Quick 'n' Dirty
Streets and stories, open studios and bear buzz

Manna hosts storytelling event

Manna will be shining a light on its mission today with a free community event, “Our Streets, Our Stories.” The event takes place from 4:30-7 p.m. at Manna, 1100 Avenida del Sol, and will feature shared meals, guided tours and personal stories from Manna clients.

“‘Our Streets, Our Stories’ invites guests to step into the heart of Manna’s mission. It’s an opportunity to see firsthand how we’re working to build resilience, equity and connection in La Plata County,” Manna Co-Executive Director Marissa Hunt said. “There will also be powerful storytelling from the communities we serve, sharing how low-barrier assistance to strengthen food, housing and employment security in our region is changing lives.”

In addition to the free dinner, tour and talks, attendees can learn about the other various programs Manna offers, including its food market, support services, housing programs, the culinary employment readiness program, garden and more.

The event will also be a fund-raiser, with proceeds from sponsorships and donations going to support Manna’s programs and services.

There will be a free shuttle for participants from the Durango Transit Center to Manna.

“This event is designed to do more than raise funds; it’s built to inspire generosity, build relationships, and highlight the real impact of community-centered support,” Hunt said.

For tickets, go to: donorbox.org/events/800876/steps/ choose_tickets.

Open Studios Tour returns

Local artists will once again be opening their studios to give residents a glimpse into their creative process with the Durango Open Studios Tour, Oct. 17-19.

Thirty local visual artists will be showcasing their work during the free tour, featuring everything from pottery and painting to jewelry and photography. Participants not only will get to meet and talk with artists, but have a chance to buy their art, right from the source. 

“Durango is a place that celebrates and prides itself in creative arts, cultural traditions and practices, historical recognition, and expressive exploration,”  tour organizer and co-founder Cindy Atchison said in a press release. “This free, self-guided tour of local artist studios is an opportunity to connect with artists on a different level. Participants receive a behind-the-scenes view of the creative process and get to be a part of an artistic journey,”

The tour takes place at studios throughout Durango on Sat., Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 19, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Participants can pick up a map of studios at the Durango Creative District office, 1135 Main Ave., or view it online at: www.durangoopenstudiotour.com

There will be an opening art exhibit at the Durango Creative District on Fri., Oct. 17, from 5-7 p.m.

More buzz about bears

Durango may be stepping up its approach to keeping bears at bay. At this week’s City Council meeting, Oct. 7, council tasked staff with exploring new bear deterrent options, including the use of electric fences and mats, which currently are not allowed in city limits.

The move was in response to growing concerns from residents about property damage and safety risks posed by bears. Bears have been especially active in town this year, due to a poor crop of their natural food sources. Although total numbers are not available yet for 2025, there were 994 bear reports in La Plata County in 2024 – a 209% increase over the five-year average. Nearly half of those involved a human bear attractant, such as garbage. 

Councilors emphasized the need to balance public safety with responsible wildlife management and plan to review recommendations in an upcoming study session. Mayor Gilda Yazzie voted against the resolution.

 For more on how to live with bears, go to: www.bearsmartdurango.org.