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Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts
Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts is proudly serving Ignacio and the surrounding communities.
Gallery Hours
Wednesday - Friday 10am-6pm
Saturday 10am-2pm
465 Goddard Ave, Ignacio CO. 81137
970-563-4600
Meet Our Artists!
Melody Hedin
Born and raised in Bloomington, Minnesota, Melody was surrounded by art from an early age, thanks to her father, a commercial artist. After studying illustration at the University of Alaska, she explored many forms of creativity, from drawing to leatherwork and wood carving.
It wasn’t until moving to Colorado in 1999 that Melody found her true calling in jewelry making. Specializing in silversmithing, handmade chains, and wire wrapping, she weaves her love for crystals, stones, and metals into every unique creation. With each piece, Melody invites you to experience the powerful energy of the materials and the beauty of the present moment.
Shawna Hein
Shawna grew up near Denver, lived in Arizona and Utah, and has now retired to the serene beauty of Hesperus, CO. With a rich background in various artistic mediums, Shawna’s journey into pottery began in 2004 when she received her first pottery wheel. Today, she has a small studio where she crafts both functional pieces and creative works, and shares her passion by teaching at Dancing Spirit.
Shawna loves creating items that are practical, but she embraces the unexpected surprises of pottery, saying, "Not everything works as planned, and that’s what makes pottery fun." One of her greatest joys is experimenting with different designs to make each piece uniquely her own.
Glenda Seibel
Glenda, a lifelong artist from Allison, holds a B.A. in Art Education, Painting, and Psychology from Southern Colorado State College in Pueblo. Her love for watercolor painting is rooted in her fascination with the ever-changing play of color and natural light, often captured through the vibrant landscapes of sunsets, sunrises, and the Southwest.
But Glenda’s creativity doesn’t stop with watercolors. She is also a talented silversmith, jeweler, and enjoys knitting and crocheting, constantly exploring new ways to express her artistic vision. Whether on canvas or through metal and fiber, Glenda’s work reflects her passion for capturing the beauty of the world around her.
Connie Parker
A Minnesota native, Connie moved to this beautiful area after a 20-year career as a firefighter and EMT. Her love of beading began 25 years ago while recovering from an on-duty injury.
Connie enjoys creating one-of-a-kind jewelry using colorful seed beads and real gemstones. She finds joy in experimenting with both symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns, allowing each piece to take on its own unique style. Beading has become a relaxing and fulfilling hobby for Connie, giving her the freedom to explore even the deepest corners of her imagination.
Gerry & Becky Lohrey
Gerry’s love for nature, outdoor adventures, and creativity is matched only by his passion for lapidary art. He crafts unique stone creations and upcycled jewelry, transforming surfboard and automotive paint waste into stunning designs.
When Becky moved to the area, she fell in love with the same natural beauty—and with Gerry, her soulmate. Inspired by his encouragement, Becky rediscovered her passion for painting after a 35-year hiatus.
Together, they create and share their art at festivals, events, and local shops, blending their talents to celebrate beauty and creativity.
Juanita Melendez
Juanita grew up in San Francisco in the 1960s, where her love for beading and embroidery began. As a teenager, she embraced the trend of embellishing everything and has continued to evolve her craft ever since.
She creates one-of-a-kind jewelry, bead-embroidered plaques, wall hangings, and crystal art pieces, using healing stones, handcrafted cabochons, and charms. Each piece reflects her unbridled creativity and is designed to bring healing, love, and empowerment to its owner.
Kasey Correia
Born in Castro Valley, CA, and raised in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, Kasey’s journey as an artist began early, earning Art Honors in high school before pursuing her passion at universities in San Francisco and Alaska. For Kasey, art is more than a craft—it’s a powerful outlet for self-expression and personal well-being.
Now serving as the Executive Director of Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts, Kasey combines her artistic talents with a deep commitment to community. Whether leading pottery classes for youth and adults or championing the arts in her role, she brings creativity, energy, and heart to everything she does.
Whitney Largent
Whitney is the creator behind Toad Song jewelry, where she blends beads, clay, and asymmetry to embrace the perfectly imperfect. Her love for making things started early—bead looms, clay trinkets, and hours lost in creativity. Now, as a mom, she hopes to inspire her kids by showing them that creativity isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to think, explore, and build something meaningful.
Originally from a Minnesota farm, Whitney named her business after the toads singing on warm summer nights, a nostalgic reminder of her roots. She now lives outside Ignacio with her husband and two wild and wonderful boys, working in digital marketing for an environmental nonprofit. When she’s not creating, she loves reading, camping, traveling, and training for running events—mostly as an excuse for girls’ trips.
Debi Ellis
Debi has been living in Durango for almost fifty years, having moved there after earning a bachelor's degree in biology/ecology from Western State in Gunnison. She worked at Purgatory Ski Resort from 1979-2009, running and working at various bars. She and her husband also owned and operated a landscaping/lawn service company for 32 years that they recently sold to her daughter and son in law. Her son is an attorney in San Francisco.
35 years ago, Debi's sister gifted her stained glass supplies and tools. She taught herself the basics and has improved from there.
Susan Halkin
After being a teacher for over 40 years, Susan and her husband have retired in Arboles. This is her first time displaying her art in a gallery.
Susan finds all of the treasures that she uses for her art walking through the woods near Navajo Lake in New Mexico, or combing the beaches of the east and west coasts and the Gulf of Mexico. Each piece of art is unique and no two are alike. In using all natural treasures it makes for very interesting and down to earth art.
Lori Peterson
Lori, a University of Oklahoma fine arts graduate, creates bold, high-contrast works using ink wash and acrylics. Inspired by Silverton's beauty, she's spent 30 years in Durango raising a family and caring for beloved horses, dogs and open land.
Kelly Black
Born and raised in Durango, Kelly spent most of his like working in the automotive field. He started painting in 2008, and with the exception of a weekend workshop with Edward Aldrich (a well-known wildlife artist) and Bonnie Conrad (and exceptional western artist), he is self taught. Kelly has sold works from North Carolina all the way to California, and has a painting as far away as the Philippines. He has numerous first place ribbons in four corners art shows and has had a number of successful one man shows and he welcomes commissions.
Unite forces for good with Colorado Gives!
Your Colorado Gives donations go twice as far—helping us meet matching grants, sustain daily operations, and grow creative programs for youth and families. You’ll also help us finish our new arts center with essentials like a community message board, permanent signage, safety fencing, and power blinds for future movies, music, and performances.