annual

the "after" days....


photo by Elaine A. Russell


This has been a difficult post to write. Although most people do not come into contact with the celebrities of this world.. they effect us nonetheless. They brighten our lives with tender songs, wonderful movies, and joyous events.
Today has been a day of reflection. Of people that have passed on this year... of music that will never quite be the same... of songs yet unsung. As this year ends, I would like to post a tribute of sorts, to the actors, singers, entertainers who have gone on this year to a better place... may you all rest in peace.





...and a little video on Mary Travers, who also passed away this year. Even though I was born in 1964 (which some people would argue was too late to be influenced by this time-frame) --- the folk/rock era was (and is) my music. I felt so at home with the music and ideology of this period. The love, the desire for peace, the need to get back to nature ... to take care of this land and its' people... it still speaks to me. And groups like Peter, Paul and Mary were a big part of that. I loved these songs... as well as the activism that groups like this stood for...


the Monte Vista Mercado -- part 2


....in the continuing story.... I was wandering around the mercado... in awe.. and somewhat stunned by all the wonderful art. Here is some more!

Don't forget to check out these fabulous artists.... and BUY HANDMADE


artwork by the folks at OffCenter Arts (http://www.offcenterarts.org/)

art by the folks at ArtStreet (http://www.abqhch.org/artstreet.htm )


Buck Naked Stuff (BuckNakedStuff@comcast.net)

artwork by MariaTeresa Stoa


artwork by Elizabeth Howard-Forbes (abqforbes@comcast.net)



soft toys by Animal Crackers, and wreathes by Susan (www.animalcrackersOriginals.com)



paper arts, assemblage and mixed media by The Queen Bea (blombard@q.com)



**all photos by Elaine A. Russell

Recycle Show -- Part 1

So-- I am going to try to show you some of the deliciousness that was the Annual Santa Fe Recycle Show, which was last weekend.

When I started making art from recycled materials about 15yrs ago... I thought I was a freak of nature. And frankly, so did a lot of my friends (artsy ones included). I persevered anyway... cuz that's the way I am. I made birdhouses, bird feeders, carved walking sticks with embellishments, collaged objects and pieces on wood, mixed media pieces, jewelry from found objects and re-purposed items, and recycled paper envelopes. But I still figured I was out of the loop in the art world.... until I went to this show.

Walking into this show was like finding OZ....... No need to click my heels... I was home.


This lady made fashion bags, totes and wallets from recycled plastic bags, vinyl pieces and more.


Lane Patterson's lamps... made from recycled parts, tin cans, metal pieces.....


Bates Wilson.... art from recycled car and motorcycle parts, signs.. etc


paper mache and paper art... not sure who made them... but I love them....



These night lights and incandescent lights are made from pieces of slag glass. They were brought by a husband-wife team.. and the wife also made jewelry from wire-wrapping broken glass shards into lovely necklaces and earrings.


just a snippet of the stash from Laura E. Stanziola....a wonderful artist's resource for all kinds of recycled materials....


More tomorrow !!
and see even more at http://www.recyclesantafe.org/
**all photos by Elaine A. Russell