Category: Angel Fire Mountain Theatre

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Settling In and Ready to Roll!

Sorry for the lack of posts sincethe last. It would be fair to say I was working like my life (livelihood) depended on it, and finally got the gallery officially opened with the Grand Opening Reception on July 23rd.

Had a nice turn out for guest artist Sandra Wasko-Flood and she was happy with the chance to explain Labyrinths and her work to the gallery friends that turned out to celebrate with us. I still have some touch up to do here and there, but am finally getting back to a relatively normal routine. Yay!

Time did not wait for me though, and on it marched. Which brings me to the Theatre tonight. The Moreno Valley Arts Council once again has partnered with The Space Theatre of Taos in tonight’s performance of The Real Inspector Hound by Tom Stoppard. Curtain is at 8pm at the Frog Jelly Art Studio in the Cove Art Center. It’s kind of funny for me, as that space was the gallery for a couple of years! Anyhoo….tickets are still only $12. Lap sitters free, but seats are limited.

The show runs tonight, tomorrow night (8pm curtain) and a 2pm Matinee on Sunday. Get tickets at the gallery, or at the Visitor Center.

See you at the Theatre!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Painting till My Head Spins

Wow. I can’t believe it’s been a month since I last posted. That will tell you I’ve been moving at the speed of light. Between then and now, we pulled off another ArtsFest…and according to artists and patrons alike, it was “the best ever”…at least as far as the quality of the art and beauty of the displays. The arts council is already putting our heads together for next year…and big changes lie ahead where the Premier Reception is concerned. The cost of promotion, food and security forced a higher ticket price, which left us throwing food away and losing money on the event. Now we’ll have to find other sources to fund our youth arts education programs. At least our mystery auction did well, with a number of items going for retail and even higher.

As soon as we rolled out the displays we rolled in the Children’s Theatre Workshops…literally the next day. And in the midst of that, I took action on what I’d been planning for weeks….a complete renovation of the gallery. That involved moving two rooms completely around which relocated my “office” and made room for my studio and classroom space! Painting ceilings and walls, moving furniture and paintings, and oh…I can hardly wait for our 4th Friday so everyone can see the new space. Even painted the hallways outside the gallery with the ok of the building owner. It looks fantastic!

So, why all the commotion? Here it comes….I’m opening additional space across the hall. Get ready for the all new ArtSpace TOO! Cards, gifts, prints, and CHOCOLATE! I’m going to carry the Endangered Species Chocolate…mostly dark. YUM! Now if I can manage to not eat all my product that will be wonderful! I’m intending to open it on Friday…this coming Friday…for the 4th Friday Reception that will be ON after all! We’ll go from 5-7 so Theatre lovers can head to the 2nd showing of Dinner With Friends, the Pulitzer Prize Winnning Play by Donald Margulies. Curtain is at 8pm at Frontier Square between Avalon’s and the CVB.

AND, update on the brick laying project…which was on hold waiting for me to apply a moisture, vapor and air barrier to the walls in hopes of preventing any further moisture issues with the adobe. I got that started today..first coat of 3 or 4. It’s a by-product of the Space industry. Last summer I put it on the Garage doors and the door between the house and the garage…and raised the temp in both the garage and the hallway (which was always freezing in the winter) This past winter there was no blast of cold air emanating from that door! So, since it worked so well, I decided to try it on the adobe in what was the hot tub room. We’ll see how it goes. Two coats of the “barrier”, then these tiny little beads that you stir into your paint before you apply it. It makes an imperceptible texture…but it does a great job of keeping the indoor temperature stable and dry.

Oh, and I finished four of the commissions I had. The customer was delighted and I was elated. Here they are:


All are 20 x 16 Watercolor on Canvas.

I’ll get back in the studio soon. I still have four more commissions to paint. Unfortunately my time at home is limited this time of year..and there is the garage to clean out, the weeds to pull the laundry to do and the room to finish. I’d love to have all that done before snow flies. At least the laundry!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Ahh, Beautiful Sunday Morning

I’m sitting on my front porch, the sunshine glistening on Eagle Nest Lake, and the Red Tailed Hawk hanging effortlessly in the air as if suspended on invisible wires. It is 77 degrees and it just doesn’t get much better than this! The dog, Grace is sniffing the trails of last nights visitors and the columbine are reaching out to let the sun light their multi colored faces. It’s a compelling reason for the creative muse to emerge. I must write or paint. Since I have to go to work in a couple hours I opted for writing…plus my paints are at the gallery so the choice was easy!

The performance of the Mountain Theatre Children’s Workshop was way cool. What those kids accomplished in a week was nothing less than astonishing. With the guidance of Beth Tafoya, the choreography of Diane Peterson and creative costumes designed by the kids and crafted by Carol Verry and Allison Batchelder, the story of the history of Angel Fire came to life on the stage. From the creation of the high mountain valley to calling of the Sun, the Moon, the rivers and critters, the roots of the name Angel Fire came to life. Rooted in reality with a sprinkling of the mystical and silliness, it was a delight to watch. Now I’ll get to work editing the video for parents, grandparents and others. It was fun, and also a great relief that we pulled it off and it was richer and purer than what we saw in the past from Tech. No going back now…at least not to the way we used to do it. We dug deep and found gold. My deepest thanks to those named above who made it happen. Kudos!

Once the video is done I’ll post some clips here, so stay posted. Hope to have that done within a week. In the meantime it’s time to refresh my iced coffee. Ahh, nearly perfect!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Beautiful Day of Rest

In the chaos that has been my life recently, now I am quietly enjoying my only day off in the next 8. Tomorrow I begin the big move to the new “Angel Fire ArtSpace Too”. What? Gee, did I not mention this? Of course I didn’t. It was all a big Secret…but the word is out. I’m opening a second gallery, though it’s small, at the Resort. Just a few steps from the Village House, below the Chili Lift. Or, just outside the doors of the Garden Court. Tomorrow I take a truck load of art, jewelry and office supplies to the new space. Tuesday I have an all day Chamber Planning meeting, Wednesday I’ll set the new space up and make it look smashing, Thursday, I work at the main Gallery, Friday, is the GRAND OPENING of the new space. Oh, and Friday night? The May Fourth Friday Reception! Egad! Craziness! The Gallery does look fabulous if I say so myself. Last week more than 25 new pieces went up on the wall. Totally new. Just in time since next weekend is Memorial Weekend, and both Galleries will be open Sunday…and Monday. If I can make it that long! Of course, I will, but this may be the last post till the following Tuesday!

At the same time, I’ve been madly working on rebuilding the July Season of Angel Fire Mountain Theatre after the badly timed cancellation by Texas Tech. News on that front will hopefully be coming in the next few days. We are very close to a deal. It won’t look anything like the past 11 Seasons..but it will be First Class.

Coming on the 30th (a week after the 4th Friday) the Gallery will host a reception for the Moreno Valley Arts Council’s “Reflections” show. The juried, themed exhibit features works by artists from around Northern New Mexico, in everything from photographs to works in watercolor. It is all 2-d work. It promises to be fun and way different from the usual fare at the gallery. The Artists Reception will begin at 5:30 and awards will be presented at 7pm. Be sure to check it out. Businesses are invited to get a sneak peak for advance purchases at 5pm.
Proceeds from purchases will be benefit the MVAC and the Artist.

My plate is very full right now…and I’m definitely not hungry!

The weather is lovely right now..crisp, clear and bright blue skies. It’s a great time to come to Angel Fire! See ya soon?

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Is it me? Or is the world spinning faster?

Wow. Can hardly believe it’s been two weeks (or something like that) since my last post. Let’s see if I can recount what’s kept me so busy I couldn’t find time (or energy) to post. Hmm. Last Sunday (one week ago) I was notified by Texas Tech that they would be unable to bring Summer Theatre to Angel Fire. (Gasp) Bigger than that is the fact that Tech will apparently not have a Summer Rep Season at all. I won’t begin to editorialize about the whys. It would likely end up political. No matter, the effect is that Angel Fire Mountain Theatre is left to PUNT. No, SCRAMBLE. er. um.. let’s see. The Good News is that there are options. More than I would have thought. And, Angel Fire, that is to say, the local people, are phoning in, stepping up and lending aid. It makes me smile. I can’t say just yet what is coming, but watch here, or watch http://angelfiretheatre.org/blog.html for more up to the “as we know it” information.

Till then, cross your fingers, say your prayers, send us positive and success. It is an important program to the community as whole..whether or not the individuals have ever bought a ticket. We are committed to the community and its lifeblood, our visitors. We will do all we can to make the Season happen, and I dare say, it will be an astonishing season! Watch! Participate! The Show Must Go On!

In the mean time ( such as it were) there are other BIG THINGS brewing. You’ll have to wait for the announcement about that…heee heee. Think, 1 + 1. = 2? Think Big, and small. Think, no just wait. It’s good. đŸ™‚

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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The sun is shining!

Here I am on Sunday morning. The sun is shining brightly and the temperature is rising. You have to dash under the portal of the building because the accumulated snow from the last storm is sliding off and there’s steady drip of water pouring down as well. The sides of the highway and running like a river and my hopes for Spring have returned! I got happy when the sun came out yesterday, and got busy with the next video. Here it is:

It’s been a long time since I was at the gallery on a Sunday. Figured it was time to see if there is anything going on on this gorgeous day that might bring people out. We’ll see. Haven’t seen anyone yet, so spent some time figuring out “My Perfect Day” and writing it out. It was way easier than I thought. I don’t know why it took me so long after Frank Kern first told us what a powerful tool it is. I’m not going to share it with you just yet. I’ll wait till I see it out in my life then share it to demonstrate it’s real power.

For those of you who have read the current issue of Land and Home, yes, that really is my house, and yes, I really did build it. Don’t be too impressed, it was one of those “no viable alternative” situations. I will confess that’s when I’m strongest. Tell me I can’t, then watch me do it. I believe it is within all of us to rise to the challenge, to live beyond the confines of what constrains us. I’ve been doing that for as long as I can remember and don’t see it as anything but ordinary. You can see the article (photos and all) online at http://www.sangrechronicle.com/LandAndHome_Spring08/homefeature.html

Check it out and then post here and tell me what you think! I keep saying that…and I really mean it! I want to hear from you! It can be very quiet and lonely in these mountains. Especially this time of year when I generally sit in the gallery by myself for 8 hours a day! Now you know why I have limited hours in the shoulder season!

Oh, and in case you haven’t done so yet, sign up for my email newsletter with the button on the right. I the current issue there is info about the upcoming season of Angel Fire Mountain Theatre and Angel Fire ArtsFest. Click the links to read about them directly.

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Not Quite Really Spring

Just as I was prepared to take the snow image off of this blog, I woke up this morning and lifted the blinds only to see snow flying yet again…and accumulating, though as the day wears on and the temp slowly rises, it’s muddy slush now. Whew, that was a mouthful! Sorry. Guess I find myself in a reflective mood, writing is almost as soothing painting. I’ll get to that shortly too. In the mean time, for those of you who are my students…or will be, I’m wondering something. My DVD, “How to Paint a Poppy That POPS” is selling, albeit not as quickly as I hoped. I’m hoping that you’ll post some comments here so that I can figure out what you would like me to do next. Is the DVD too specific for you? Would a more general painting or drawing lesson be better? I have all kinds of ideas, and I’ll likely make some new videos that are short lessons in both…and post them here so you can watch them FREE. Before I figure how to do that (make the camera watch me paint) I’d really like to know what you’d like to learn? Some options are: Learning to draw what you see…not what you think you see; How to let the paint lead you on Yupo paper; Painting a floral in two minutes or less on Yupo paper; Painting watercolor on Canvas; Fun painting with stuff from your kitchen. I could keep going… but I’d like to hear from you.

On other matters, I got the schedule for Angel Fire Mountain Theatre from TTU last night. It is now up at www.angelfiretheatre.org/Season_XII.html

It looks like a great line up. We’re also moving full steam ahead with the 27th Annual Angel Fire ArtsFest. The show is full and we have artists coming from literally all over the country! This small but rich show just keeps getting better every year. Check out www.morenovalleyarts.org/ArtsFest.html for more information about that. Artists: mark your calendars for January 15th and head to that page to download the application for next year. We don’t mail them anymore…too expensive. Shoot me an email from the site above to be added to the email list for notification.

In the meantime I’m still up to my ears in homework and assignments for the now infamous Maven Bootcamp I attended in Orlando. I can hardly believe it’s been nearly two months. Maybe that’s because I barely get one assignment done before the next one comes down the pike! Talk about intense! At least it keeps me distracted during the long quiet days at the gallery this time of year.

Oh, yeah….video! Need to get that done too! That’s fun for sure! I think I’ll shoot Jacqui’s work next. It’s nice and bright, with a bit of mystical whimsy. It’ll look good on camera, I think.

In the meantime…..post your comments! I want to hear from you. Like that old movie..don’t even recall the name of it…..”input needed!”

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