Arts + Culture

Chisel, Bling, Strum, Giggle

Four Artists Reveal How, Through Creativity, They Heal Hearts, Time-Travel, Slake Passion, and Find Meaning Article by Jennifer Mason | Photography by Andy Wingerd Some people know they are artists from a young age. For others, art arrives like a rescue rope dropped into the dark pit where they've been trapped. Regardless of how it emerged, creative expression enabled these innovators to share morsels of magic—one creation, one note, one laugh at a time. Mike Jordan Therapeutic Improv...

Local Services

Spirit Forging

Ben Nighthorse Campbell Reveals How to Craft a Singular, Extraordinary Existence by Merging Many Arts—Jewelry, Judo, and Service Article by Jennifer Mason | Photography by Sorrel Sky Gallery Ben Nighthorse Campbell’s jewelry is not merely pretty—it’s hypnotic. It doesn’t just gleam; it radiates life. Rather than a composition of metals, the medium of his craft seems composed of actual starlight, tapped directly from the source. Inlaid into this silvery syrup are not just gemstones, shells...

Food + Beverage

Jamin' with Bacon

from Chef Walker at Eolus Bar & Dining Article by Denise Leslie | Photography by Eolus Bar and Dining Get ready to meet your new obsession: Bacon Jam—smoky, sweet, tangy, and totally irresistible. This flavor-packed spread is courtesy  of Chef Benjamin Walker at Eolus Bar & Dining in Downtown Durango , and it's here to transform your burgers, grilled cheese, charcuterie boards, and BLTs into something legendary. What You’ll Need: 3 cups diced, house-made bacon (store-bought works, but...

Professional Services

Durango Barbers

Get a fresh cut and travel back in time Article by Kalista Peña | Photography by Andy Wingerd Joe Damonte, the owner of Durango Barbers, was a chef for 35 years before stumbling upon barbering. He catered major events like Super Bowl XXX and taught culinary classes through Colorado Mountain College.  After selling his restaurant, Damonte attended Emily Griffith College and earned his barbering license. The first barbershop he cut at was the Gentleman’s Barber Shop in Frisco, CO. He found that...

Event Planning + Services

Tips to Avoid Wedding Day Regret

A seasoned wedding planner’s guide to creating a day that reflects your love—without stress, pressure, or regrets. Article by Brittney Ahrens | Photography by Andy Wingerd As a local wedding planner with over 17 years of experience, my goal is to help couples create a wedding day they’ll cherish—without regrets. A wedding is more than a celebration; it’s a deeply personal tradition, a gathering of loved ones to witness and honor your commitment. Planning such a significant event can be...

Arts + Culture

Still Life Makes Art

Four Artists Share How Artistry Altered Their Lives, Adding Creativity, Freedom, Healing, and Transformation Article by Jennifer Mason | Photography by Andy Wingerd Art is a wily endeavor. Craft something that has yet to be seen. Corral these sounds into harmonies. Assemble old words into new ideas. Translate emotions through gooey, colorful mineral compounds. Explore how art influenced the lives of four women who, in turn, now influence others through the power of their artistic...

Health + Wellness

Restore your Body and Soul with a Pause

Taking a moment to invest in your health and wellness Article by Kalista Peña | Photography by Andy Wingerd Spring has officially sprung! The days are stretching longer and getting warmer, encouraging people to step outside, maybe catch their breath, and clear their minds—giving each of us a moment to pause and reflect upon the year thus far, and maybe set a few goals before summer.  Local business owner, nutritionist, and teacher Jolie Ensign encourages everyone to pause and take a few...

Local Services

WeFill: Durango's Original Zero-Waste Refilling Station

Prioritising stewardship to the land, air, and water. Article by Kalista Peña | Photography by Andy Wingerd Salaz recently returned from a two-week diving exhibition in the Coral Triangle. Located between the Pacific and Indian oceans, the Coral Triangle is a globally recognized center of marine biodiversity. Salaz participated in thirty-six dives, but the second to last left her speechless, reminding her of why she started WeFill.  On this particular dive, tragically, the coral reef was...

Home Services

HomesFund: Making Homeownership Possible

Homesfund supports first-time homebuyers giving them proper tools and knowledge Article by Kalista Peña Buying a house is a big endeavor and can be daunting and overwhelming, but thankfully, we have the HomesFund. A non-profit focused on helping families achieve their dreams of homeownership in southwest Colorado.  HomesFund was created in 2008 by the Regional Housing Alliance (RHA). In 2012, HomesFund separated from the RHA and became a Community Development Finance Institute (CDFI)...

Food + Beverage

Getting Down to Business

Five Local Businesses Reveal Their Creative, Unusual Secrets for Employee Satisfaction and Retention Article by Jennifer Mason | Photography by Andy Wingerd Most companies recruit and retain employees using a common assortment of benefits including competitive living wages, access to free or affordable healthcare, a 3% match on retirement, staff appreciate celebrations, and paid professional training. However, a few of Durango’s best businesses really stand out thanks to some extra creative...