio gallery where 22 artists create and sell their handmade goods — art, paintings, jewelry, pottery, hats, and more. The Smiley Cafe will be open and offering cocoa specials, coffee and boba beverages and snacks. To Learn more about The ArtRoom Collective: https://www.theartroomcollective.com/

Don’t you just love our autumn colors?! Fresh off the easel this week: “Autumn Ablaze” 48” x 24” 🍂🍃🍁

Durango Artists! Please share...
The Santa Rita Wastewater Reclamation Facility is putting out a call to artists for a project that contains 5 different artistic elements. The turnaround time for submitting a proposal is fast, November 7th is the date proposals are due. Please see a summary below and for the full call to artists / bid please visit this website: https://www.durangogov.org/DocumentCenter/View/27387/SRWRF-Call-to-Artists-RFPS-2023

CALL TO ARTISTS

Location: Santa Rita Wastewater Reclamation Facility, 105 Camino del Rio Durango, Colorado 81301

Timeline: The Santa Rita Administration Facility Art Project is set to take place in 2024. The selected artist(s) will need to be under contract by November 21st, 2023. The deadline to submit project proposals is November 7th, 2023.

Questions Due: October 30, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
Proposals Due by Artists: November 7, 2023, 3:00 p.
Interviews, if necessary: Week of November 13, 2023
Notice of Award: Week of November 21, 2023

Scope of Project: We invite artists to participate in a unique opportunity to enhance the Santa Rita Administration Facility through various artistic elements:

Mural: Create a visually captivating mural that can be painted on three adjacent and consecutive walls, each with distinct dimensions:
11’ tall x 86’ wide (west-facing river)
9’ tall x 45’ wide (west-facing river)
9’ tall x 24’ wide (northwest-facing river)
All walls have a rough, dark gray stucco skim-coat.

Metal Signage:
Design and install eye-catching metal signage to help visitors easily locate the facility's bathrooms. The signage should be approximately 5.5 feet by 4 feet.

Kinetic Metal Sculpture:
Repair and enhance an existing kinetic metal sculpture of a fish, turning it into a mesmerizing piece of art.

Interactive/Interpretive Art Piece:
Create a new, engaging, and interactive art piece to be placed in the center of a garden path area, adding an element of exploration and discovery to the site.

Wayfinding and Wayside Signage:
Develop innovative wayfinding signage on the ground in front of the changing rooms, assisting visitors in navigating the facility effortlessly. Garden area wayside signage should include information on native plant species, native planting requirements, and local history.

Budget: The total project budget is $100,000, which will be allocated to cover artist fees, materials, installation costs, and any necessary permits. Please note – the budget will be split between all elements of the project, not just a single mural / sign / sculpture. Please submit your proposal with this in mind. Artists are encouraged to apply for one or multiple elements of the project as specified in the scope. The city may select one or multiple elements of an artist’s proposal.

Theme: Projects are encouraged to use the Animas River, the water cycle, water and wastewater treatment process, native plant species, and local history as context and inspiration for their project.

I’m looking forward to the Durango Open Studio Tour September 22-24! I’m the tour’s featured artist today… Read on to learn more about the tour:
————————
Cindy’s studio in the ArtRoom at the Smiley Building, lets her live large in the opportunity to express beauty and celebrate nature. 💕 As you’ll discover, the scenes Cindy captures in her art carry you beyond the landscape toward a stylistic embrace of nature in its purest breath.

See more of Cindy’s art at https://www.durangoopenstudiotour.com/cindy-miller-atchison-art

Then come explore what’s possible behind moody clouds, vibrant seasons, and endless horizons that softly guide you to a place of peace and reflection during Durango’s Open Studio Tour this September!

*Durango Open Studio Tour is made possible through our partners – City of Durango, Visit Durango, Durango Creative District, The Butterfly Artist Collective, The Smiley Building, the Smiley Cafe, Hideaway Arts Marketing, Becca Conrad Whitehead, Let's Letter Together.

Come see my ArtRoom neighbor’s opening exhibit at the next Incubator opening this Friday, featuring Sarah House! 🙌 She’s an amazing artist — talented, passionate, raw, honest, prolific and an inspiration to paint near.

Join us on Friday at The Lightbox at Stillwater Music from 5-7:30pm for the opening reception of Sarah House's solo exhibition, "Broken Mirrors". This exhibition invites you to explore a world where hope is discovered in the midst of chaos and beauty is enhanced through shattered reflections of self.

In Broken Mirrors, Sarah House draws her inspiration from the messiness of life, the imperfections that define us, and the uncertainty that permeates our existence. Through her unique artistic lens, she unearths the richness found in embracing chaos, showcasing the profound beauty that emerges when we embrace the complexity of our humanity.

Have you ever seen someone painting an outdoor scene in Durango? Chances are, it was a member of the Plein Air Painters of the Four Corners at work capturing the outdoor beauty in plein air. I'm fortunate to be a member of this talented group of artists, and was thrilled that two of my pieces have ben accepted to the exhibit. I'm excited to see the show in its entirety!

You're welcome to visit the Annual Plein Air Painters of the Four Corners Juried Exhibit and Sale at Create Art and Tea, 1015 Main Ave, Durango, on September 1, 5-7pm. Art Reception with refreshments, Awards Ceremony at 6pm.

Presented by the Art Guild of Create
For more information, visit createartandtea.com or contact Caprice at Create, 703-431-9649

Hey, art friends… Durango Open Studio Tour 2023 Call For Artists has kicked off! Join me in this year’s tour… last year was an incredible experience of connecting with art patrons and community members, selling art, and getting to know the local artists in our community.

Be a part of the Tour from September 22 - 24. Registration deadline August 11th. Swing open your studio doors, mingle with art enthusiasts and collectors, and discover the joy of sharing your craft. ✨
www.durangoopenstudiotour.com/call-for-artists-2023

Durango Open Studio Tour 2023 Call For Artists has kicked off!

Be a part of the Tour from September 22 - 24.
Registration deadline August 11th.
Swing open your studio doors, mingle with art enthusiasts and collectors, and discover the joy of sharing your craft. ✨ www.durangoopenstudiotour.com/call-for-artists-2023

Some days are just better than others… last month, as I painted outside on 5th Avenue downtown with Plein Air Painters of the Four Corners, the air was crisp, the birds were singing their hearts out, and a fiddle player was practicing on a porch across the street -- an idyllic setting to play with oil paints and capture the spring colors.

I thought to myself, "That fiddle player's pretty good... nearly as good as the Stillhouse Junkies!". Looking more closely, I saw my old neighbors, Cody Tinnin of Stillhouse Junkies and Renee Cornue, photographer, enjoying a morning in their front yard across the street! Renee captured the scene with her camera, and the morning was a perfect meld of music, painting, photography, and nature. Her image graces the cover of the Durango Telegraph this week!

We hope to see you at First Friday today! Jen Floyd will be doing a screen printing demonstration at 5:30pm in the ArtRoom. BYOT-shirt to make your own ArtRoom t-shirt!