A Shared Blanket-Donna Frank — Attraction in Durango

I stopped in this store with my girlfriend to try to pick out a piece of jewelry with her for her birthday. The owner, Donna, ignored us as we entered but was happily complaining with another older, white woman while we began to shop. The customer she was speaking with left, and she ignored us until another middle-aged white woman came in. We ended up finding pieces we were interested in and stood at the counter to check-out. She noticed us and continued to ignore us. We didn’t think anything of it until my girlfriend directly asked the price of the items with the intention of buying them, and she angrily snapped with the response “look at the back” while quickly turning her back and returning to the other customer in her nicest voice possible. I am a middle aged white woman and unfortunately experienced the way my girlfriend, a middle aged Navajo woman, is treated by business owners at times. It was completely unacceptable and clear she did not have any intention of helping my girlfriend without belittling her in some way. Sharing this experience because she sells Navajo jewelry and can’t find the kindness to welcome people of all kind in her store. Thanks...

Great art and energies by indigenous artists.

Woman working there (owner) gave off a vibe of distrust which ultimately led to me leaving. I couldnt look and appreciate the art. I was looking at different items and artist in the store and I felt very uncomfortable. I tried to start a conversation to ease the vibe, but decided to leave after some condescending comments and several things she said I knew to be untrue [i.e. saying it never rains in Durango when rain drops fell on my moments before]. Perhaps she was having a bad day or was tired of tourist. I hope she is able to find joy and trust. 🙏

Beadwork on hanging leather pelt on wall is worth going in to see. Sacred depictions in some art is very well transmitted.

If you get a chance to buy direct from native artists, please do. Check out the store if you are travelling through. Give worker/owner good energy. I sensed she could use...

Ok so yes the owner is blunt and isn’t afraid to tell you to put your mask on or to not manhandle things in her store. But she was amazing with us, very knowledgeable about the artists of the pieces she was selling, where they came from, the names of the artists, etc. Once you realize that she is just trying to run a business and preserve her pieces that she works hard to sell for, you might understand her behavior. I thought she was ecsentric, funny, and dry humored, which I find hilarious. And yes, don’t bring your kids here. She loves kids, but when running an art shop, it can be stressful with little fingers picking up everything. I even told her I would never bring my son who is 20 months in here because he would immediately destroy everything. Great store with amazing works of art from local tribal artists and we will definitely...