sneak peek

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... and my Art Gallery "Sneak Peek" for today is: Bright Rain Gallery
(peek #13 in my series)


Old Towne is pretty fabulous... and there are quite a few really nice galleries there.
One of the shining stars there is Bright Rain Gallery.

Owners Travis and Molly Black have created a wonderful place that makes you feel as if you have fallen down the proverbial rabbit hole.

Tons of colorful, vibrant and creative artwork abound in this place ... and you leave feeling happy, refreshed and excited to be alive. Painting, sculptures, photography, jewelry, mixed media, wood carvings, clay work... so very many incredible creations to see and ponder upon.
It is an awesome place... and I highly recommend a visit... SOON!

Here is a link to the gallery: HERE
and here are some photos from my visit there.....


artwork by Travis Bruce Black


jewelry art by Robert Redus


artwork by Louisa McElwain


jewelry by Kristin Diener, Rasham Omari Jones, and Aleta Riggs-Harroun


photography by Douglas Kent Hill


(*photos by Elaine A. Russell-- click on them to see them bigger)

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(*all photos by Elaine A. Russell)


It's Friday! ... and my Art Gallery "Sneak Peek" is: the Matrix Gallery
(peek #9 in my series)


One of my all-time favorite galleries in ABQ is the Matrix....located on Central Ave in Nob Hill.

"The Matrix was founded in 2007 by its director Regina Held. Originally from Germany, Regina received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and her Master of Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico. She is also the founder and director of New Grounds Print Workshop and Gallery, located next to Matrix Fine Art. New Grounds has been in operation since 1996."




"Matrix Fine Art reflects New Mexico's artistic diversity by featuring two- and three-dimensional work ranging from landscapes to abstract and figurative themes. The 2,000 square foot gallery mounts twelve exhibitions a year with receptions taking place on every First Friday Artscrawl."... the Matrix website.




The front room... currently featuring artwork by Raul Dorn,
and porcelain work by Elizabeth Fritzsche



artwork Karl Koenig



artwork by Jacklyn St. Aubyn



artwork by Susan Reid



artwork by Archer Dougherty



artwork by David Koch



The Matrix Fine Art Gallery is always a place of inspiration. They have a huge variety of work, the place is fabulously curated, and it has a very pleasant atmosphere.

With the New Grounds Print Workshop and Gallery and on-site artist studio spaces;
it is also a working, vibrant, active space.
I absolutely love this place... and I think it is a MUST SEE for art lovers in and around the ABQ area.







***Link to the New Grounds Print Workshop and Gallery website: http://www.newgroundsgallery.com/

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It's Friday! ... and my Art Gallery "Sneak Peek" is: the ClaireWorks II Gallery
(peek #8 in my series)


In December, owner Claire L. Haye opened her second gallery here in New Mexico.... this time in wonderful Nob Hill. The original ClaireWorks studio and gallery are located in the charming village of Arroyo Seco, New Mexico, a short drive from Taos, on the road to Taos Ski Valley.




Claire L. Haye is the owner and exclusive artist at ClaireWorks, and has been creating art for the last twenty five years (primarily paintings and sculptures) and jewelry for the last fifteen.




I stopped in this week to check it out, and the manager Nancy (as well as the ever handsome Beau the terrier)... was happy to show me around. Featured in this small; but very classy gallery are a few of Claire's sculptures, some very bright and fun paintings, and a wide variety of sterling and precious gemstone jewelry.

All the pieces are very well made, designed, and executed with flair and quality.
I was very impressed with the layout, colors and displays.





In short... if you are looking for a wonderful, quality piece of art or jewelry.... you will definitely want to check this place out.



For more information on this gallery, check HERE


*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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(*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

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One of my favorite galleries here in ABQ, is the Mariposa Gallery.


Owners Liz Dineen and Jennifer Rohrig have gone out of their way to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is home to some of the most talented artisans in New Mexico.

Hence, my Art Gallery "Sneak Peek": Mariposa Gallery in Nob Hill
(peek #6 in my series)

Just thinking about Mariposa makes me smile. It has a wide variety of artwork; ranging from jewelry, paintings, ceramics, encaustics, mixed media and more. Located in Nob Hill, it is a centrally located... and is easily accessible to the art loving community.

I have gone to several shows there... and am always pleased with what they have to offer. I would highly recommend a visit... but plan on spending some time... there is alot to see.

(Included in this post are just a sampling of some of the fabulous artwork there....)










To see more about this gallery, look: Here

(*all photos by Elaine A. Russell)

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*all photos by Elaine A. Russell


Art Gallery "Sneak Peek": 5G Gallery at the The Factory on 5th

The Factory on 5th has been a second home to local artists for about 6 years. It has seen alot of changes in that time... but the past few months have seen even more.
The main building on the property houses "The Kosmos" (home to the Church of Beethoven; as well as a new coffee shop), and about 30 artist studios.

And now; there is the new 5G Gallery towards the front of the property... which is what I am featuring today.

The 5G Gallery is a relative newcomer to the art scene here in ABQ.
Kudos go to RC Naso and David Cudney for the bulk of the work behind the scenes at the 5G Gallery. Recruiting fabulous artists from the Santa Fe area; they put together the premier show "Canyon Road Comes to Albuquerque," held in December.
Last month's show was entitled "The Peoples Art Show", and the next show starts February 26th--"Horsescapes."
(see the flyer at the bottom of this post).
Here are some photos of some of the fine artwork shown at these events:


artwork by James Jimenez



artwork by Alex Chavez



artwork by Annie Lindberg



artwork by David Cudney


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I have always loved this grouping of buildings, and it seems the perfect local for a gallery space.

The premier show in December had quite the selection of vibrant and interesting art; and time will tell how cool and exciting this venue can become....


For more info: check out the following links....


Link to the 5G Gallery website: http://www.rcnaso.com/gallery/albuquerque.htm
Link to the Kosmos space website: http://www.thekosmos.org/
Link to the Church of Beethoven website: http://www.churchofbeethoven.org/
Link to the Factory on 5th website: http://www.factoryon5.com/

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Art Gallery: Sneak Peek #4

Today I will be featuring Dreamscapes Gallery.


Dreamscapes is a local art gallery located on 5th street in downtown Albuquerque, owned by artist Jan Jackson.

"Jackson works in an original style she calls “Dreamscapes”. Her paintings of people, animals, and events are stitched to pastel paper or canvas with bright slashes of bold, pastel color. She also works in acrylic, oil and clay. Her most recent work is multi-media sculpture using animal bone, doll parts, fabric and found materials." ...ABQ ArtsCrawl review

I first went to Dreamscapes Gallery this past fall. It is a quiet, unassuming building; and at first; I think the tendancy for most people is to drive right past it. What a shame. While it has a fairly benign exterior; the inside is brimming with color and vibrancy. There are a series of little rooms (this used to be a house), and inside each one (*yes, even the kitchen and bathroom) are works of art to be enjoyed and purchased.

In December, I went for the opening reception of the "Vally of the Art Dolls" show. Wow. It was wall to wall people!!! ... .and the works on display were absolutely stunning. Here are some highlights from that show... which will give you an idea of the cool artwork offered there on a regular basis.


I highly recommend checking it out. Owner Jan Jackson is a very talented artist, and the gallery is one of ABQ's hidden jewels. Bright and funky art abounds here... :)

(*all photos by Elaine A. Russell)


artwork by Melody Mock (link)



artwork by Steven Art Watson


artwork by Michael C. McCormick


artwork by Mercedes Allen



artwork by Leighanna Light (link)

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For more information; please check out the gallery website: http://dreamscapeson5th.com/


Here is the flyer for the next show at the gallery; featuring artist Nick Harmon.


(click on photo to enlage it)

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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

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*all photos by Elaine A. Russell


Art Gallery: Sneak Peek #2

Today I am featuring the South Broadway Cultural Center here in ABQ. To be honest, in all the years that I have lived here; I didn't realize what a treasure this place is. Now I do.

The South Broadway Cultural Center (SBCC) is "a multi-cultural, visual, performing and literary art center, that promotes, preserves and educates the community about the cultures and ethnicities that define Albuquerque."

My most recent trip to the gallery was a great honor. One of my photographs was featured in the "La Guadalupana 2009 Art Exhibit" that ended on January 5th. The photos I am including for today's post, are from that exhibit; which was curated by Augustine Romero.

In addition to the fabulous gallery space, there is the John Lewis Theater(which hosts musical and theatrical events throughout the year), a public library, and services for youths and adults.


I highly recommend a leisurely visit to this gallery space. It is fabulous.

For more information on the SBCC; click here


Jeff Sipes

unknown artist

Francis Bustamanti

Luis Gonzales

unknown artist

John de Jesus

Amanda Griegos

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The next show at the SBCC, is "OUT OF AFRICA TO THE AMERICAS"


Presented by:THE NEW MEXICO AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTISTS GUILD

Exhibiting from January 14 through February February 26th, 2010


January 14, 2010 - Thursday - Artists Reception from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Hakim Bellamy; National Champion in Slam Poetry, playwright, actor, journalist, and social justice advocate, will perform his Slam Poetry at the Reception.

Refreshments provided.

Exhibiting their art will be African, Afro-Caribbean, and African artists of the New Mexico African Artists Guild. Curator/contact: Marianne Gendron

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*Don't forget to write me and enter yourself in my "anniversary give-away" --- moongipsies@msn.com. Entries must be submitted by 9am tomorrow!

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Today I went to the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. While, I suppose, there are some that would not consider it a "gallery"... as in ... let's go buy some art..... I definately consider it one. And so... it is my first "Art Gallery: Sneak Peek" of 2010. (as in ... a peek inside)




The museum, as we know it, first started as a feature at the Albuquerque International Sunport in 1967. It later outgrew the area, and was built in it's current location by Antoine Predock.




According to Fodor's Guide: "This modern structure, which underwent a spectacular 40,000-square-foot expansion in 2004, houses the largest collection of Spanish-colonial artifacts in the nation, along with relics of the city's birth and development. The centerpiece of the colonial exhibit is a pair of life-size models of Spanish conquistadors in original chain mail and armor. Perhaps the one on horseback is Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, who, in search of gold, led a small army into New Mexico in 1540—the turning point in the region's history. Among the museum's attractions are treasure chests filled with pearls and gold coins, religious artifacts, and early maps (some dating from the 15th century and showing California as an island). A multimedia presentation chronicles the development of the city since 1875. The sculpture garden contains 45 works by 20th-century southwestern artists that include Glenna Goodacre, Michael Naranjo, and Luís Jiménez."



Specifically; I went with a friend today to see the "Albuquerque Now" presentation.

Albuquerque Now is a pair of exhibitions, comprised of two distinct installations of recent works created by artists in Albuquerque. A wide variety of media and styles will be featured, from traditional to post-modern, and the artists represented range in age from the mid-twenties to over eighty.

Among the artists included in Albuquerque Now Fall :
Jane Abrams, Garo Antreasian, Cynthia Cook, Ann Dunbar, Betty Hahn, Aaron Karp, Stephanie Lerma, Orlando Leyba,
Reg Loving, Santiago Pérez, Bart Prince, Alan Radebaugh, Holly Roberts, Peter White


It was simply stunning. Words cannot describe it.... but I was blown away.


Curator of Art, Andrew Connors (who envisioned and put together this show) said, ''The more I discover about Albuquerque, the more I appreciate the real, visceral, integral and experimental feel of the art scene here,'' Connors explains. ''Some of our most significant artists possess a pioneering enthusiasm...there’s something about the appeal of New Mexico and the Southwest lifestyle that allows people to be who they are without expectations.''

I couldn't have said it better myself....


Here are some additional links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albuquerque_Museum

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell