BMG

120:365


...thank God it's Friday... and tomorrow I am getting a back massage... that's all I'm sayin'...


But... it was a gorgeous day today... and I got to listen to an interesting interview on art & money today that really got me thinking about the whole business of art. How we as artists tend to put ourselves in a lose:lose situation when it comes to money most of the time. We want to make money... but we are afraid to charge what we "are worth" (whatever that means) ... when it comes to our art. It was extremely thought provoking... and it is a subject all artists need to think about.

The hubby and I love to eat out on occasion, and tonight we all went to La Provence on Central Ave. The food was absolutely delicious... and we had a marvelous time.




We then went to Black Market Goods... where they were having a slam poetry night. Not usually "my thing".... but it was interesting, and, as always... there was lots of cool art to be seen on the walls.


-----------------------------------> all photos by Elaine A. Russell

50:365

(*all photos by Elaine A. Russell)


It's Friday! ... and my Art Gallery "Sneak Peek" is: Black Market Goods
(peek #7 in my series)


"Black Market Goods is a collective of artists who have operated together since 2005. From 2005-2009 we have put on one night art shows showcasing up and coming artists in the area and all across the country. In January 2009 we took over the art space at 112 Morningside NE (Formerly Stove Gallery) to open our gallery/studio/theater/performance space" ...

(click on photo to enlarge it)


I first encountered BMG shows in 2007. I was fortunate enough to be one of their artists in a roving show... and it was my first real taste of art shows here in ABQ.

If I had to describe a "typical" BMG... it would be "beer, babes, and edgy art"... but it is really more than that. It is a high energy, fun loving group of founding members ... who inspire fun and exciting shows. Shows often include live music and performers, runway Fashion shows, beer from Tractor Brewing Co... and lots and lots of art. Edgy, urban, graphic .... these are synonymous with alot of the artists that BMG has showcased.


(click on photo to enlarge it)


But ... I wouldn't consider their shows "typical" by any stretch. They have continually pushed the envelope and aimed high. Featuring so many young, up and coming artist/ groups/ poets/fashionistas... makes them a "gotta see" venue.

See more on this gallery at the following links:

--BMG MySpace Page

--BMG Website

Shots from the BMG show last friday....

--------------------------------artwork by Blake Krause ( I'll try to get a link for him)

------------fashions by Mara (http://www.indiscretion.etsy.com/ ) and Mia Allee Jumbo

--------------------------accessories by Jamie Fowler-Diaz (http://www.beanbun.etsy.com/)


-------------artwork (left) Renee Adams (http://www.plasticpumpkin.etsy.com/)
-------------------artwork (right) Jeannette Lyle (http://www.peachcult.etsy.com/)


And of course, some fab models... ---------photos by Elaine A. Russell

Stormy weather




-------------------------------artwork and photos by Elaine A. Russell

"Don't know why .. there's no sun up in the sky..."
Weird weather today. Gloomy and cloudy... rain... sleet... hail... and SNOW.
Then SUNNY, but windy... and NOW it's snowing again.
All in the past of a couple hours.
I love it here.


Here are some photos from the Black Market Goods Grand Opening on friday... just my space.. more phtos to come :)

(for friday)

----------------------------------------photo by Elaine A. Russell

I am noticing a trend here. The only days I have missed posting are on fridays when I am doing shows. So ... if you notice no post, and it's a friday.. well, there ya go.

That said. On this particular friday... we (my daughter and I) were showing our art at the Grand Opening of the BLACK MARKET GOODS peeps at morningside and central in ABQ.
About 250 people were wandering about throughout the evening.. enjoying great beer, great art, and a live model fashion show which is a staple of the BMG shows.

I especially want to give a SHOUT OUT to everyone involved in the fashion show, and some of my fellow rockin artists... Mia, Carly, Ren, Jeannette, Josh, Brandon, Blake, Evan, Allistair, Monica, Jaimie and more !
You guys are awesome.


STOVE -- now BMG


-------------------------------------photo by Elaine A. Russell

So the building that used to be STOVE ( a fabulous local art venue ).. has now become the home of the Black Market Goods show people. BMG has been putting on one night shows for a couple years now around Albuquerque, and my daughter and I have been fortunate enough to have been in one with our photography.
BMG is going to be having their Grand Opening on the 6th... and we hope to get some of our artwork seen there. I say hopefully, because we are still working on some of it.
YIKES !
So.. this weekend I am rushing around to get things in order, printed, matted, etc.
The photo above is one I took at the final show at Stove. I love it.

BMG, La Casa, and the NM Gypsy Queens

-----------------------------------------photo by Elaine Russell
Today was kinda weird. I've been sick, and so much has gone on in the past month.. that it's been a very emotional time. I feel like I am just beginning to get a grip on it all.
So -- today I was very emotionally and physically exhausted.

On a plus note.. I have just rented out a space to use as a studio. I have always worked out of my house/ garage... so it will be rather strange to have everything in a studio space to work in.
I think it will be good.

I have also signed up to be part of the Grand Opening show at Black Market Goods (NOW at the formerly STOVE gallery site in ABQ)(http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=8960449). I know what I want to take; it's a matter of getting things printed up and ready to hang.

And -- I am going to be donating some art pieces to The New Mexico Gypsy Queens (http://www.myspace.com/gqnmchapter). They are working on a fundraiser to benefit LA CASA (http://www.lacasadelasmadres.org/), a NM Charity organization. Woot !