Meet the Staff

Brenda MaconExecutive Director

Brenda was searching for a place to share her inspiration, and for a way to help artists become successful. Along the way, she discovered the trifecta of creativity at the DAC: Theater, Visual Arts and Educational opportunities for all ages and abilities. She has been enjoying the connections within the Durango community in more rich and meaningful ways ever since!

What can offer the trifecta of human experience: Meaning, beauty, and authenticity?

The DAC can do that.

Contact Brenda about:

General inquiries about DAC or local arts & culture opportunities
Artist Services
Durango Creative District
DAC’s Board of Directors

Read more about Brenda Here

Keith AlewineTechnical Director

Keith needed a place to be creative but not in the spotlight. He found a place behind the scenes, literally, in the theater.

What can offer a creative outlet as unique as you?

The DAC can do that.

Keith has been in the creative world most of his life.

After finishing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism, he began a career as a newsroom graphic artist, creating charts, maps and illustrations at papers in Abilene and El Paso before doing the same at the Durango Herald for 7 years. He gave up that path when different passions — singing, playing music and helping people — turned into a full time job at Grace Church, where he now works with and trains a growing team of musicians in his role as music pastor. That role gives him experience diving into the technical ups and downs of a non-profit’s lighting, sound and stage needs.

Keith is a lifelong lover of music and has a collection of more than 3,000 albums in various formats, from beloved classic country on vinyl to well-worn classical cassettes to 80s hip hop CDs to his packed iPods that feature a little of everything. (Actually a LOT of everything!) He’s developed a keen ear over the years and loves learning all the details involved in engineering great sound.

Joining the staff in 2019, Keith has been in Durango for 20 years now.

Contact Keith about:

Technical needs (lights, sound) for the DAC theater

Deena CarneyVisual Arts Education Director

Durango has been my home for over 50 years. I’m a graduate of Durango High School, and a graduate of Colorado Institute of Art. I have had the privilege of traveling the world studying art, art history and architecture. My life experiences include Art Director – Purgatory Ski Resort, Medical Illustrator and Graphic Artist – Micromedics, Art Teacher – School District 9-R, St Columba Elementary/Middle School.

I’m also a professional Potter, Sculptor and Painter.
And a rancher too.

Almost seven years ago,I walked into the Durango Arts Center and was immediately hired as an After School Art teacher. I began building classes to bring joy to my students through art, because, I feel, art can get you through anything. After five years of building the After School Art Program, I became the Education Director! My passion is to teach art to others, art is a gift, and it really can change your life.

ART CAN DO THAT!

Contact Deena about:

Visual Art classes
Creativity Festivity

Mandy GardnerTheater Coordinator / 10-Minute Play Director

Mandy Gardner is thrilled to be DAC’s Theatre Coordinator for the Annual 10 Minute Play Festival. Mandy has directed many of DAC’s summer youth theatre camps as well, most recently THE HYSTERICAL HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, THE HYSTERICAL HISTORY OF THE TROJAN WAR, DYSTOPIA!, and, ages ago, CINDERELLA. Mandy performs locally with Merely Players; favorite roles include Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, Aimee in THE HUMANS, Fiona in SHREK and Mrs. Banks in MARY POPPINS (for which she won Best Supporting Actress in a Musical from Broadway Word-Denver). Mandy was also seen with DAC as Sally Bowles in CABARET!, Fastrada in PIPPIN, and Justice in ROCK OF AGES. Mandy’s theatre career began at age 10; she toured regionally throughout high school, then graduated from Washington & Lee University with a BA in Music and Theatre. After graduation, Mandy toured nationally for two and a half years, after which she settled in Fort Collins, CO, where she performed with OpenStage Theatre and Company, winning an Opus Award for her portrayal of Dromio of Syracuse in an all-female production of COMEDY OF ERRORS. Mandy also sings with the Durango Women’s Choir, is the Director of Faith Formation & Youth Ministry at Christ the King Lutheran Church, and has an amazing teenaged daughter.

Contact Mandy about:

10 Minute Play Festival

Jason LythgoeTheatre Director

Jason needed a place where he could pass along his passion for theatre and being onstage to the next generation of performers. He found a place where creative minds come together and share the goals of togetherness, support and a true community through shared experience.
What can bring people together in times of triumph and tragedy?
The DAC can do that.

Contact Jason about:

DAC Youth Theatre
Classes, camps and performance opportunities
Annual Snowdown Kids’ Follies

Julie MaddenFinance Manager

I love discovering the different layers in both visual and performing art. While not an artist myself, I have always appreciated the creative process in each of us and find that art and theater resonate with us even if we are not performers or artists per se. When I became an accountant my goal was to work with non-profit organizations to support their vision. Ten years into it, I still find it challenging and fulfilling.

Contact Julie about:

Accounts Payable & Receivable