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Making Spirits Bright: A Local Guide to Holiday Cheer
As December begins, our Holiday and Giving issue invites us to celebrate the season with joy, reflection, and connection. This is the darkest time of the year, and that’s all the more reason to make it a festive time of gathering close. Amid the holiday rush—wrapping up plans, finding that perfect gift, and tackling countless to-do lists—what if we took a step back for some self-reflection? Winter’s quiet arrival calls us inward, reminding us that the best gift we can give is often our presence, not presents. After all, Grandma likely doesn’t need another wrapped box; she only wants the warmth of family gathered close, sharing in simple moments of togetherness.
In this issue, we’ll feature wonderful local ways to celebrate the season. Stop by the new Dancing Spirit Art Center in Ignacio, where you can make heartfelt, handmade gifts to express your gratitude for loved ones. Or, if the in-laws have settled in for a bit too long, you can sneak away to a cozy Durango bookstore and get lost in a world far removed from holiday hustle and bustle. If it's a musical touch you’re after, the San Juan Symphony's holiday performance is a festive escape that can fill the season with inspiring melodies. And for those who prefer to be guests at their own gatherings, Conor’s mobile pub service has your holiday cocktails covered so you can sit back, relax, and raise a glass.
Ultimately, this season is about intention, connection, and savoring the experiences that bring us closer. Here’s to a holiday filled with moments that truly nourish the soul. Wishing you a joyful December!
JAMES LEONARD, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR @DURANGOCITYLIFESTYLE
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Branden (Brandy) Murray branden.murray@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATORS
James Leonard | james.leonard@citylifestyle.com
Rachel Rosenthal | rachel.rosenthal@citylifestyle.com
Chelsey Juarez | chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com
Jennifer Mason | jennifer.mason@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kalista Pena, Jennifer Mason, Rachel Rosenthal
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Andy Wingerd, Kelly Miranda, Ascent Digital and Drew Semel at Illuminarts, Kaitlin Connor
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
inside the issue
1: Gear up to see Santa this year at Animas Trading Company. 2: Primi welcomes everyone to their Italian Inspired Artisan Market, with vendors, food, and drinks! 3: Urban Market sure knows how to capture the Durango Christmas Spirit, stop by, shop around! 4: It’s pretty chilly outside but no worries, Animas Trading Company has got you covered! 5: Support local artists and visit Create Art & Tea for handcrafted gifts this holiday season.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRACY REGAN
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANIMAS TRADING COMPANY BY LEA OSBY
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOCAL FIRST
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANIMAS TRADING COMPANY BY LEA OSBY
PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT DURANGO BY NICK KOGOS
- Julie S.
CREATIVITY AND CAMARADERIE: How Art Revitalized a Community
ARTICLE BY KALISTA PEÑA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD
CELEBRATE AND CREATE WITH DANCING SPIRIT CENTER FOR THE ARTS!
Without fail, without doubt, a strong community can heal a broken heart. Kasey Correia knows this first-hand, and witnesses it each morning when she steps into Dancing Spirit Center of the Arts. Dancing Spirit is a cultural hub that celebrates art, resilience, and creativity.
“Dancing Spirit celebrates art, resilience, and creativity by offering the gift of community, belonging, and creative expression—vital tools to overcome past trauma and hurt.” Correia, the Executive Director, believes “Art can revitalize a town”. When we work together, love one another, and cherish each other’s talents, quirks, and passions, we can all flourish.
Dancing Spirit aims to heal the community as many individuals work through generational and historical traumas.
“Dancing Spirit is about finding a place that you can connect and… feel like you belong to”. Correia states, “We want to find other ways for our community to get healthy. So giving them a place to express themselves, and find their happy place” provides opportunities to heal. Dancing Spirit has changed a lot in the past decade. Starting as a small art guild built for artists to convene and assemble, to now finishing the construction of their new beautiful building. Through each obstacle, Correia focuses on what matters most: adapting and moving forward. She reflects back to March 17th, 2020, a day she will never forget. The streets were bare, no kids around, no laughter, no joy, and complete isolation. It was a major loss in motivation and direction. Correia asked, “What happened to my world?”, an overwhelming question leaving many speechless. Bound to isolation, Correia and her team decided to create art kits and give them out to Ignacio residents. They sent out 250+ free art kits a week and would offer an interactive art class on Zoom every Friday. It was a labor of love and boosted community spirits.
CONTINUED >
“The reach for this dream was huge... but it shows that in a small town you can go big!”
Each pivot has proved to be a stride forward, a step into the future, a continuation of Dancing Spirit’s goals and values. The most recent stride is the new construction of the Center of the Arts building in the heart of downtown. When you enter, you walk into the gallery space where local artists can gain inspiration and display their work, with plenty of wall space, jewelry cases, and dedicated displays for sculpture and woodworking. Walk a bit further and you enter the community flex space, a grand open room large enough to host yoga and dance classes. Off to the right, there is a stage for performing arts, live music, comedy shows, and more. This space offers people the opportunity to bring their vision to light. Whether that be a one-man show, a poetry slam, karaoke, or an educational workshop. Just reach out to Correia and she is happy to help and connect you with other artists!
A dedicated classroom space was also created to house six pottery wheels, where adults and kids can attend classes. Correia, a potter
by heart, is one of the instructors at Dancing Spirit. She describes the process of creating a bowl, highlighting the importance of working with raw materials. It starts with grinding down the dirt and removing the debris, a grounding activity. Correia states, “The grinding is soothing. I talk while people are doing this process,” and guides them through their thoughts and intentions when working with the material.
Once the bowl starts to take shape, she encourages participants to write on it, draw on it, or do whatever feels right in the moment. “You will be feeding yourself these words or these images, so think what do you want to say to yourself and give to yourself?”. This process becomes an act of healing, feeding the mind, body, and spirit.
Dancing Spirit had its grand opening on October 25th welcoming everyone to the new building and announced their first exhibit celebrating Día de los Muertos. Be sure to check it out and show your support! Visit their website to learn more and donate.
WINTER BOOK ROUND-UP!
ARTICLE BY KALISTA PEÑA
GIVE THE GIFT OF A GREAT BOOK! SHOP AT ONE OF OUR MANY LOCAL BOOKSTORES.
For this roundup, I visited Second Story Books and White Rabbit Books & Curiosities, asking the employees what they enjoyed reading during the chilly months. I also stopped by the Durango Public Library and spoke with a couple librarians receiving great recommendations for children and adults.
A book enthusiast at Second Story Books recommends Kristin Hannah, noting, “Though she’s not a cozy read, she’s more of a tearjerker.” Recently, she read Hannah’s book The Women , calling it “a
three-Kleenex-box book.” Other books by Hannah include The Great Alone and The Nightingale. This bookseller also recommends Amor Towles, claiming he always keeps you on your toes. She said, “There is no formula to him yet that I have read, and I have read them all.” He wrote A Gentleman in Moscow, Rules of Civility, and The Lincoln Highway.
Keenaw Kimmel, the proprietress of White Rabbit, has recently been
At the library, I spoke with Robyn Brant, the Collection Development Librarian. When I asked what genre was popular she led me to the mystery section, stating cozy mysteries and thrillers are well sought out this time of year. She pulled books by Jenn McKinlay and Jacqueline B. Frost, both mystery writers who lean more towards a cozy experience.
Callie Blackmer, a Youth Services Librarian in the Kids’ Library, thinks
drawn to historical fiction, admitting, “This is kind of new for me. I was never a history person in school… but if someone can bring history to life, that’s kind of my new favorite thing.” She recommends All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. But maybe historical fiction isn’t for you, if so, Kimmel also recommends anything by Mary Oliver, vouching, “Anything she has written at any point in the season strikes a chord with me”.
it’s the perfect time to pick up one of Jan Brett’s books. She is a children’s book author and illustrator, best known for her classic cozy children’s stories with immersive illustrations and detailed vignettes.
On these chilly cold nights, I hope you grab a warm blanket, a hot beverage, and settle in with a good book. Support local businesses and shop small this holiday season.
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ARTICLE BY JENNIFER MASON
HOW THE SAN JUAN SYMPHONY BESTOWS THE MANY GIFTS OF MUSIC TO THE REMOTE FOUR CORNERS REGION
HOLIDAY HIGH NOTE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASCENT DIGITAL AND DREW SEMEL AT ILLUMINARTS
The curtains part. Ballerinas pirouette and jeté across the stage. The orchestra fades in with sighing violins and whispering flutes. Gradually all the instruments pool in until they crescendo with the trumpet’s calling, TAH TEETEE-TEE-TEE TAH-TEE TAH-TUM. The “Nutcracker” ballet has begun!
“…THERE’S
“That is an opportunity to have Christmas-themed music that is still sacred in nature, rather than ‘Frosty the Snowman’ or ‘Jingle Bells,’” Heuser explains. “We do try to spice it up if you will with a Hannukah selection or from some other religion so that there is that representation.”
A REALITY TO THE WARMING UP OF OUR LIVES WITH MUSIC.”
“It’s almost one of the most popular things we’re involved in,” says Dr. Thomas Heuser, Music Director and conductor of the San Juan Symphony. He is referring to the orchestra’s longstanding collaboration with the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara. “There’s that ‘on-repeat’ tradition phenomenon: Every year the kids dress up. Every year we go to the ‘Nutcracker.’”
Formed in 1985 through a merger of two regional symphonies, the San Juan Symphony (SJS) has consistently amplified and intensified the musicality of life in the Four Corners, adding some especially auditory ornaments to the holiday season.
Having absorbed 3rd Avenue Arts a few years back, SJS added a new wing of musical community events to its calendar, including The Majesty of Christmas performance at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
Quite miraculously, the SJS pulls together 50-70 musicians from across the region, and with only two rehearsals, produces musical perfection at every performance. Heuser credits the musicians, all professional players, who practice their parts independently at home for weeks. Through its youth symphony and community education programs, the SJS imparts this zeal and dedication as learned skills to both the next generation and today’s adults. In sum, the SJS is a nonprofit arts and culture gem that puts Durango and Farmington on par with cosmopolitan capitols like New York, Chicago, and Berlin.
The symphony goes bounding into 2025 with a Debussy recital in January. And finally, February’s concert, which Heuser describes as, “[O]ne of the most exciting projects I’ve been involved in in my entire career!”
CONTINUED >
“WE’RE THE
WORLD PREMIERE ORCHESTRA!”
Dubbed as “What Music Is,” the performance weds the symphony with musical innovator Bill Barclay, creating an orchestral and multimedia rodeo of projections, animations, and narration all united to reveal the scientific nature of harmonics, why we people receive and perceive music the way we do, and why we need music.
“We’re the world premiere orchestra!” Heuser beams, explaining that Durango and Farmington residents will experience Barclay’s work before denizens of San Francisco, London, and beyond! For this and all other shows, ticketholders can attend Heuser’s pre-show lectures to dive deeper into the backstories of the composers and their music.
That such an odd mix of sensations can be yoked harmoniously into a singular experience may seem like an impossible feat, but for Heuser, unification is one of music’s superpowers. He says, “Music is this unifying, spiritual force for all of us. As we all move indoors as it gets darker and colder, there’s a reality to the warming up of our lives with music.”
Ultimately, human existence is inherently musical. “There’s a life cadence,” Heuser points out. Seasonal cycles create a steady drum beat into which people braid the melodies of birthdays, anniversaries, and cherished holiday traditions. And with year-round musical enrichment, the SJS may well be the local metronome—the pulse at the heart of local life.
A CHRISTMAS
Old Fashioned
CONNOR’S MOBILE PUB GETS PARTYGOERS INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRITS
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER MASON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAITLIN CONNOR
Plink-plockity! Ice cubes tumble into the cup. They are anointed with brown liquor and a spritz of fizzy water. Lastly, the cubes are crowned with a decorative twist of citrus rind. Kaitlin Connor, owner and founder of Connor’s Mobile Pub, winks as she serves up the festive cocktail.
“I’m really good at mixing drinks. It clicks for me,” she confides.
Before opening the rentable pub in July 2024, Connor waitressed and bartended for many years. Connor also harbored a sweet spot for hosting parties and bringing joy to people. Launching the mobile pub allowed her to wed both passions.
So far, the pub has served bachelorette parties, baby showers, birthday parties, and family gatherings. Connor’s Pub can supply beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails. They can concoct a menu of bespoke drinks, suiting the occasion or the company. Dry bar. Coffee bar. Dessert bar. Connor’s Mobile Pub is both flexible and creative, aiming to delight.
Connor notes that a mobile bar saves the day when a chosen event venue lacks a standard bar setup. In other instances, a venue may have a bar but lack bartending service, which the mobile pub can easily provide.
Interestingly, while Durango has a solid mobile bar scene with four to five local options, mobile bars are rare elsewhere in Colorado. Connor supposes the rarity is likely due to strict state laws governing the purchase of alcohol. Legally, the mobile pub cannot purchase the hooch, so Kaitlin Connor will provide her clients with a detailed shopping list. On the day or night of the event, Connor’s Mobile Pub arrives in a truck named Jade.
Dry bar. Coffee bar. Dessert bar. [The pub] is both flexible and creative, aiming to delight.
The serving tables and bar are unloaded and Kaitlin swoops in to work her Martini or Mai Tai magic.
Connor’s pub aims to remove party planning stress while also getting everyone into the holiday spirit—or spirits! Those who book the pub this holiday season receive a complementary holiday cocktail. What better way to enjoy a Christmas old fashioned ?
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ARTICLE BY RACHEL ROSENTHAL
Give Where You Live
Southwest Colorado Gives Day Connects You to Local Causes You Love
What do you love most about Southwest Colorado?
From picturesque mountains to the plethora of endorphin-boosting activities that wait just outside your door, there is much to adore about this sacred corner of the planet. But behind all the beautiful things that make our home so easy to love are the people and organizations who give it life. Southwest Colorado nonprofits are a vibrant tapestry of mission-driven entities working tirelessly to make our home a special place to live, work, and play. As nonprofits, they rely
on the support of community-minded individuals to see their missions come to fruition. This season is a great time to shower these organizations with gratitude and rally behind them with donations to help them do the work we need them to do.
Colorado Gives is a statewide platform for year-round charitable giving that supports over 4,000 nonprofits across the state. In 2010, the team behind Colorado Gives started Colorado Gives Day to celebrate the impact of coming together to support nonprofits. They have since raised $469 million for nonprofits across Colorado through this online giving event.
The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado has been a regional champion of Colorado Gives Day since 2017, spearheading a collaborative effort to inspire generosity throughout our five counties. With more than 150 participating nonprofits in Southwest Colorado representing animal protection, environment, education, human services, youth, and more, the day represents a combined community effort that nurtures the organizations that touch on every facet of our collective wellbeing.
“For the past eight years, working with local nonprofits as part of Southwest Colorado Gives Day, I am always inspired by the generosity across our region,” says Tracy Pope, Deputy Director for the Community Foundation. “I have witnessed local donations increase every year, and we now raise more than four-and-a-half times what was donated before we became the Southwest Regional Champion.”
The Foundation has set their sights high for this year’s giving campaign, with a goal of $750,000 total for participating, local nonprofits. Anyone can donate to the causes they care about by visiting swcogives.org. One hundred percent of your donation goes to the nonprofits you choose to support. Colorado Gives Day is December 10, but Early Giving has already begun. So, “Give Where You Live” today and create a brighter tomorrow.
As a community facilitator, the Community Foundation works to increase efficiency, sustainability, and success for nonprofits and maximize effective grant making for philanthropists to make Southwest Colorado a vibrant place to live. Partner with them and cultivate strong roots for our community to thrive.
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org
The Board of the Durango Arts Center (“DAC”) has unanimously voted to elevate Artistic Director, Jason Lythgoe as its new Executive Director. Lythgoe’s background with the DAC over the past nine years, coupled with his wealth of theater experience in Durango and nationally, will advance the mission of the DAC to foster the arts in Durango During Lythgoe’s tenure as Artistic Director, he impacted hundreds of young actors through innovative programs, plays, and summer camps Lythgoe was also the driving force behind the creation of the Durango Arts Repertory Theater in 2022 If you'd like to help contribute to the DAC and support the success of the Arts in the region, please consider donating, sponsoring or becoming a member of the DAC.
