25:365

(...works of art that were available on auction...)

This past weekend, I attended a Fundraiser for the Performing Arts in Socorro, NM.
It was located at the fabulous Macey Center (http://infohost.nmt.edu/~maceyctr/).

As I said in a previous post; the events included hands-on arts and dance workshops, Brazilian music by the group "Saudade" and a silent auction. (link:http://www.myspace.com/saudadeabq).

There were 3 of us "manning" a table... giving demonstrations and teaching techniques associated with ATC cards. (link: ATC card info). Amongst the other demonstrations there were: tye dying, beading, wire-work, embellishing sunglasses and other accessories, egg decoration, gourd painting, clay work, tin work, book binding, Polish paper cutting, weaving, printmaking, making fruit sushi, origami, crocheting, pastel drawing, watercolor painting, pottery, and making stained glass mosaics.
It was quite the variety of crafts being demonstrated; and it just gives a glimpse into the amount of talent here in New Mexico. It always amazes me how different crafts and art forms there really are in the world.... absolutely limitless... when you think about it. There really is no end to the creativity that people can come up with if inspired.
And so... here are photos of some of the art techniques being demonstrated....

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

16:365

Art Gallery: Sneak Peek #3

(I hope you are all enjoying this series... I know I am... it's fun to take "sneak peeks".)

Today, I am featuring the fabulous Harwood Art Center.

"The Harwood Art Center is one of the most alive art places in Albuquerque. Once a boarding school for girls, the Harwood Art Center has been home to a thriving art colony since 1992. The Harwood is a community of artists, a gathering place that brings the public and the art community together; it is a secure space for artists to work and a supportive environment in which artistic experimentation is celebrated.

The building's colorful history is etched in the walls and long corridors. Wandering through the high-ceilings and wide hallways of the imposing old brick building is both an exciting and eerie experience. One can easily imagine uniformed young girls living, studying and growing through adolescence in these rooms.

Many of the old classrooms and dorm rooms (whether lonely places of exile or snug havens) are now lively studios for about 60 painters, sculptors, photographers, art therapists, poets, performance artists and graphic artists. "--- info taken from the Collector's Guide

"The Harwood is the community outreach program of Escuela del Sol, an independent, non-profit Montessori school founded in 1968. Harwood was started to build and sustain connections between the school and the neighborhood in which it is located, as well as the larger community of Albuquerque. The unique relationship between school and community art center provides limitless opportunities for personal and community-wide education, enrichment, and growth through the arts." --from the Harwood website

Here are some photos from the wonderful 12x12 Annual Fundraiser Show

I first discovered the Harwood about a year ago. A friend of a friend was having an exhibit there, and I went to see it. I was fascinated with the actual building... as well as all the wonderful things the center does in the art community. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to have seen several shows at the Harwood Center; including the 12x12 Annual Fundraising event.

And... I am now taking my second class through the center... with artist Cynthia Cook.

I think that the Harwood is one of the most vibrant, essential, and active artist hubs in ABQ... and I think it should be on everyone's MUST SEE list.

The Exhibits for January 2010:
David Leigh,"posters"
Cheryl Dietz,"A Safe Distance"
West Mesa High School,"Annual Mixed Media Exhibit"
Shows Run: January 1 - 29

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

last night at the Harwood

This is a self portrait done by Cynthia when she was attending UNM

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend a class at the Harwood Art Center by Cynthia Cook.
I have posted on Cynthia before (/moongipsies/2009/11/baubles-bits-and-bites.html) and (/moongipsies/2009/12/abc-wednesday_08.html).
And, I have met her in person... at her show reception at Mariposa Gallery earlier this month, and at the Recycle Santa Fe Show (/moongipsies/2009/11/recycle-show-part-1.html).

But, that pales in comparison to actually being able to take one of her classes.
Ms. Cook is sort of an inigma. If you search for information on-line about her; she is essentially non-existant. Yet, she is an icon in the mixed media world.... and greatly sought after for classes and such.

So... about her class. This was a basic introduction to the wonderful world of collage/decoupage/ assemblage... mixed media. With a background that includes jewelry arts and metal-working.. I was hooked. Never mind that her talk focused on glues, tools, techniques.. and the chance to actually MAKE something .. coolness!

Anyway--- here are some photos from the class.

Thank you!!! to the folks at Harwood for providing such an awesome event.

a portion of one of her recent works showing at the Mariposa Gallery

an example of another one of her art pieces

giving a demonstration

working on a project during the class

**all photographs but the self portrait photo at the top, are by Elaine A. Russell