Saturday, September 27, 2008

Spending Time with Ando Shinji

I had the pleasure of getting to know an amazing artist from Japan. I must admit I was a little nervous about meeting Ando. I am a student at the University of New Mexico studying Fine Arts and Art Education. I am still trying to find my path in life and Ando is an established working artist and professor. All I knew about him before we met was his beautiful artwork. I was not sure what to expect when I first met him and when I finally did his presence was comforting.

Ando came to the gallery during the day before the reception to do a practice run of his demonstration. Ando’s friend and fellow artist Hayashi was translating as much as he could for Ando, Regina, and I. Once I met them my nerves calmed down. Ando and Hayashi are kind and respectful people. Ando seemed a little shyer than Hayashi.

Later, I took them to Chef Jim White’s for lunch. Hayashi ordered a green chile cheeseburger (good choice!) and Ando ate a chicken burrito. I stuck with one of my favorites - green chile chicken enchiladas. At the restaurant I was talking with Hayashi and I noticed that Ando can speak a little bit more English than he lets on. He understood some of the things I said, although it was still pretty minimal. I found out that Ando and I are both parents of three-year olds!

After the reception I realized how inspiring they are to me and that I can reach my dreams as long as I keep making art. Ando and Hayashi have been printmaking for 20+ years and travel all over the world. I am grateful I had the opportunity to spend time with them and learn some new printmaking techniques along the way!

Tanya
Gallery Intern/Assistant

Here I am explaining the process of etching to the people watching Ando's demo.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

New Grounds Artists in Corrales Art Show!

Aligned
Photogravure
When you are out and about in Corrales for some shopping and great food, don’t miss this juried show which is sponsored by the Corrales Visual Arts Council. This year, pieces by two New Grounds artists are included in this exhibition, Jorge Tristani and Jacqui Lewnes.

Tristani will be showing his already widely published “Aligned” and Lewnes one of her dog portraits, “Shepherd I.” By the way, Lewnes does accept commissions for dog portraits!

Shepherd I
Monotype
Exhibition title: 20th Annual Fine Arts Show
Location: Old San Ysidro Church, Corrales NM.


Directions: The old San Ysidro Church is located one mile north of the Corrales Post Office on Corrales road, the 3/10 mile west on old Church Road.
Exhibition Dates: Oct 4 -12
Reception: Friday Oct 3, 5-8 PM
Gallery hours: 11 AM – 5 PM daily

Friday, September 12, 2008

See Adabel Allen’s work in Albuquerque Academy 2008 Alumni Art Show!


Adabel Allen graduated only a year ago from UNM with her BFA, but she already has a lot of fans for her work - in addition to winning several awards. If you are familiar with the artist – and if you love images of birds, don’t miss this.

Albuquerque Academy 2008 Alumni Art Show Art
Located at the art gallery of the visual arts building, on the west campus of Albuquerque Academy.
6400 Wyoming Blvd, NE, Albuquerque, NM
(505) 858-8853

Opening Reception: Thurs, Sept 18, 4-6 pm Show dates: Sept 18 - Oct 2

Adabel Allen will have two pieces in this group show:
"Midnight Snack" a four-plate, color etching and "The Afterlife of Iraq, We Pray is Peace", a multi-media and etching assemblage on canvas.

Both pieces will be for sale, with a percentage of the sales going to the Albuquerque Academy Visual Arts Program Fund.
Midnight Snack
Multiple Plate Color Etching