September 2010
Southwest Art Scene El Paso
Las Cruces
Other Southern New Mexico
Menu of this month's listings, stories and columns
Adair Margo Fine Art — 215 Stanton, Suite 602 (Martin Building). Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: 533-0048 or adairmargo.com.
Adair Studio and Gallery — 5750 N. Mesa (at the Summit). Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information: 471-2271, 587-8646 or adairstudios.com.
Showing Sept. 1-Oct. 5: “A Journey Through The Summer’s Creative Expressions,” works in various media from Clarissa Adair and the Adair Artist Group.
Classes for adults in drawing, oil and acrylic are 9 to noon and to 4 Monday thru Friday and Saturday mornings. Children After School Art Classes are 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.
Artistic Celebration of Our Mountains — Opening reception is 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, for the 13th annual invitational exhibit at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing. Light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar offered.
The exhibit features local artists’ work depicting the area’s mountains and landscapes. Invited artists include Greg Allen, Susanne Baca, Sandi Casillas, Stephanie Conroy, Joyce Macrorie, Lisa Mata, Candy Mayer, David Nakabayashi, Parker, Oween Rath, Tom Russell, Maria Socorro Munoz, Margaret Tumey, Marie Rhode and Jeniffer Stapher-Thomas. The exhibit continues through December. Information: (575) 589-0653 or celebrationofourmountains.org.
Ardovino’s Desert Crossing is at One Ardovino Drive in Sunland Park, N.M.; from El Paso, take Race Track Drive across the Rio Grande and across McNutt Road (NM 273), continue past the post office and turn left on Ardovino (look for the windmill).
Arts International — The 43rd annual Arts International Juried Exhibition, Texas’s largest international juried art exhibit, is Sept. 22-Oct. 8, at the historic Union Depot, downtown. Information: 534-7377 or artsinternat.com.
Opening reception is Saturday, Sept. 25.
The exhibition presents artworks from the finest artists in Texas, New Mexico and the neighboring State of Chihuahua, Mexico.
Ballroom Marfa — 108 E. San Antonio Street in Marfa. Information: (432) 729-3700 or ballroommarfa.org.
Showing Oct. 1-3: “Immaterial,” curated by Fairfax Dorn. The exhibit focuses on the physical and psychic tensions between form, color and space across varied visual and structural mediums. Participating artists include: Rosy Keyser, Rachel Khedoori, Laleh Khorramian, Esther Klas, Linda Matalon, Julie Mehretu, Heather Rowe, Erin Shirreff and Charline von Heyl.
Chamizal galleries - Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for Abrazos Gallery, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for Paisanos Gallery. Admission is free. Information: 532-7273 or nps.gov/cham.
Showing through Sept. 4 in Los Paisanos Gallery: “The Romantic Realist Artists” group show, featuring works by eight artists who study under the instruction of Lyuba Titovets. Each work depicts the theme “El Paso: Crossroad to the Southwest and Mexico.”
Showing through Oct. 23 in the Abrazos Gallery: “Retablos: A Cultural Legacy,” artwork by Virginia Maria Romero
Showing Sept. 10-Nov. 6 at Los Paisanos Gallery: “Beauty in the Abstract” group exhibit, featuring works by Evelyn Ainsa, Tommy Alford, Sally Avant, Ho Baron, Holly Cox, Lee, Kolliker, Win Korf, Babbie Mitchell, Carmen Navar, Pat Olchefski-Winston, Marie Otero, Mark Paulda, Schuyler, Joan Shepak, A. Stein, Linda Markuly Szilvasy and Brigette von Ahn.
Opening reception is 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11.
Chinati Foundation — Marfa, Texas. Created by artist Donald Judd, the Chinati Foundation houses one of the world’s largest collections of permanently installed contemporary art. The collection is open for guided tours throughout the year at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Admission is $10 ($5 for students, seniors). Information: (915) 729-4362. Call ahead for group tours.
The collection includes Dan Flavin’s untitled Marfa project, a monumental work in colored fluorescent light that occupies six buildings.
Community Exhibit Space — The city’s “People’s Gallery” is on the first floor of El Paso City Hall, Two Civic Center Plaza. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: MCAD, 541-4481 or elpasotexas.gov/mcad.
Cross Art Auction submissions - St. Stephen Deacon & Martyr Catholic Church, 1700 George Dieter, seeks artists for its 3rd annual Cross Art auction scheduled for 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24. The wooden crosses may be decorated in whatever media or subject; keep in mind that the Saint Stephen community embraces Christian values. Deadline to turn in work is Oct. 8. The church committee may exclude artwork deemed offensive in nature. Information: 855-1661 or sritchey72419@elp.rr.com. Selected art may be viewed at ststephenelpaso.org.
Panels for professional artists may be picked up at the church Parish Hall; Main Street Gallery in San Elizario; Crossland Gallery, 500 W. Paisano; Sunland Art Gallery, 750 Sunland Park in the Sunland Park Mall. Professional, amateur and student Artists may register and pick-up wooden panels at the church.
The selected art will be on display in the church parish hall 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23.
Crossland Gallery — 500 W. Paisano (in the Art Junction of El Paso). Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. Information: 351-2811.
Showing Aug. 28-Sept. 18: “Where I Come From: My Inspiration to Become an Artist,” works by Bob Adams. The youngest of 11, Adams was born in rural Oklahoma down the road from a Kiowa family. Adams and his best friend roamed the back rural roads until he entered the Navy in 1955. It was from these early years, Adams gained his inspiration. Opening reception is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28.
Showing Sept. 25-Oct. 16: “Ves Tres” “You See Three”), featuring three mixed-media artists showing their later creations. Opening reception is 9 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25.
El Paso Art Association — The regular association meetings are at 1:30 p.m. the second Sunday of the month January through June and September through November at the Crossland Gallery, 500 W. Paisano. All meetings are free and open to the public. Information: 534-7377 or elpasoartassociation.com.
El Paso Artisan Galley — Lynx Exhibits, 300 W. San Antonio. The gallery features works for sale by local painters, jewelers, crafters and photographers. Lynx hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday. Gallery admission is free. Information: 533-4330 or lynxexhibits.com
The space also features a mini Mexican Mercado with blown glass collectibles, piñatas, baskets, blankets and other Mexican handicrafts.
Showing through Sept. 18: “Hues of Blue,” artistic interpretations of the color blue by 15 area artists.
The exhibit is held in conjunction with Lynx’ “Color Play” exhibit that runs through Sept. 5. Exhibit admission: $6-$10.
El Paso Museum of Art Classes and Workshops — The museum’s Fall 2010 classes for adults, youth and families run Sept. 2-Dec. 16. Cost per class is $77 ($62 members), unless otherwise listed. Information: 532-1707, ext. 27 (ext. 16 to register), or elpasoartmuseum.org/classes.asp.
“Life Drawing” classes for ages 18 and older are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 16 (no Nov. 25 class). Cost: $10 per session ($5 members).
Adult classes open to ages 15 and older:
• Clay Explorations — 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dates to be announced. Cost: $90 ($72 members).
• Pastel Possibilities — 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 9-Oct. 28.
• Introduction to Ceramics — 12:30 to 3 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 19-Nov. 7. Cost: $90 ($72 members).
• Digital Photography — 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Sept. 25-Nov. 13.
• Watercolor Painting “Made Easy” — 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 26-Nov. 14.
• Ekphrastic Workshop — 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 2-Nov. 6. Cost: $5 per session ($2 members).
• Embossed Metal Art (Repujado den Lamina) — 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. Cost: $38 ($30 members).
Dates to be announced:
• Beginning Portrait Oil Painting — 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• “Learning to See” Beginning and Intermediate Acrylic Painting — 1 to 3:30 p.m.
• Clay Explorations — 6 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $90 ($72 members).
Youth classes:
• Clay Works and Portfolio Development — 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Sept. 11-Oct. 30 for ages 13-16. Cost: $90 ($72 members).
• Packing Tape Figure Sculpture — 12:30 to 3 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 19-Nov. 7 for ages 10-12.
• Self Portraits for Kids — 1 to 3 p.m. for ages 9-12. Dates to be announced.
Family Workshops are 1 to 3 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month:
Cost is $12 ($10 members) per person or $30 ($25 members) for families of three. All supplies included.
• Oct. 20 — Gouache Action Paintings
• Nov. 17 — Monoprints.
El Paso Museum of Art Collectors’ Club — El Paso Museum of Art Foundation Collectors’ Club hosts a trip to the Albuquerque and Acoma Pueblo Oct. 15-18. Tour includes the El Camino Real International Heritage Center, Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, National Hispanic Cultural Center, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Acoma Pueblo, as well as art galleries and artist studios in Albuquerque. Cost: $1,020 ($1,800 couples or shared room). Includes meals, airfare, pick-up and transfers, hotels, guided tours, museum and attraction admission and more. Verbal commitment due by Sept. 1; full payment due by Sept. 24. Information: 532-1707, ext. 13. Payment instructions: Shirley Nussbaum, 532-8900 or 747-3090.
El Paso Museum of Art — One Arts Festival Plaza, downtown El Paso. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. Closed Mondays and holidays. Admission is free, except for “Earth Water Fire Air” ($5 for ages 12 and over). Information: 532-1707 or elpasoartmuseum.org.
Showing through Nov. 7: “Earth Water Air Fire: The Work of Carole Feuerman.”
The exhibition derives its name from the four basic elements in ancient worldviews, which may also be considered the primary elements of Carole Feuerman’s sculptural work regarding process and theme. Feuerman works with materials such as bronze, marble and resin as they change states transitioning from solid to liquid and liquid to solid.
This exhibition includes 51 sculptural works in oil painted resin, cast marble, and bronze from the 1980s to the present.
Since the 1980s, Feuerman has created hyperrealist, figurative sculpture, predominantly of women. Feuerman uses hyperrealism to address personal, rather than social topics and in doing so, portrays women as confident, healthy and introspective. Feuerman’s honors include the Betty Parsons Award in Sculpture, the Lorenzo de Medici Prize at the 2001 Biennale di Firenze, and First Prize at the 2008 Beijing Biennale.
Showing through Sept. 19: “Native American Works On Paper,” featuring works by Native American artists such as Gilbert Atencio, Kay B., Arthur Begay, Archie Blackowl, Nat Coriz, Woody Crumbo, Robert Draper, Kananginak, Kiakshuk, R. Naha, and Paul Pletka.
Showing Sept. 26-March 20, 2011: “Transforming the Figure: Post WWII Prints.” This exhibition of post-WWII prints by artists such as Romare Bearden, Arthur Bowen Davies, Ester Hernandez, Lester Johnson, Alice Neel, Pablo Picasso, Doel Reed, Ben Shahn and Rufino Tamayo illustrates some of the various methods in which the figure can be depicted, either in a representational or abstract style and how some of the innovative uses of distortion, foreshortening and coloration change the meaning of an artwork. It investigates the many diverse styles (realism, Surrealism, collage, social realism and Pop) that American, Mexican and European artists of the second half of the 20th century have chosen to portray the human figure.
Showing through Oct. 10: “The Holy Family/La Sagrada Familia,” as part of EPMA’s dedication to an ongoing rotation of the retablos in the collections
Showing through Nov. 29: “Hari Kidd: Entrepreneurs of War.” Hari (Harry) Matthew Kidd introduced the aesthetics of Modernism to El Paso in the early 20th Century. The gouache on paper paintings in this exhibition exemplify the artist’s modernist aesthetics, as well as, his opinions on war and social inequity. Several of Kidd’s paintings depict the frightening, crowded confines of a Nazi concentration camp, and the intimidating, endless rows of robot-like soldiers before a reviewing stand.
Cita Schuster will host a free lecture on Hari Kidd at 2 p .m. Sunday, Sept. 19, in the auditorium.
Free Zip Tours are 12:15 p.m. selected Wednesdays led by museum staff members. Admission is free. A tour of the “Hari Kidd” is Sept. 26, led by curator Christian Gerstheimer.
Showing through Aug. 23, 2011: “James Drake: Walk Through,” consisting of five pieces of artwork on display in the Jonathan Rogers Lobby.
The museum’s permanent collections include the Kress Collection of European works from the 14th through the 18th centuries; the American Collection of art of the 19th and 20th centuries; the Spanish Viceroyal Collection and Mexican Folk Retablos, art from the 17th through the 19th centuries; Works on Paper Collection from the 16th through the 20th centuries; Contemporary Collection, emphasizing Southwestern and Mexican artists; and the Tom Lea Gallery, featuring works by El Paso’s best-known artists and other regional artists.
Museum membership is $15 seniors, $25 individuals and $50 for families, and includes discounts at the Museum Store, free admission to all exhibitions and programs, and invitations to private member events. Information: 532-1707, ext. 66 for more information.
The museum’s fall classes and workshops begin Sept. 2. Information: 532-1707 or register online at elpasoartmuseum.org.
Encaustic International Gallery — 7100 Westwind, Suite 120. The gallery is the studio of El Paso encaustic artist Brigitte von Ahn. Hours are 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Information/appointment: 833-0454, 581-4737 or brigittevonahn.com.
Group sessions for encaustic painting are 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Escamilla Fine Art Gallery, Studio and Gift Shop — Award-winning Impressionist Alberto Escamilla’s studio is 1500 Main Street in San Elizario. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday and by appointment. Information: 474-0752 or albertoescamilla.com.
Students are being accepted at both the Main Street location and the artist’s home gallery at 1457 Amstater Circle (open by appointment).
‘First Fridays’ call for artists — Local artists, organizations and art lovers are sought for the arts-based series’ first outdoors event in Downtown El Paso 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3. The event is open to artists of any medium, as well as independent, grassroots and other organizations. Information/applications: firstfridaysep.com
Artists are responsible for bringing whatever they need to properly display their work; no electricity available. Vending fee: $20; limited number of 10’ by 10’ tents available for an additional fee.
FORUM Arts and Culture — 1500 Texas Ave. (at Cotton), second floor. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, or by appointment. Artist studio spaces available. Information: 351-6521 or gallery705@gmail.com. Web: forumac.org.
Hal Marcus Studio and Gallery — 800 N. Mesa, second floor (at Yandell). Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Information: 533-9090 or halmarcus.com.
Showing through Nov. 5: “Drawing: the Essence of Art” group exhibit. The exhibit features all black and white works of various styles. Artists include Manuel Acosta, Bill Bissell, Willibald de Cabrera, Gerardo Chavez, Julie Caffee-Cruz, Robert Dozal, Terésa Fernandez, Pat Foss, Katie Gelinas, Judy Hampton, Paul Hoylen, Maritza Jauregui-Neely, Gabriela Jimenez, Louis Krupp, Joe Lopez, Hal Marcus, Lisa Matta, Candy Mayer, Katie Foss, Babbie Mitchell, Jesus Monsivais, Aaron Royal Mosley, Carmen Navar, Demetrio Paura, Jim Pritchett, Bill Rakocy, Anastacio Rivera, Mark Rojas, Santiago, Ruben Valenzuela, René B Sanders, Rami Scully, Kelly Foss, Eugene Thurston, Armando Torres, Jim Ward, Connie Weaver and others.
An ARTalk is 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30. Forty artists from the exhibit will be present to discuss their works. Refreshment served; wear black and white.
The gallery exhibits works by owner Hal Marcus, a native El Pasoan who has been painting for over 40 years and is famed for such locally inspired works as “El Mercado,” “El Paso Navidad” and “Avenida Juárez.”
Other featured artists include Teresa Fernandez, Bill Sullivan, Manuel Acosta, Bill Rakocy, Candy Mayer, Vincent Peterson, Evelyn Ainsa, Mark Paulda, Francisco Romero and Mauricio Mora.
A gift shop offers art-related gifts.
International Museum of Art — 1211 Montana. The museum is operated by the International Association for the Visual Arts in the historic Turney Home. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Admission is free. Information: 543-6747 or internationalmuseumofart.net.
Showing through Aug. 29: “Something Different,” juried art show. This year’s juror was award-winning artist Linda Markuly Szilvasy.
The Heritage Gallery (lower level) features “The Mexican Revolution Exhibition: 1910-1920” featuring murals by Bill Rakocy and Mario Parra depicting various events from the Mexican Revolution, a collection of rare, matted photographs and Pancho Villa’s death mask.
Manny Guerra will hosts sketching classes with a live model 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Students may use media of their choice. Cost: $10 per class.
The newly-formed “Sketch Book Club” created by Bill Rakocy for enthusiasts of Black and White Drawing meets regularly at the museum meets Sunday through Sept. 12. Anyone wishing to improve their drawing skills is welcome (bring pencils and a sketch pad), and the participants’ work will be featured in a special exhibition. Cost: $15 (for four-week class).
La Galeria de la Misíon de Senecú — The Ysleta Independent School District’s gallery is at 8455 Alameda. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free. Information: 434-9711 or yisd.net/finearts.
Showing Sept. 16-Nov. 19: The 3rd Annual YISD Faculty Exhibition, featuring works by district faculty and staff. Opening reception is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16.
‘Mining Minds’ dedication — The dedication for the newest piece of permanent public art at University of Texas at El Paso, “Mining Minds,” by Denver-based artist Michael Clapper, is Friday, Sept. 17, with Clapper and UTEP President Diana Natalicio present. The sculpture is a 25-foot-tall pickaxe head partly buried in a rock garden within the new campus roundabout at University Avenue and Sun Bowl Drive. Sunlight will shine through the perforated numbers at day, and LED lights will illuminate the pick’s ends at night. Time to be announced. Information: 747-7503.
Pena Gallery and Studio San Elizario – Renowned artist Amado M. Pena Jr.’s new gallery is 1456 N. Main in San Elizario (in front of the mission). Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily or by appointment (closed Tuesdays). Information: 851-8400 or kim@sanelizariopenagallery.com.
Grand opening is 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23. In addition to works by Pena, featured artists include Frank Howell, Malcom Furlow, Candy Mayer, Manuel Franco, Helen Hall and Carla Romero as well as bronzes, wood sculpture, ethnic pots, gourd art.
The first ever Mextizo Chili and Backyard Barbecue Cook-offs are Sept. 18-19 at the gallery. Information: Juan, 433-0592.
Rubin Center — UTEP’s Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts is next to Sun Bowl Stadium (off Dawson Drive). Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Information: 747-6151 or utep.edu/artsandculture.
Showing through Dec. 11 in the L and Rubin Galleries: “Contra Flujo: Independence and Revolution” in the L and Rubin galleries. The exhibition, meaning “Against the Flow,” features seven contemporary artists from Mexico City who use new media to explore the centennial of the Mexican Revolution and the bicentennial of Mexico’s independence. The artists in this exhibition create pieces that directly engage and challenge the discourse of progress. Featured artists include Marcela Armas, Ivan Abreu, Arcangel Constantini, Gilberto Esparza, Ivan Puig, Rogelio Sosa and Laura Valencia.
Showing through Nov. 13 in the Project Space: “Border 2010: Photographs by Alejandro Cartagena and David Rochkind” in the Project Space. Photographs by the award-winning photographers have been selected from Cartagena’s People of Suburbia and Rochkind’s Heavy Hand, Sunken Spirit. All were created within the past few years and depict the people and places of Mexico, with a particular focus on its northern border.
Matthew Drutt, executive director of Artpace in San Antonio, presents “Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Billboards” about the artists’ billboards currently on view in El Paso at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. The Cuban-born artist combined elements of Conceptual art, Minimalism, political activism, and poetic beauty in a variety of media, including public billboards, give-away piles of candy and posters, and ordinary objects, such as clocks, mirrors, and light fixtures. His billboards are on view in San Antonio, Dallas, Houston and El Paso through December. Drutt’s presentation is followed by a guided bus tour of the billboards from 3 to 4:30 p.m. with a reception in Drutt’s honor at 4:30 p.m. at the Rubin Center. Admission is free.
San Elizario galleries — Three galleries are now open near the San Elizario Plaza on the Mission Trail. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Information. 851-0041.
• Main Street Gallery, 1456 Main. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Information: msgallery.net.
Currently showing is “The American Dream” collective exhibit. Featured artists include Rudi Leidelmeyer, Stephanie Conroy, Margaret Heath, Nina Cobb Walker, Al Borrego and Candy Mayer.
• Golden Eagle Gallery, 1501 Main. Currently featured are works by Mario Parra, Al Borrego, Laurel Roberts, Pauline Raedeke, Nasario Olvera, Romi Saenz, Hawkins, Miguel Varela, Warren Smart, Annette Paajanen, Yamina Gant, Bill Rakocy, Francisco Miranda S., Betty Ott and Marjorie Carrasco.
• Horseshoe Gallery — 1500 Main.
Information: 345-5594. Artists featured include Ralph Rodriguez, Bob Adams, Connie Weaver, Judy Hampton, Mario Parra, Jim Pritchett, Stephanie Conroy, Nina Walker, Wendy Reyes, Pauline Raedeke, Maria Branch and Andy Martinez.
Sasahara Gallery — The new gallery is at 7100 Westwind Drive, Suite 135, features fine art paintings, jewelry, sculpture, photography, prints, cards and portraits. Art classes offered. Hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: 584-4222 or sasahara.gallery@live.com. Web: sasaharagallery.com.
The gallery’s Humane Society Benefit noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. Ten percent of proceeds from sales should go towards the Humane Society. More than 40 artists have contributed art for a special show fundraiser. Manny Guerra will do on-site and commissioned pet portraits from pet photos, and Stephanie Conroy, artist of the HSEP mural, will take commissions on murals and pet portraits. Also featured is the jewelry of Patricia Vaupel of DeFranco Designs. Social is 4 to 7 p.m.
Gallery artists are Bob Adams, Sally Bakey-Avant, Jeanne Campos, Teresa Fernandez, Winfrey Hearst, Marco Milazzo, Shirley Morgan, Carmen Navar, Rami Scully, Corinne Spinnler, Reggie Watterson, Ben Avant, Gerardo Campos, Marji Carrasco, Jose Clemente, Manny Guerra, Candy Mayer, Josefina Monson-Giessinger, Linda Noack, A. Stein, Miguel Varela and T Yetter.
Artist submissions being taken through Sept. 18 for the Autumn Show, highlighting fall events such as Halloween, Day of The Dead, Thanksgiving, Autumn landscapes, Mexican Revolution, Oktoberfest, Grandparents Day, back-to-school, etc. The exhibit will run Oct. 9-Nov. 7 with opening reception 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9. Submission cost: $20 first work; $5 each up to two additional works.
Second Floor Gallery — 407 W. San Antonio, at Hwy 90 West in Marfa. Information: (310) 739-8248 or secondfloormarfa.com.
Showing through October are ceramic works by Matt Wedel. Wedel has exhibited at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Gallery 2 in Chicago, Illinois, and LA Louver in Venice, California.
Sun Bowl Art Exhibit 2010 submissions — The International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana, is taking submissions through Sept. 29 for its annual international juried competition to run Nov. 5-Jan. 4. This year’s judge is artist Oween Rath. Deadline to turn in accepted entries is Oct. 20. Top three prizes are purchase awards, and the paintings become part of the Museum’s permanent collection.
Entry fee: $45 for submission of three photographs or slides to be considered. Information/prospectus/entry forms: 543-6747, 543-9222 or iavatx@aol.com. Web: InternationalMuseumOfArt.Net.
Sunland Art Gallery — The El Paso Art Association co-op gallery is in Sunland Park Mall, second level across from The Greenery, with 30 El Paso artists represented. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Information: 584-3117, 474-0053 or sunlandartgallery.com.
Individuals or groups interested in having a show at the gallery can call 833-0636 or 474-0053.
Showing Sept. 3-28: “Vivid Expressions,” works by Melinda Etzold. Etzold uses pastels, acrylics, and encaustics to create landscapes, still lifes and animals. She is known for her bright, vibrant colors. She is a member of the Sunland Art Gallery, the El Paso Art Association of El Paso, the Plein Air Painters of El Paso, and the Pastel Society of El Paso.
Opening reception is 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3.
Susan Eisen Gallery — 5857 N. Mesa, Ste. 19. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Various media featured,. Information: 584-0022 or susaneisen.com.
‘The Reason for the Season’ call for artists — Linda Noack’s Sasahara Gallery, 7100 Westwind, Ste. 135, is seeking artists’ submissions through Sept. 18 for its Autumn-themed show running Oct. 9-Nov. 27. Painting of all media up to 16” x 20” accepted. Entry fee: $20 for one painting; $5 each for up to two additional paintings. Galley commission is 40 percent. Information/guidelines: sasahara.gallery@live.com.
Accepted art must be turned in to the gallery between noon and 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25.
UTEP Union Gallery — Second floor, UTEP Union East. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: 747-5481 or utep.edu/events.
Las Cruces/Mesilla
‘5,000 Flowers’— The 9th annual 9-11 commemorative exhibit is Sept. 3-25 at the Branigan Cultural Center’s Shannon Room, 500 N. Water Street in Las Cruces. The non-political exhibit, sponsored by the GFWC Progress Club, features work of all mediums with a floral emphasis. An opening reception is 5 to 7 p.m. at the center Friday, Sept. 3, as part of the First Friday Ramble. Information: (575) 522-8243 or (575) 541-2155.
This year’s show features the first of two large towers covered in colorful painted flowers and poetry. Small blocks of wood were painted with 10 flowers each and placed on the wooden towers that replicate the World Trade Center. Each tower holds 2,500 flowers. The second tower will be finished for the tenth anniversary show in September of 2011.
So far, participating artists have come from New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Vermont, Wyoming and New York, and have ranged from professional artists to school children. El Paso artists participating include Atalo Mendez, Gloria Williams-Mendez, Connie Weaver, Nancy Diaz, Dolores Duenez, Pat Ognibene and Donna Carpenter.
Also Branigan Cultural Center will commemorate The Pentagon and the tragedy in Pennsylvania with a special display.
A special reception for all participants is 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 11, at the center. The public is invited.
Bonnie Mandoe Labor Day Art Studio Tour — Mandoe will host a tour of her studio at 825 Quesenberry Street in Las Cruces 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday through Monday, Sept. 4-6. Mandoe displays recent and retrospective oil painting at her historic Quesenberry Farmhouse. Refreshments served. Admission is free. Information: (575) 523-9760.
Branigan Cultural Center — Branigan Building, 501 N. Main, (Downtown Mall) Las Cruces. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Admission is free. Information: (575) 541-2154 or las-cruces.org/museums.
The center will host its 75th Birthday Extravaganza 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3, celebrating the construction of the Branigan Cultural Center (then the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library) in 1935.
Showing Aug. 27-Oct. 9: “Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray.” During his career, Muray photographed many important people from the political, artistic, and social arenas and his work was regularly featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, McCall’s and the Ladies Home Journal. The photographs of Kahlo, dating from 1937 to 1941, explore Muray’s unique perspective; in the 1930s and 1940s he was Frida Kahlo’s friend, lover and confidant. Reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27.
In conjunction with the exhibit, Cinematinee at the Fountain Theatre on the Mesilla Plaza will host a special screening of “The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo,” at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25. Admission: $4 ($1 Mesilla Valley Film Society members).
The monthly “History Notes” program is 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9. This month’s topic is “Local Architectural Styles.”
The permanent display, “Las Cruces: Crossroads of History,” features a comprehensive look at the history of Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley spanning the past 400 years through photographs, documents, artifacts and narrative.
‘Color Las Cruces’ Plein Air Competition and Community Arts Festival — Dona Ana Arts Council present the weekend arts event Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11-12. The first-ever event will be two full days of activities in Downtown Las Cruces, featuring an artist workshop, a “Quickdraw” competition, two Plein Air competitions, a VIP artist reception and a Citywide gallery hop. Information/registration: (575) 523-6403 or ceci@daarts.org.
Artists compete for cash in two categories, and will go to an outdoor location in Las Cruces during a four-hour period on Saturday morning, where they will begin and complete a painting, then return with the finished piece. A Quickdraw competition will also take place during the Farmer’s Market, in front of the Rio Grande Theatre.
Winners announced Saturday at the VIP Artist Reception at the Rio Grande Theatre. Attendees will sample food and wine area restaurants and wine wineries, and enjoy live music.
A public exhibit and sale of completed paintings is noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
In conjunction with the event, Denver artist Kevin Wechbach will host a two-day plein air workshop for all levels Thursday and Friday, Sept. 9-10. Class size is limited; early registration encouraged. Cost: $150 (for two persons).
The French expression “plein air” refer to painting on site, in the “open air.”
Cutter Gallery — 2640 El Paseo (at University), Las Cruces. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Information: (575) 541-0658.
Dia de los Muertos exhibit submissions — Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces is taking submissions through Sept. 24 for its 2010 juried exhibit celebrating Day of the Dead to run Oct. 19-Nov. 27 Artists may submit up to three entries via CD or email. Include artist name and artwork title with jpeg. No perishable items (foods/liquids) allowed in galleries. Works must have been completed within the past 2 years and have not previously been shown at the Branigan Cultural Center. Mail to: Branigan Cultural Center, Attn: Día de los Muertos Exhibit, PO Box 20000, Las Cruces, 88004 or mkshannon@las-cruces.org. Information: Mary Kay Shannon, (575) 541-2219.
Galeria Tepin — The Border Book Festival’s new gallery is at 2220 Calle de Parian in Mesilla, N.M. (part of the Cultural Center de Mesilla). The gallery’s mission is to feature the work of multi-dimensional, multi-disciplinary and multi-genre artists. Information: (575) 523-3988 or bbf@borderbookfestival.com. Web: borderbookfestival.org
Opening reception for “Mensajes/Messages,” works by Liliana Wilson is 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25.
Wilson was born in Valparaiso, Chile and now lives in Austin, Texas. The exhibit explores the ethereal signposts of life, the hidden and sometimes not so hidden messages of our conscious and unconscious living.
Las Cruces Museum of Art — 491 N. Main (Downtown Mall). Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Information: (575) 541-2137 or las-cruces.org/museums.
Showing Sept. 3-Nov. 21:
• “ArtToones: Narrative Sculpture,” works by Merry ArtToones. Her influences include Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” and J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.”
• “Shreddings,” painting, prints and sculpture by Abraham Gelbart.
• “Down Every Side Street: New Directions in Southwestern Art” by the Ghost Town Arts Collective.
• “Abstracts,” paintings by Joel Smith.
Artist’s reception for all exhibits 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3, during the First Friday Ramble.
Fall art classes run the weeks of Sept. 6-Oct. 18 for session one and the weeks of Oct. 25-Dec. 13 for session 2. Class schedules and registration forms available at the museum or online.
Las Cruces Museum of Art classes — Las Cruces Museum of Art’s Fall art classes run Sept. 6-Oct. 18 for the first session and Oct. 25-Dec. 13 for the second session. Class schedules and registration forms available at the museum, 491 N. Main, Las Cruces or online at museums.las-cruces.org. Information: (575) 541-2137.
Classes for adults include ceramics, drawing, and several painting classes: acrylics, pastels, weaving and classical oil painting, as well as an expanded Digital Photography program. Older teens may attend all adult classes.
Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery — 2470-A Calle de Guadalupe in Mesilla, across from the Fountain Theatre. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. New works displayed every three months. Information: (575) 522-2933 or mesillavalleyfineartgallery.com.
September’s featured artists are stained glass and jewelry artist Hetty Smith, painter Ray Baird, fabric and mixed media artist Meredith Loring and watercolorist Penny Duncklee.
Baird and Smith will participate in “Mesilla Appreciation Day” in a special reception 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11.
Michael Poncé open studio — The Las Cruces artist will open his studio at 130 N. Mesquite, Las Cruces, from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11-12, for “Compositions in Grey: Paintings done with a limited palette.” Information: (646) 345-1169 or michaelponce.com.
New Mexico Watercolor Society, Southern Chapter — The Society meets at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, in the Arts and Crafts Room at Good Sam’s Retirement Home, 3011 Buena Vida Circle. The public is welcome. Cost: $5 ($3 members). Information: Carolyn Bunch, (575) 532-9310.
Also at the meeting is an interactive figurative drawing workshop presented by local art instructor Lorenzo Zepeda.
Preston Contemporary Art Center — 1755 Avenida de Mercado (end of Calle de Mercado). Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; by appointment only Sunday and Monday. Information: (575) 523-8713 or prestoncontemporaryart.com.
Showing through Sept. 25: The 2010 Summer Exhibition featuring six artists of various media Ho Baron, sculpture; Judith Content, fiber; Richard Heinsohn, painting; Tom Millea, photography; Lewis Ocepek, mixed media; and Valente Francisco Saenz, painting.
Content discovered the textile arts while a student at San Francisco State. She creates hand-dyed, pieced, quilted silk wall pieces for corporate and residential environments. Her current work explores a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Japanese dye technique called arashi-shibori.
Heinsohn uses the language of abstraction in painting to allows him to express fascination with the mysteries of life and to convey this intrigue to others. He applies large amounts of paint with his hands, pieces of wood and improvised tools. He sometimes includes objects like wood scraps, worn-out gloves or discarded toys. He was recently selected as the “Critic’s Pick” in the Nashville Scene for his solo exhibition at the Estel Gallery.
Millea was one of the very few photographers to reintroduce platinum printing, an older process that basically had to be reinvented with the introduction of new chemistry.
Printmaker Louis Ocepek uses both conventional and digital media to create relief constructions, digital prints and illustrations. Other artworks include screen prints created by successive overprinting of multiple stencils.
Sculpture Ho Baron’s body of work of more than 300 pieces includes sculptures at the Baltimore American Visionary Art Museum, El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of Archaeology, and El Paso Public Library.
Saenz uses richly hued acrylics to paint geometrical forms, as well as historically referenced imagery, both mystical and philosophical.
Rio Grande Theatre Galleries — 211 Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: (575) 523-6403.
Showing in September: Plein Air Painters of El Paso group show. Thirteen artists will exhibit their works, all created in locations throughout the El Paso area, some done in the Mesilla Valley. Featured artists are Corinne Abeyta-Spinnler, Bob Adams, Louise Bagg, Cheryl Bower, Melinda Etzold, Winfrey Hearst, Candy Mayer, Ann Mitchell, Dee Olga MinYoung-Phillips, Krystyna Robbins, Rami Scully, Kathleen Squires and A. Stein.
Artist reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3.
Tombaugh Gallery — First Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, 2000 S. Solano. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Information: (575) 522-7281 or uuchurchlc.org.
Showing Aug. 29-Oct. 1: “Is That You?” the 4th Annual juried all-media exhibition. This year’s theme considers concept of a the non-figurative portrait juried by acclaimed regional portrait painter Carolyn Bunch. The challenge was to present the characteristics of a person without use of the human form. Participating artists are Ryan Ames, Jia Apple, Peggy Brown, C. Copeland, Flo Hosa Dougherty, Penny Duncklee, Glenn Holgerson, Lynn M. Kelly, Karl Kohl, Diane LeMarbe, Judy Licht, Meredith Loring, Tom McFarland, Rosemary McKeown, John B. Northcutt, Deborah Welch Prickett and Roy van der Aa.
Artist’s reception is 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3.
Unsettled Gallery and Studio — 905 N. Mesquite, in Las Cruces. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and by appointment. Information: (575) 635-2285 or unsettledgallery@aol.com.
Showing Aug. 28-Oct. 2: “Intense Dialogue,” the 20th anniversary exhibit of The Border Artists Group, featuring works of various media by the group’s new members. Gala opening reception is 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, with music by Brack Morrow.
An Artists’ Talk is 1 to 3 p.m. p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18 with artists Tauna Cole-Dorn, Jenni Higgenbotham, Rosemary McLoughlin, Jo-an Smith and Dan Tapper.
Other So. New Mexico
Art Hop — The Truth or Consequences Downtown Gallery District Association hosts the event 6 to 9 p.m. the second Saturday of each month (Sept. 11), featuring seven art galleries and other venues in the downtown gallery district. Various receptions, refreshments and musical entertainment will be featured during these monthly events. Information: (575) 894-0528, TorCart.com.
Venues include The Living Room, Parisi, Main Street, M, Art Galore, Bradley Gallery and more.
Blue Dome Gallery — 307 N. Texas Street in Silver City, N.M. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Information (575) 534-8671 or bluedomegallery.com.
Opening Saturday, Sept. 18 in conjunction with the Gila River Festival: “The Web of Life,” nature prints on rice paper by Carlene Roters. Opening reception is 3 to 6 p.m.
Fall American Photography Exhibition — The 19th annual photography show runs Sept. 25-Dec. 12 at the Hubbard Museum of the American West, 841 Highway 70, in Ruidoso Downs, N.M. Hosted by the Lincoln County Photographic Society. The juried show features photos pertaining to the American West through “People,” “The Natural World,” “The Built Environment” and “Ranching and Farming.” Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Information: (575) 378-4142 or online at hubbardmuseum.org.
JW Art Gallery — 99 Cortez Ave. in Hurley, N.M., 11 miles southeast of Silver City on U.S. 180. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: (575) 537-0300 or jwartgallery.com.
Showing through Sept. 26: Western New Mexico University Juror’s Choice Winners.
New Mexico Watercolor Society exhibit — The society’s Southern Chapter will host an exhibit and sale of works by 16 local watercolorists through Sept. 14 in the new Adobe Cafe, in the Caballero Plaza, 2521 Avenida de Mesilla in Las Cruces. Featured artists are Janey Walch, Jan Addy, Donna Ayres, Laurel Weathersbee, Bill Coon, Cynthia Copeland, Beegee Brandhorst, Barbara Howe, Lynn Souza, Lois Smith, Melanie Jack, Pat Bonneau-White, Mary McCoy, Carlos West, Phil Yost and Donna Wood. Information: (575) 521-7090.
Percha Creek Traders — NM 152 in downtown Hillsboro, N.M. (18 miles west of I-25 at exit 63). Percha Creek Traders are local artists who operate a cooperative store. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Information: (575) 895-5116 or perchacreektraders.com.
Pinos Altos Church Gallery — The historic Pinos Altos Church gallery on Golden Ave. in Pinos Altos, N.M., operated by the Grant County Art Guild, features arts and crafts by local artists. The gallery remains open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays only from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 3. Information: (575) 538-8216.
The gallery hosts “Meet the Artist” events throughout the month highlighting a different gallery artist’s work.
Rio Bravo Fine Art — 110 Broadway in Truth or Consequences, N.M. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Information: (575) 894-0572 or riobravofineart.net.
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El Paso Area Artists & Galleries On LineReturn to top of page Adair Margo Gallery - Gallery for many nationally renowned area artists, other national contemporary artists.
El Paso Museum of Art - Our new art museum is the jewel of Downtown El Paso, with world-class exhibits
Hal Marcus Gallery: See Hal's best-known works, including El Mercado Juarez, Four Seasons of El Paso, La Familia, and his new children's book, "Aunt Alice Alligator's Animal Alphabet Album." www.halmarcus.com
Studio W - The El Paso region's foremost gallery of western and other representational Southwest art.