Voices Inside My Head: Echo is an interactive art exhibit featuring augmented reality, paintings by artist Tad Smith, and poetry by Larry Bourland and other local and national poets.
About Echo
Voices Inside My Head: Echo is excited to return to the DAC, and we invite you to Echo the experience of art, poetry and augmented reality through the paintings of Durango artist Tad Smith. This innovative exhibit first launched in Durango, Colorado in February 2025 and received significant attention from both local and national media, including feature articles in The Durango Herald, The Durango Telegraph, and The Cortez Journal. Due to its success and the enthusiastic response from the community, we are extending the exhibit at the Durango Arts Center.
This extraordinary experience comes to life when you scan a QR code, enabling you to listen to poets recite original poems inspired by each painting, all while witnessing the transformation of the 2D artwork before your eyes, engaging your senses in a unique way. The exhibit showcases 35 paintings by Tad Smith, alongside contributions from over 30 poets from Durango and Southwest Colorado, as well as acclaimed poets from Los Angeles, Tucson, and Paris. Their voices echo the themes and emotions captured within the exhibition.
The exhibit will be further enhanced by adding additional sculptures, including a sculpture/photo-op mural, and tapestries. Also taking place during the exhibition, is the Blackout Poetry activity, inviting attendees to explore the art of blackout poetry. This activity allows individuals to unleash their creativity by crafting their own unique poetry.
Opening Reception
There will be an Opening Reception on May 30, 2025, from 5:00pm-7:00pm (MST). The event is open to the public and will feature catered food from Mahogany Grille.
Tad Smith Bio
Tad was awarded a full scholarship to Des Moines Area Community College and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Grand View College. In 1994, he launched his own graphic design business, which heavily influences his fine art. From 2004 to 2008, Tad owned Studio Tad, an art gallery in Phoenix, where he served as curator, creator, collaborator, and promoter. In 2014-2015, Vision Gallery in Chandler, AZ commissioned Tad to create “An Exhibition of Portraits of Chandler Community Leaders,” featuring 20 community leaders. The exhibition received widespread coverage in newspapers, magazines, and even a local television station. Since moving to Durango in 2017, Tad has showcased his work in solo and group shows at numerous galleries and other venues in the Four Corners area.
Larry Bourland Bio
A Durango poet, U.S. Navy Combat Veteran, graduate from California State University, Fullerton and coordinator of the project poetry voices for Voices Inside My Head project. Discover the art of Larry Bourland. His website offers a captivating glimpse into his book, “Laughing At The Scars” (©1992, all rights reserved). Here, Larry shares his profound poems, rich with powerful imagery and emotional depth. Immerse yourself in Larry’s unique voice as he brings his experiences to life through his poetry. His work not only showcases his talent as a poet in Durango, Colorado but also invites readers to explore the transformative power of poetry. Engage with his vivid, thought-provoking pieces and be part of a journey that transcends the ordinary.
