The Wright Place at the Wright Time for Native Art

While living in New York City, I went to go see a lot of art. The downside: I always had to travel into the city on the weekend to see it, or--if I was lucky--the opening would be on a week night, and I could pop-in after work to partake of the fantastic creations in SoHo or Chelsea.

The best part of living in Albuquerque, besides the fact that I have my car, is that art galleries are little more than twenty minutes from my house. What's even better is that when art shows take place in Northeast Albuquerque, I'm even closer, and parking is ample! Friday was just such a night when I didn't have to drive too far to see top-notch, FABULOUS Native American art. I mean, it was practically in my own backyard, at Wright's Indian Art.

Wright's Indian Art has been in business for more than 100 years (102, to be exact!), and that says a lot about it's reputation and the quality of the artists the gallery is able to attract. Not only do they carry the works of tried and true artists, they also represent the best in young, up-and-coming talent (here comes the plug for a couple of friends) such as Kathleen Wall and Silvester Hustito, who just opened his own Santa Fe gallery. From gorgeous jewelry by the renowned Alex Sanchez and Tommy Jackson to pottery by Fannie Loretto, the Fragua family , paintings by Yellowman, and others, there is always something special to be found at Wright's Indian Art.

Speaking of special, Friday night's ArtsCrawl played host to a number of fantastic Native American artists, including Darryl and Ramey Growing Thunder (ledger art) to innovative and unique jewelry by Kee Yazzie, Jr. I'm always in awe of Native American craftspeople, and this event was no exception. It was a thrill to see famed Jemez potter Maxine Toya and her daughter Dominique Toya (Maxine, who I first met at 2009 Indian Market is a friend of my dear friend Cypriana). I have never met Dominique before, but this rising Indian Market star , who was featured in the August issue of Southwest Art, did a wonderful demo on how she creates her micaceous melon pots. It's always fun to learn about the process. Maxine showed a beautiful nativity set, which has yet to be fired and painted.

I am a jewelry fiend, and, of course, when I met Marian Denipah and Steve LaRance, I was in Heaven, because Marian's jewelry is some of the finest made and distinct that I have ever seen. Her unique abstract kachina-inspired rings mesmerized me, and I could little control myself from buying everything at their table. Of note was the matching necklace and ring that Marian had basically designed around the turquoise, whose shape resembled a cloud. Marian was more than happy to model her ring and necklace ensemble, in addition to two of her turquoise rings that caught my eye.


















For the urban dweller (and I know the style-consciousness of the city fashionista!), I discovered these really cool "Cityscape" cuff bracelets by well-known designer Steve Yellowhorse. I have truly never seen anything like these before. This piece, sure to have people grabbing your wrist asking you "where'd you get that?" can be yours for only $1,800!

The evening would not be complete without meeting the seemingly soft-spoken and charming Hopi potter Preston Duwyenie. He and his wife Debra Duwyenie, who is of the Santa Clara Pueblo, are the duo behind some traditional and very cutting-edge Native American pottery. While Preston utilizes ancient potting techniques, he creates magical, contemporary pots that depict rain clouds filled with water and the gentle movement of sand as one would find in a desert dune. With his wife he collaborates on sgraffito pots, typical to Santa Clara. Preston builds the clay and Debra etches remarkable patterns that include delicate hummingbirds.

Wright's Indian Art is located on the corner of San Mateo and Lomas in Northeast Albuquerque. You can also visit them on the Web at http://www.wrightsgallery.com.

FireGod Gallery--New Rare Gem in Native American Art World

In these tough times, it’s an all too common headline in the art world—another gallery is closing its doors. Amidst the resounding “We just can’t do it anymore. After X amount of years, we’ve decided to shut down.”

It’s wonderful and refreshing, in what seems to be a dreary landscape for gallery owners, to hear of an artist, opening his own shop just before the holidays. What’s even more inspiring is that gallery owner, Silvester Hustito, is not only young, but Native American—Zuni, in fact. While Native American-owned galleries are not unheard of, they are certainly not commonplace, and I think it says a great deal about where Native American art and art, in general, is heading.

Hustito’s new gallery FireGod , located just off of Santa Fe’s historic Plaza on East Palace Avenue, was created to be a home for contemporary Native American artists. FireGod held it's grand opening on Friday, November 6 as part of Santa Fe's First Friday Arts Walk, and I was fortunate enough to attend the party!

While some of the artists whose work is currently showing at FireGod already have a following, namely sculptor Doug Coffin and potter Les Namingha (of late Namingha has been trying his hand at painting), Hustito hopes to help all of his artists build public awareness for their art as many of them continue their rise to success. And that’s just the kind of graciousness you’d expect from Hustito after you meet him. After all, his last name means “justice.” So humble is he that you would barely believe that Mr. Hustito, too, is seeing his star ascend quickly in the Native American art world. And he also seems to have attracted a diverse and humble group of fellow artists that includes Navajo encaustic artist Michael Billie and, very soon, Jemez potter Kathleen Wall. Wall, who comes from a long line of respected artists, has received much acclaim at Indian Market in the last few years, and her current exhibition at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (extended through May 2010) is a must-see.

Highlights of the current show at FireGod include stunning ledger art by Chicago resident and Institute of American Indian Arts graduate Chris Pappan, the unusual and inspiring works of Michael Billie, the work of master sculptor Doug Coffin, and of course, the dynamic work of Silvester Hustito. The gallery also offers collectors gorgeous textile pieces and handmade Native American jewelry.

Watch a video documenting the opening reception of FireGod Gallery featuring interviews with artist and gallery owner Silvester Hustito, Michael Billie and Doug Coffin here:



Join FireGod’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Santa-Fe-NM/FIREGOD-gallery/117352025881.

Fashion Maven Jilli Kae Brings Retro and Vintage Style to Town

It's not unusual that in tough times, people gravitate towards simpler and comforting things--things that remind them of the past. While retro and vintage fashion have been in vogue, in certain circles, for over the last 20 years or so, it seems that now, women from most every generation are embracing elements of the past and incorporating them into their own personal fashion statements.

Depending on where you live, going vintage can often be a pricey prospect,and you never really know what you're getting. Now, there is a new fashion maven in "town," so to speak, who can help you sort it all out and get your retro on. Jill Winburn, proprietor of the Albuquerque-based Jilli Kae the Chic Boutique, knows her style, and offers fabulous retro and vintage-inspired apparel, handbags, shoes and accessories in her Historic Old Town store or online at www.jillikae.com.

Since the holidays are quickly approaching, Jilli Kae recommends some wonderful, quality affordable gift items that are sure to turn heads and have everyone saying "Oh my goodness, where'd you get that?" Be sure to tell them you got it at Jilli Kae the Chic Boutique!

I caught up with retro and vintage style expert Jill Winburn at the Home and Lifestyle Expo in Albuquerque, New Mexico this past weekend and she let me in on some of the great new gifts ideas for the holidays:

Southwest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival to Host Jane Wiedlin and Mink Stole October 15

If you're really into Gay and Lesbian cinema, then you need to check out the remaining lineup of the Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, sponsored by Closet Cinema, Mati, the City of Albuquerque, and Here!

I finally had the chance to check out the Festival's foreign shorts and Where the Boys Are: Shorts, and I was really impressed by the quality of the programmming that Festival Director Roberto Appicciafoco had selected for this year, the 7th Annual Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.

With three days remaining in the Festival, there's still lots to experience, including showcase features such as Hannah Free starring Sharon Gless and Little Ashes starring Robert Pattinson of Twilight fame. I'm also looking forward to the closing night feature Stuck! starring Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Gos and Mink Stole from many John Water's films. Both Wiedlin and Mink Stole will be on hand for the screening of the film, which will take place on Thursday night, October 15 at 7:00 P.M. Following will be the closing night party at 100 Gold Lofts. Visit www.closetcinema.org for a full Festival schedule and party details.

Albuquerque Arts Newspaper Features Interview with Paul Niemi

This past month has been a whirlwind of events and activities, including my very own art show at Desert Intarsia Gallery, my principal role in Back to the 80s at the Adobe Theater, as well as my leading role in Shakespeare in Hollywood at the Albuquerque Little Theatre.

I'm thrilled that Albuquerque Arts newspaper has featured my art work on its shopping page in its October print edition(that's page 17 if you're able to pick up a copy!). They are also featuring a "Take 5" interview with me regarding my role as "Oberon" in Shakespeare in Hollywood, my art work and my career path as a publicist.

Read the interview HERE!

KiMo Theatre Art Gallery Hosts “Duality” Contemporary Works by George C de Baca and Ed Brandt

As usual, there’s always something cool going on in the Duke City. If you weren’t able to make it to the October 1 opening reception of “Duality”: Contemporary Works by George C de Baca and Ed Brandt at Albuquerque’s KiMo Theatre Art Gallery, you should definitely check it out! Of particular interest is the minimalist work of Ed Brandt.

Brandt easily jumps between mediums, following the creative flow that guides him. The collection of his works at the KiMo include "white" minimal paintings and "reconstructed" Polaroids, which are created utilizing Polaroid 600 instant film cameras the span the generations, from the original 1970s SX-70 to the ‘80s, ‘90s and beyond.

A “play on minimalism, geometry and texture,” the artist considers his creative process a visceral one. Upon first observation, the spectator may find Brandt's finished artwork minimal in appearance, but time spent with them yields the discovery that they possess geometry and texture that expose a deeper process.

You can discover Brandt and de Baca's work through November 7 at the KiMo Theatre. For more information on the exhibit click here! To read more about Ed’s work, visit www.brandtdesignstudio.com.

When the Show Absolutely Must Go On!

(PHOTO: Alan Mitchell/Sarah Borkowski & Paul D. Niemi in Shakespeare in Hollywood)

We live our lives from day to day, quietly pushing thoughts of bad things happening to the back of our minds. They seem improbable--almost the stuff of which television shows or films are made. Then they suddenly happen, only to bring us back to the reality of the improbable. Sometimes, it's incredible just how prepared we are for these occurences.

I lived in New York City for twelve years, and I was faced with the improbable only twice--September 11, 2001, and the time I walked head on into a mugging. A young woman had attacked an elderly Asian woman at Flushing Main Street in a small park between two buildings. I turned the corner mid-attack, only to see numerous onlookers who, at that moment, suffered from big eyes, drooling mouths and a lack of emotional strength to do anything about what they were witnessing. Immediately disgusted by these peoples' lack of involvement in putting a stop to the attack, I approached the picture window of the McDonald's to my left. After getting the attention of an employee mopping the floor, I formed the words, in Spanish, as if I were lip-syncing, "Llame la policia" ( Call the police). She signaled that she would call them immediately. Shortly after, adrenaline kicked-in and I walked right up to the attacker, grabbed her arms and tried to free the victim's purse from her. In the interim, a large Black man, came up behind her and grabbed her as well, ensuring that she would hold still. I finally won control of the purse and handed it to the stunned elderly woman who muttered something to me in Korean. Once she had it back, I began to walk away--heart pounding outside my chest--knowing that I had done the right thing, risking my own well-being for someone else. I had always wondered what I would do in just that situation, and I found the answer without delay--fascinating! That really tested my metal.

It's been no secret that I have been getting fully involved in the theatre world of Albuquerque, New Mexico--most recently in a production of Ken Ludwig's Shakespeare in Hollywood at the Albuquerque Little Theatre. This past Saturday evening, my metal was tested, yet again, and, with all humility, I am so proud of myself for how I handled myself.

It was the second to the last scene--just before I had a quick change to finish out the show. With about two minutes to spare, I raced from the stage through the wings heading for my changing area behind the scenes. While I noticed some cast members lingering to the side of the stage, I decided that I would navigate around them. The moment I began to sprint, one cast member, who is responsible for bringing his prop onstage with him, decided at the last minute to relocate to the wings. In the darkness of a scene change, he lifted the sharp-edged prop and struck my face just below the eyebrow. I could feel wetness in the dark and was stunned to discover, when I got to a mirror, that I was profusely bleeding. We were having difficultly getting it to stop. By this time, it was all over my white shirt, my hands and face. I ran to one of the stage crew and told her they needed to stop the show because without me, the play could not end. Thanks to some quick thinking on the part of my castmates, lines were given that helped to delay the end. After we got the blood contained, the wound bandaged, I insisted on finishing the show, to the dismay of the stage manager, who wanted to have me taken away in an ambulance. I was fine, and was concerned that the audience wouldn't get its money's worth if we didn't finish the play. Without changing, I threw on my cape over my bloody shirt, and with streams of dried blood on my face and hands, found myself back onstage with my co-star with whom I resumed the show. As I was speaking, I could hear murmurs from the audience as they tried to sort out in which part of the play my character got injured. We all made it work, and, in the end, many audience members thought it was all part of the show. The theatrical credo "the show must go on" was instilled in me when I was just a teen and has stuck with me since. In twenty years of performing, I've never had an accident, but always wondered how I would react in such a situation. The experience was very calming, and I was so proud and impressed by by castmates' ability to improvise and stay in control as well. It was at that moment when this community theatre production became a professional show!

The most inspiring part of the experience is that I gained the respect of my fellow actors. On top of that, the wound is healing nicely in spite of not having medical attention. I'm even looking forward to four more performances as we round-out our run this weekend. If you're in Albuquerque or Santa Fe this week, please stop by to see this hilarious play. I can almost guarantee there won't be blood. After all, this is a comedy and I think we all have had enough drama for one week!