Learn to write an ampersand at this hands-on demonstration! The ArtRoom Collective’s featured artist for September is Heather Leavitt Martinez of Let's Letter Together! At our First Friday demonstration on September 1, 5:30pm, you will learn to write an ampersand (AKA the “and” symbol or the 27th letter of the alphabet). National Ampersand Day is September 8th, but you can get an early start early during this hands-on demo. There are thousands of variations. You will learn how to draw different kinds of ampersands and walk away with a free marker and an original piece of art that you made. The ArtRoom Collective First Friday Art Crawl is September 1, from 4pm - 7pm. Come talk with local artists, be inspired by creative work, or buy a local, handcrafted item for yourself or a special someone at the Smiley Building at 1309 East Third Avenue in Durango, Colorado. The ArtRoom Collective is Durango's working studio gallery where 22 artists create and sell their handmade goods— art, paintings, jewelry, pottery, hats, and more. The Smiley Cafe will be open and offers coffee and boba beverages and snacks. Monthly First Friday Art Crawls at The ArtRoom Collective feature artist demonstrations to teach and inspire. Heather Leavitt Martinez is an award-winning author and lettering artist. When she’s not traveling the world and drawing on walls, she’s teaching lettering classes at The ArtRoom and around town. She also takes commissions: hand-lettered quotes and poems, love letters, sidewalk chalkboards, murals, and other signage.