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Big News, ArtsFest and Feeling Like a Limp Rag

Did you see the whirlwind? Wow. It’s all a blur. It began a few weeks ago when in the midst of preparing for ArtsFest it became clear that I needed to move the gallery. Yes, move. Yes, again. And smack in the middle of July.

I had anticipated a move due to the ongoing saga of the building the gallery was in. (yes, was.) But I really figured it would be like October or November. Alas it was not to be and an immediate move loomed before me like Denali during a storm.

Good friends and (and all ladies) lugged, carried, cradled and transported the entire contents of the gallery to the new location yesterday. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Two weeks ago, or maybe three? I settled on a new spot. But there was tons to be done. Walls to be painted, lights to be installed, a hole through a wall to make two units into one. Tons (literally) of boxes to be removed from one unit that had previously been used for storage. Then there was the nasty carpet that had to be removed, the concrete beneath it cleaned and the tile laid. I only am bummed I didn’t take “before” photos!

So, paint walls I did (and thanks to new friend Jo Lynne for helping!). Thanks to BJ and his helper Kent (I think…my head is fuzzy) for knocking the hole through the wall, finding a great deal on a nice door, and putting it in!

Thanks Lin for help moving the boxes and stuff so that Ryan and friend could man-handle the carpet and pad and get it outa there! Thanks to Leslie (L&J Interiors) for finding me nice tile and getting it here FAST!

My knees are black and blue (the kneepads wouldn’t stay on) and my fingers very sore, but the tile is down. Then came ArtsFest!

From the view of the Arts Council, it was a great success. The premier saw literally 3 times as many purchased tickets (over last year). Saturday was virtually even, and Sunday was down a bit (but likely due to the world cup!) Many artists did very well, most did good and only a couple had little or no sales. Personally, I did okay. Not great, mind you, but it is the first time in years that I have actually done the show, and that does play into it. So does the fact that I have the gallery here. People say, “I’ll come see you at the gallery” instead of “I’ll take that one”. I’m not sure how to deal with that.

So, now back to the big move. Sunday we closed ArtsFest. Monday, we moved the gallery. It is now a disaster. The next task (after cleaning the spot I just left) is to sort it all out and make it beautiful. I hope to have that done by Friday, but we’ll see. Going from 4 units to 2 will make it challenging, but I think I’m up to it. I’ll keep you posted! Oh, and Where? did I move? Next door to the Chamber of Commerce. I think it will be good.

And, THANK YOU to Linda, Sylvia, Jacqui, Sandy and especially, Diana! You Ladies ROCK!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Fourth Fridays Return Tomorrow Night

Wow, I can’t believe how this month has FLOWN by! Here it is already the eve of the first Fourth Friday since last fall. The gallery looks great and all is at the ready. Even though my head is swimming with all that has to be finished for ArtsFest, both from the point of view of being the Executive of the Arts Council, and at the same time being an exhibiting artist. Ack! While I know on some level that it will all come together, it is always at the last minute that the final touches are made.

So, back to tomorrow night. It’s going to be fun and for the first time I’m holding a book signing at the same time. Local author phenom, Connie Shelton will be on hand to sign her new book “Gossip can be Murder”, the latest in her popular Charlie Parker Series. Her husband Dan will be here with guitar to add music to the night. A Feast of the Arts! Fine Art, Music and Author all in one!

If it’s not on your calendar, put it down and I’ll look forward to seeing you!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Getting Ready for ArtsFest

I’ve been working hard to replace some of the paintings that I sold (unexpectedly) on Facebook. Tough to decide whether to show them in advance or not, but here’s what I’ve decided to do (with help from hubby, John). I’ll put them up here and on Facebook, for you to see, but they will not be available for sale until 6pm on July 9th. So…To buy, you need to come to the ArtsFest Premier (hee hee.) I will also take calls on my cell so if there’s something you really love and really can’t get to the show, you can call with your order, but not until 6pm on July 9!

So here are a few, actually one “series” that I just finished. Painted all day at the Angel Fire Retail Association Sidewalk sale. Thank goodness I was inside, as the weather was cold and rainy. That said, I was pretty much alone all day, so managed to complete two more. So, here is the series:

“Sun’s Up” “Taking a Bow” “Lit Up” “Siblings” “The Welcoming Committee”

I also need to get new photos of them. My camera was acting up and it picked up alot of glare from the reflective paint. The first three are 6 x 6, acrylic on cradled panel. The next one is 8 x 8 and the final is 12 x 12. The biggest dilemma I have is just how to hang them on the propanel that I’ll use for the show. I only have the velcro hooks right now, and these don’t have or need wires, so won’t hang on those hooks. Jacqui and I have been chatting about that. Maybe Jen has an idea. I’ll ask.

I have more in process and 3 more 12 x 12 to do. Guess I better get busy. See you on July 9!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Painting Bliss

That’s my excuse. For not posting, that is. I’ve been in painting bliss, letting the strokes wash away the stress, the fears and the frustrations. It would not have been fun to post anyway, based on where my head was.

And so, I painted, and painted and painted. I’ve finished 17 and number 18 is in process. I have plans for 6 more. I won’t start posting them until June 15th in preparation for ArtsFest, so you’ll just have to wait and check back. Sunflowers, poppies, hibiscus and landscapes. Spring, fall and summer. Maybe I’ll relent and post one or two before then. There are so many new pieces my little studio is bursting at the seams with color and life.

Thus, I’m posting from the gallery. And hoping someone will walk through door with the hope buying a treasure.

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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March 20th and 0 degrees

Brrrr. March 20th, 0 degrees and a foot (or more) of new snow!

Take a look.
Ice fog is heavy in the air. The snow has stopped falling…at least for now.

I doubt I’ll make it to the gallery today. Not a really big deal, Saturdays are slow anyway. Once the Post Office closes at noon, it’s snoozeville. Good for me…I can be where I’m happiest, in my studio! I have a painting to finish and it’s coming along nicely. I’ll post it when its done.

In the meantime, it’s still, quiet and I’ll pour a cup of Joe and watch the fog lift. Happy morning to you.

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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6 years

December 16, 2003. In many ways, it is so far away it doesn’t seem like I was there. Yet some months before that, the path was set before me…and Vicki. So much has happened in the life of the gallery, in that time. Artists come, stay, come go and come again and some, come and go. In 6 years, of the original 10, there are 5, sadly. Happily, there are more than 25 more now. And of those who have come and gone, well, certainly my life is richer for having known them, represented them, or tried to.

To Vicki, I never would have done this without you.

To Jim, Mona, Susan, Jo & Kevin, & Patricia ; You taught me things you’ll likely never know and they have all together woven new threads in the fabric of my life.

Susan, Shirley, Jane, Ami, Ginto, Barbara C. Barbara B., Nieta Fran, Sue, Kathy, Yvonne, Chuck, Margi and Sue, Tom, Teri and Teri and Terry, Cecelia, Mason and Robin and Danny…wow. I can scarcely believe the works you do, the places you are and are going. I’m thankful to have been witness to the creative in you, and hope I’ve encouraged you along the way.

And, now…to all of you who have entrusted a piece of your futures with me, by trusting me with your work, to Jacui and Jennifer and Sylvia, Martin and, Kevin and Scott, to Roy and Ralph and Steve and Sasha, John and Colin and Ed, Wanda, Margaret, Barbara S., and Gary and Laurie, Pamela, Rhonda, Nancy and Sylvia and David and Smith and, now, Lang and Rocio……am I blessed, or what? May this next year, bring great success to all of us. Thank you, thank you all, for six years, and counting. Merry Christmas!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Living Where the Wind Blows

Sunday morning. Three cars stuck and retrieved from the road. The County crews plow the road and the wind undoes it, weaving fingers of snow intent on snagging your tires and sucking them in. Sometimes it looks like an eerie scene created by Tolkien.

The massive pine branches wave like they’re greeting someone important, almost festive as the snow flies from them making mini snow storms. It’s mesmerizing to watch, and I’m glad I’m indoors!

Not for long though. Off to Taos we go. Time to get some groceries before the next storm leaves the California coast and heads our way.

Next Friday is the celebration of my 6th Anniversary in business (Angel Fire ArtSpace Gallery!) In most ways I can scarcely believe it, and then again, I feel the years of fighting to beat the odds in my psyche. I’ll post more about the event, but if you’re headed to Angel Fire to catch the Night Skiing that opens next Saturday, come on Friday and celebrate with me!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Brrrrr. Global Warming? Not here!

Let’s see, roughly 16 inches of snow. 5 foot drifts and it’s 10 degrees and still snowing. Open the door to let the (crazy) dog out and got blasted with snow and in 2 seconds I’m covered and white. The screen door won’t close for all the snow piled on it, under it and around it. I cleared it out last night…no more.

While it’s great for the Mountain, (yay) it doesn’t bode well for getting to the gallery soon. I’ll continue to hope so, but it’s 9:35 and I can’t see my neighbors house.

Brrr. Think I better go build another fire.

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM