20/20 on the 12" x 12" at Harwood Art Center

Opportunities to see fabulous art abounded around the country on Friday, December 4--from Woodstock, to Bellingham, Washington, all the way to Albuquerque, New Mexico and beyond!

Arts organizations are getting creative these days, especially when it comes to how they do their fundraising. While most rely on their list of donors, many enhance their money cultivation efforts by holding events that have a novelty factor. In the case of Albuquerque's famed Harwood Art Center, the organization began hosting an annual benefit three years ago called the Harwood Art Center 12" x 12" Show.

This year's show drew nearly 500 people on its opening night and featured the works of approximately 150 artists. One of the many "anonymous" art shows around the country, the goal of this show, much like its sister shows, is getting people to buy what they like and not just a "name." The major difference in the Harwood show is that each piece costs $144 (that's 12 x 12= 144...cute, huh?). What's even cuter is that there is a kids' section, which is comprised of pieces made by children with dimensions of 6" x 6". Wanna take a bet as to how much they sell for? You got it--36 bucks! What a fantastic way to teach kids about art and how it is displayed in a show. Not only that, but they get to experience the euphoria when their piece sells. Of course, sales of all of the works benefit the wonderful programs that Harwood Art Center brings to New Mexico and the community.

While many artists were not on hand because they likely had their own solo art openings across town (see my previous post on Lea Anderson), I had an opportunity to speak with Jessie Rogers Marketing, Design and Administration Manager for the Harwood Art Center, as well as two participating artists Rachel Popowcer and Jude Gallegos. Rachel's piece graced this year's 12" x 12" benefit program. Jude's 2008 piece garnered that honor as well. For more information on the Harwood Art Center, visit www.harwoodartcenter.org.

Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild's Annual 5" x 7" Show Turns 10

The first weekend in December is almost upon us, and that can only mean one thing--It's time for the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild's Annual 5" x 7" Show! This show, which has been dubbed "Everyone's Favourite Little Show" has become a Woodstock institution since its inception ten years ago.

While many art collectors try to collect pieces as investments, what's cool about the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild's Annual 5" x 7" Show is that it promotes buying what you like, rather than just a name. The 2008 show attracted more than 220 participating artists, and the roster continues to grow every year.

On the eve of the first Friday in December artphiles line up along Tinker Street in front of Byrdcliffe. After paying their $10 admission fee (the event is a benefit for WBG), buyers receive a number and gain entrance to the Kleinart/James Arts Center gallery in groups to keep the pandemonium at a minimum. Once you're in, you better have pen and paper ready to write down the numbers of your favorite pieces, as they will sell like hotcakes. It's the Olympics of art buying, the only difference is that the spectator is the athlete and no one knows who created the work until it's paid for up front. Every piece sells for $100, and the proceeds go towards all the programs that the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild provides artists and the community. That means for only 100 bucks you can pick up a Milton Glaser, Portia Munson or a Joe Schmo from down the street. No matter, there's something for everyone and it all goes to a great cause. In the words of WBG Executive Director Carla Smith, "This is the most popular show in Woodstock." The 2009 event takes place Friday, December 4 from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. and includes a delicious nosh buffet. Don't be left out in the cold, though. Lineup usually starts around 4. For more information, visit http://www.woodstockguild.org/.

Lea Anderson's Organic Lifeforms "Rain" Down on Old Town

While Santa Fe is still the heart of art in the Southwest, Albuquerque’s contemporary art scene is growing, and with closer examination, you will find some very cool artists and galleries there. Of course, when you head over to Albuquerque’s historic Old Town district, you would expect to find Native American pottery, sand paintings and resin cactus chotskies and the like, but interesting, hip contemporary art? That's right...hipsters live in Old Town! At first glance, it might seem surprising, but once you meet Bright Rain Gallery co-owners Travis Pickard and Molly Doane, you immediately sense that they are bound to be major players in the ABQ's art scene. Not only have they been able to attract a roster of talented, up-and-coming artists to their gallery, they are both passionate artists in their own right. I love to check out the gallery every couple of months, since their shows are always changing, and they bring in the best in works created by artists from New Mexico and beyond.

This Friday, December 4, Bright Rain Gallery kicks-off an exhibit of works by local artist Lea Anderson entitled “Being Sprouts: Recent Cultivations.” Anderson, a teacher at the University of New Mexico, CNM and the Harwood Art Center, explores the correlation between Art and Science through the creation of organisms that are “intimately varied and beautiful.” A recipient of “Best Work on Paper” from Southwest Biennial ’08, Anderson’s abstract organic lifeforms are made up of hundreds of unique cells, which she combines to create a larger whole of vibrant color. This exhibition will highlight some of the artist’s musings and discoveries with her latest sculptural organisms and drawings. Stop by the gallery, located on the Patio Market Walkway at 206 1/2 San Felipe NW in Albuquerque’s Old Town Plaza, from 6 p.m. to 9 P.M. on December 4. Anderson will be on-hand for a meet and greet and to talk about her work. Refreshments will also be served. For more information, visit http://www.brightraingallery.com/.

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!

1930s Hollywood Gets Turned Upside Down with a Shakespearean Twist in Albuquerque

So you say that your teacher forced you to read Shakespeare in high school? If you’re like me, you had to flip to the glossary of terms to tell you what the heck the characters were saying. It’s an utter tragedy that more people haven’t grown up with a healthy appreciation for the Bard’s writings. Unfortunately, not every city has a well-trained company of actors performing Shakespeare’s repertoire in the park every summer. I grew up regularly going to see productions in the midst of urban nature, but it wasn’t until my 30s that I really learned to appreciate the language and the brilliance of Shakespeare’s works.

While I did numerous scenes and monologues in college, I’ve never actually appeared in a full production of a Shakespearean work. Lucky for me, I’m having the opportunity to take on the role of “Oberon”--not in Mr. Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream--but in Ken Ludwig’s recent comedy Shakespeare in Hollywood at Albuquerque Little Theatre.

Like fish out of water, Oberon and his sidekick Puck are unexpectedly transported to 1930s Hollywood and the “Magic Woods Near Athens” on the set of Max Reinhardt’s film version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The two find themselves getting all wrapped-up in the hubbub of the film industry when they are selected by Reinhardt to play themselves in the film. Of course, Oberon falls in love with one of his co-stars, tries to secure his fate as her lover by seeking out a magic flower whose juice, "streaked" in her eyes, will guarantee that his affection is returned. As expected in this comedy of errors where nothing goes as planned, the flower falls into the wrong hands, which causes mayhem of the most hilarious variety: Bimbos fall for junior “Yes Men,” handsome young matinee idols fall for actors in drag, and magic leads everyone awry. Of course, in the end--like the best-written comedies--all is made right, lovers are reunited, and life lessons are learned as everyone leaves the woods.

Albuquerque Little Theatre Executive and Creative Director Henry Avery has assembled a stellar cast of actors, who bring this gut-busting comedy to life. Shakespeare in Hollywood opens on September 25 and runs every consecutive Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October 11. To learn more and get ticket information, visit www.albuquerquelittletheatre.org.

Watch a teaser video to get to know the cast of Shakespeare in Hollywood here!

New Works By Wire Screen & Maché Artist Paul Niemi at Desert Intarsia Gallery

Sometimes life creates the perfect storm. Sometimes the perfect storm can be stressful too, but the craziness usually pays off in the end. For me, I thrive being up to my head in busy!

If my month has not already been hectic enough--between closing in a fabulous 80s musical and opening as the lead in the Ken Ludwig comedy "Shakespeare in Hollywood" at the Albuquerque Little Theatre on September 25--I'm also madly preparing for my very own art show and reception on September 18 at the Desert Intarsia Gallery as part of the Downtown Albuquerque ArtsCrawl.

Desert Intarsia Gallery,located at 317 Gold Avenue will feature a variety of my pieces, including some very large masks. You may have already seen one of them hanging in the gallery's window!

Please feel free to stop by between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to say hello, meet other art lovers, and buy some funky and unusual masks from the alternative universe that I have created.

"Paul Niemi brings his unique perspective on mask-making and a twist on traditional folk art to the gallery. "For as long as I can remember, I have had a fascination with faces, masks, and folk art," he says. A transplant from New York City, Niemi is drawn to bright and beautiful colors and is influenced by the mythology of indigenous art. Working in wire screen and paper maché, Niemi creates a world of characters who exist in an alternative universe where anything is possible."

Watch a preview in which I talk about what influences my art the most:

Finding Common Bonds at 2009 Indian Market in Santa Fe

There are many reasons why people call New Mexico “The Land of Enchantment.” Just look around you and you can’t help but be impressed by the geography and natural beauty. Every time I head home towards the east in Albuquerque, I am moved by the grandeur of the Sandia Mountains. Driving from the west to the east at night along the Paseo del norte is one of my favorite pleasures because you can see the twinkling of the lights all the way up to where residential lines end and reservation land begins. Even when I feel unsettled or grumpy, those mountains bring me back to a centered peaceful place in my mind.

New Mexico also enchants people from around the World with its rich cultures and traditions. Perhaps one of the state’s most enduring traditions is the annual Indian Market that takes place on the Plaza in Santa Fe every August. The event brings together approximately 100,000 collectors and 1200 artists from 100 tribes, making it the World’s largest and most prestigious Native American arts show. It’s basically the Broadway Flea Market or the Super Bowl of Native American arts, which is why I was thrilled to be able to attend Indian Market for the first time this year.

My wonderful new friend Cypriana Toledo, a potter from the Jemez Pueblo, who creates pottery in the old style, using red clay and bright acrylics, met me at the Market during the early morning set-up on the Plaza. The night before, on the phone, she had mentioned that she wanted me to meet some of her artist friends. I thought to myself “That would be very nice.” But, when she made the rounds with me, and I had the opportunity to get to know the likes of well known potters such as Maxine Toya, Fannie Loretto, Kathleen Wall, Alfreda Fragua, and more, I felt like a Hollywood celebrity gawker. I’m still in a dream-like state and feel truly honored to have been personally introduced to them all and to be able to call them friends.



As a mask artist, it was particularly thrilling to spend some time sitting on the sidelines with Fannie Loretto, whose clay Koshari faces have renown throughout the Southwest and beyond. As I listened to her describe how she creates these wonderful pieces, I was reminded of my own creative process. As a matter of fact, in speaking with all of the artists with whom I had the pleasure of connecting, a common theme kept recurring in conversation—that of the clay talking to them and telling the artists what it wants to become. It was so inspiring to find a common bond with all of these ladies, who are so completely in touch with something greater than themselves, and have channeled those spiritual connections to bring the world such spectacularly beautiful objects made with the highest level of precision.

A couple of months ago, I was whole-heartedly moved to tears by the work of Kathleen Wall at the Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque. Wall, who is the daughter of Fannie Loretto, took time away from selling her incredible clay sculptures to talk to me about her work and the emotional journey of putting the Albuquerque exhibition together.



Jemez potter, Alfreda Fragua, who is Fannie Loretto's cousin, was a delight to hang out with. Her stone polishing is flawless, and I love the fact that, while she could command considerably higher prices for her work, she'd prefer to make sure that her art is affordable, so that all people can enjoy Native arts. What a beautiful soul she is!

I really appreciated getting to chat with Rebecca Lucario of Acoma Pueblo. She and her family have such a rich tradition of making pottery, and she was kind enough to talk about her own creative process. I look forward to seeing her again at the Acoma feast, which will take place on September 2.

Of course, it was a pleasure to see Joyce Ortiz again. I first met her at this summer’s Cochiti feast, and she is such a thoughtful artist and one of the loveliest people I've ever met. The sister of Virgil, and daughter of Seferina and Guadalupe Ortiz, Joyce was kind enough to talk on camera with me about her work as well.

Speaking of lovely, I had the honor of interviewing master Santa Clara Potter Jody Naranjo. I’ve seen her work in publications, but never up-close. It was a pleasure having the opportunity to handle her pieces and admire her stunning stone polishing work in person. Jody spoke to me in-depth about how she creates her magnificent works in clay.



In addition to all of the potters, including the very charming Margaret Garcia of Acoma, who made me fall in love with her colorful storytellers, I had the chance to meet Zuni carver Alan Lewis, who makes amazing Cottonwood corn maidens and sculptures. A major highlight was visiting with Yellowman, who is, perhaps, my favorite Native American painter.

Later in the day, as we sat in the shade of the Plaza confiding in one another, Cypriana, or “Pana” as she is known by many, told me she knew that “this Indian Market was going to be special.” Indeed, it was Pana, and I was honored to be a part of it! To all the artists who agreed to be part of my Indian Market video documentary, my humble thanks.

"Back to the 80s" is Quintessential High School Flashback Musical

Just when you thought you had left the 80s behind, a new production of the high school flashback "Back to the 80s: The Totally Awesome Musical" hits the boards at Albuquerque's Adobe Theater. The show, which opened on August 14 and features such memorable hits as "Walkin' on Sunshine," "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," and "Material Girl," chronicles the senior year of Corey Palmer, a loveable nice guy, who seems to finish last when it comes to high school love.

And, just when I thought I had left my high school days in the Southwest behind, I find myself returning to the region from New York City twenty-one years later to play adult "Corey," the guy who takes the audience on the journey into his past, which is full of exploits that would eventually help him get the girl he loves and get a date for the school prom. With the 80s fresh in my mind, this performance experience has been a wonderful blast from the past.

"Back to the 80s" is the universal American 1980s high school story, full of familiar archetypes--the cool guys, the popular girls, the class geek, and both nerdy and hot teachers at the helm of the fictitious William Ocean High School. "Back to the 80s" played to nearly sold out audiences its opening weekend and tickets are expected to go quickly for the next three weekends. "Back to the 80s: The Totally Awesome Musical" runs through September 6. Visit www.adobetheater.org for ticket information.

"Sometimes I Wonder..." Where the Heck Creativity Has Gone?

(This is an encore post of Uncle Paulie's World since it seems very timely!)

Okay...NOW I know that the world is really ending--at least the creative world as we've known it! Earlier today, I had the misfortune of seeing a copy of the press kit for the new FAME movie. Have you heard about this? Are they serious? A remake of FAME? How is that possible? I don't even want to hear that Irene Cara is appearing in the new movie. I want to remember her how she was. What else could they possibly tell us about these characters? I want to continue to fantasize about the paths they took without having someone shove contrived crap down my throat, and I DON'T want to see the whole "next generation" of fame performers because that type of thing has been run into the ground. Shhh! Did you hear that? It's the sound of "dull" and "uninteresting" coming out to do a tapdance! How can a filmmaker be so bold as to think that he or she could recreate any of the characters, storylines or the New York City that many of us remember--the gritty New York. It was the Pre-Disney New York, when you could see a prostitute pee in a cup in Times Square (True story! Me, my classmates and the Milford Plaza. The year was 1986 and I was 16 and living in Texas. I had NEVER seen such a thing in my life.).

Not only did seeing the prostitute pee in that cup change my life, but so did FAME. I've never been so moved by a film in my life. I didn't know it at the time, but I was able to see elements of my future self up there on the screen. I saw myself in so many of those characters. Back then, my closeted homo-ness in my suburban Texas world, filled with my OCD need to have the latest Broadway cast album and sing show tunes all the time, as well as my insistence that I, too, would "live forever," would all be validated by this film. What kid with talent didn't want to be up on top of one of those cabs hoofing away to the beat? I didn't even like to dance for Heaven's sake!

When I was in high school, I went so far as to to write a letter to Anne Meara (Ben Stiller's mother, for those of you who are too young to remember) to let her know how much her performance of Sherwood meant to me. I still have the autographed picture that she sent me along with a sweet note. Imagine the irony, when at age 32, I ended up in the same benefit concert with her and her husband, Jerry Stiller of Seinfeld fame, at NYC's Off-Broadway John Houseman Theatre. Stuff like that in the Universe is cyclical and beautiful. FAME remakes are not!

Giancarlo Esposito Teaches Life Lessons at Albuquerque Film Festival

(Photo Source: Entertainment Exclusives)

"We are living in creation," actor and director, Giancarlo Esposito, told a 100-member audience today as part of an "actors' workshop" that he did in conjunction with the Albuquerque Film Festival.

These days, it's rare that I make any commentary on spirituality or express my thoughts on how people should live their lives on Uncle Paulie's World, since they are only one man's opinion, but today, I had to share!

Esposito went on to say that if we are not living in truth, we are not living, which is so simple--and profound--and so many of us have made the choice to not live in our truths. The truth is that we create our own truth. Whatever thoughts we have are manifested in our lives. So, "Be careful what you wish for" was basically the jist of his admonishment to the intimate crowd, which consisted of actors, directors, producers, technical people and others.

The event, which took place at Albuquerque's Cell Theatre, was ambiguously titled a "workshop," but what it really ended up being was two hours of self-introspection and group communion of people who share varied, but related goals. It started out with deep breathing and meditation, and then a request that each one of us make a personal introduction of ourselves to the rest of the group(including the photographers and camera guy!). The "experience" as I have chosen to call it, since I went in with no expectations and an open mind, culminated with Esposito imparting knowledge that, as he said (and I'm paraphrasing here), most of us already know. It was merely a time for participant and keynote speaker to remind one another of that fact. Essentially what we learned is that we all lie, to ourselves and one another, and that we hate to be out of control, BUT to live fully, we must all give up that control. I like that!

In the last 5 months, I have learned to give up some control, and not worry about what the "picture" of my life seems to depict. It has been an interesting growth process, being laid off from a 3-year job that I, for the most part, liked, picking up and moving to a new city for both a person and the speculation of an exciting and fresh life. Along the road, hardly a moment went by when I didn't force myself to be conscious of the necessity for keeping the eye on the prize and the importance of not letting the small things get in my way. Esposito talked today about learning to trust yourself when living your life. It is easy for people, especially creatives, to say to others, "What should I do?", "Was that okay?", or "Take care of me!" Through my entire transition into my new environs, I have been learning to trust myself and my relationship that I have with God (You may have another relationship with a higher power, and I make no judgement on that, as long as you have a spiritual relationship with something or someone.) After all, someone said today, "No man is an island," and as humans, we have a symbiotic relationship with one another. Esposito said that to really live, we must serve each other and life is really celebrating that we don't have to go through it alone! Again, I love that!

Trusting in myself and my relationship with that higher spiritual power has brought me two leading roles in two shows in the last 4 months, and since last night's opening of the gallery where my art is currently hanging, I have sold three pieces! Things are also beginning to fall in place for me socially and financially, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to counteract all the doubt that I have felt my entire life. If this is all happening for me, one jot in the Universe, it must be so that a shift in the collective thought is happening in the World, and all is moving towards a state of bliss, much like the one that we vaguely remember. The time is now to trust in ourselves and no one else...and, of course, that higher power that helps us remain in control of what we create in our lives. (Stage Direction:And Uncle Paulie steps down from his soapbox.)

Thank you so much, Mr. Giancarlo Esposito, for the life-altering experience. You are one wise man!

Desert Intarsia Hosts Grand Opening as Part of Downtown ArtsCrawl

Whatcha doin' this Friday, August 7? Wanna go out? Let's go to the Grand Opening of Desert Intarsia Gallery during downtown Albuquerque's ArtsCrawl.

Desert Intarsia, the newest gallery on Gold Avenue, Albuquerque's up-and-coming arts district. Gold Avenue is quickly becoming the place for cool and funky art in the Duke City.

As a matter of fact, Desert Intarsia recently relocated to Gold Avenue from Old Town at the recommendation of Albuquerque's Downtown Action Team. According to gallery owners Brian and Stacey Maggard, local shoppers and businesspeople in the area have responded very well to the variety of art that Desert Intarsia offers, including intarsia jewelry by Brian, who is, himself, a nationally recognized jewlery maker. Brian is one of only eight people in the U.S. creating jewelry using this 16th Century lapidary style. People really seem to love the new gallery space, which is located at 317 Gold Avenue next door to the Atomic Cantina.

I recently caught up with Desert Intarsia Gallery co-owner Stacey Maggard to talk about the gallery's new digs. Check out the interview, and be sure to attend Desert Intarsia's Grand Opening from 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. on August 7!

Desert Intarsia Gallery Finds New Gold Avenue Home

It's amazing just how much the arts lover can find to do Albuquerque. Did you know that there are 39 theatre companies, there are film festivals, and tons of live music performances and galleries in the area? Imagine that! You don't even need to head to Santa Fe (unless you want to!).

One of the highlights of "the Q's" cultural scene are the ArtsCrawls, which usually take place on the first Friday of the month. Galleries stay open later, offer wine and cheese receptions, and, of course, great art that's even affordable in this economy.

If you happen to be in town on Friday, August 7, stop by Desert Intarsia, the newest gallery on Gold Avenue, Albuquerque's up-and-coming arts district. Gold Avenue is quickly becoming the place for cool and funky art in the Duke City.

As a matter of fact, Desert Intarsia recently relocated to Gold Avenue from Old Town at the recommendation of Albuquerque's Downtown Action Team. According to gallery owners Brian and Stacey Maggard, local shoppers and businesspeople in the area have responded very well to the variety of art that Desert Intarsia offers, including intarsia jewelry by Brian, who is, himself, a nationally recognized jewlery maker. People really seem to love the new gallery space, which is located at 317 Gold Avenue next door to the Atomic Cantina.

I recently caught up with Desert Intarsia Gallery co-owner Stacey Maggard to talk about the gallery's new digs. Check out the interview, and be sure to attend Desert Intarsia's Grand Opening from 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. on August 7!

Southwest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Co-Presents OUTrage at Albuquerque's The Guild Cinema

(Photo: Courtesy Magnolia Pictures)

Most people know at least one closet case. It's sad that many people have to live their true lives in secret, mostly because humanity isn't ready to make living the gay life bearable for everyone. So, in the interim, I guess we'll have to accept that there will always be stragglers, who aren't willing to deal with themselves just yet.

Speaking of closet cases, Washington, D.C. is full of 'em. Maybe that's why J.R.'s is packed with guys in khakis and blue blazers at 3 pm on a weekday. They're usually drunk off their butts by 5 pm and home with their pickups via the "back door" by 6 pm. Is it any wonder that this is common behavior in D.C. (I've seen it happen many times there!)? After all, a great majority of politicians are either in denial of their identities, or they live secret gay lives. These are the men and women who consistently vote against legislation that would allow gay marriage, adoption and other gay rights. It really puts the pressure on those around them to keep their mouths shut or stay tucked behind the leather chaps and stilleto pumps in the far depths of their own closets.

Luckily, brave filmmaker and Academy Award Winner Kirby Dick has turned Washington inside out with his new film OUTrage, and a lot of people are none too happy about it--mostly because it outs politicians like never before. Some of Dick's interviews, which include Congressman Barney Frank, former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey, activist Larry Kramer, radio personality Michelangelo Signorile, and openly gay congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (Representative, Wisconsin 2nd district), imply that D.C. is gayer than San Francisco. Is that even possible??? The film also addresses the media’s cooperation in helping to keep secrets of those politicians living covertly gay lives.

While OUTrage has been playing to a lot of hoopla in other major cities, the film is premiering in Albuquerque at The Guild Cinema on July 21 and will play through July 23. If you haven't seen the film and are in the Albuquerque/Santa Fe areas, come check it out. It will be co-presented by The Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (www.closetcinema.org). For Closet Cinema members, admission will be reduced to a reasonable $5. See you at The Guild!

Color & Light: Santa Fe International Folk Art Market Opens Clear Window to the World

What do you do on an excruciatingly hot summer’s day if you happen to be in Santa Fe the second week in July? Well,head over to the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market on Museum Hill, of course!

A direct off-shoot of a smaller festival that took place in 2003, the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market was conceived in the earlier part of the decade by a handful of folk art collectors, dealers, Santa Fe arts leaders as well as the Director of the Museum of International Folk Art. The first Santa Fe International Folk Art Market was held in 2004 to much success, and has become the United States’ “largest venue for authentic, quality international folk art and a major international force in the cultural and economic sustainability of folk artists.”

Once you walk through the elaborately decorated gate, it's not difficult to see why. When you feature well over a hundred juried artists from all over the world (over 40 countries and 6 Continents were represented in 2008), display their colorful wares on the plaza at Museum Hill, amidst some of the country’s top cultural institutions—the Museum of International Folk Art, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian—It’s truly a recipe for fun and excitement for people of all ages. Admission to the Festival will also get you into the museums for free over the weekend.

Even if your personal decorating style doesn’t include folk art, one can definitely appreciate the skill and level of craftsmanship in every piece of art that you will see at the Festival. One of the nicest aspects of the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market is that it is not like a gallery experience. Every piece of art is at your fingertips to handle, feel, and discover its unique energy. Who knows, the art might just start speaking to you and ask you to bring it home with you! And when you bring something home, the artist get to take back home 93% of the proceeds to his or her village, where they can put that money to good use.

This was my first year experiencing what the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market has to offer. I had a blast (in spite of the 2-mile walk from my car and a minor sunburn) checking out all the booths, sampling all the world tastes at the outdoor food court, meeting the artisans, as well as making friends with other spectators.

Highlights of the Festival included Indonesian shadow puppets, colorful wire and bead horses, penguins and people by Barbara Jackson, Shirley Fintz and Mathapelo Ngaka of Monkeybiz South Africa, the wooden block prints by Brazil’s own folk art legend Jose Francisco Borges. They were selling 6” x 8” original block prints for only $12—That’s a bargain!



Perhaps my most favorite of all the handicrafts available for purchase at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market were the hand-woven baskets by the women of the Wounaan People of Panama. They dye natural fibers that they find in the forest and weave them into their magnificent creations, which reflect their everyday life, their distinct culture, traditions, in addition to the insects, animals and plants found in the region.

If you didn't get to Santa Fe this year, put it on your must-do list for 2010. For more information visit www.folkartmarket.org.

Pancakes and Art With a Purpose on Santa Fe's Plaza

("Otavalo Girl" by Ariela Boronat)

Feel like being philanthropic as well as patriotic this Independence Day? If you're in the Santa Fe area on Saturday, July 4, be sure to stop by Pancakes on the Plaza, an all-breakfast, all-family, all-community, all-out July 4th benefit fiesta on Santa Fe's famed Plaza.

Co-sponsored by United Way of Santa Fe County, the Santa Fe New Mexican and Rotary Club of Santa Fe, Pancakes on the Plaza features a pancake breakfast served from 7:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Throughout the day, enjoy live music and fine art created by a variety of local artisans, including Cuban-born artist Ariela Boronat. Her unique block prints and paintings reflect a lifetime of world travel and masterfully capture her subjects in a way that will get you thinking and put a smile on your face.

Proceeds from Pancakes on the Plaza will be invested in the Santa Fe Children’s Project, an innovative, comprehensive community program to improve children’s success in school and life, the New Mexican Community Fund, as well as the Rotary Club of Santa Fe Foundation. For details, including ticket information visit the United Way of Santa Fe County Web site.

Different Strokes at 48th Annual New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair

(Courtesy of Meredith Kent)

I’m always saying this, but God, or the Universe, Allah, Mother Earth, or whatever you refer to the higher power that governs us and the world in which we live, makes life an interesting journey. Since the Southwest is a place filled with tremendous spiritual energy, I find myself tapping into it easily. It gives me comfort that I’m moving towards something large and exciting in my life.

In the meantime, I guess I will have to settle for experiencing the small and exciting things that are happening to me in my new life. Today was my first time attending the New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair. Some people might scoff and say, “well, that show isn’t what it used to be. I remember when…” (The Fair is now in its 48th year.), but I say that given the present economy and the state of the art world, the show was well-orchestrated. I attended Art Expo New York this past spring, and I would tend to say that much of the art that is available for purchase at Expo New Mexico’s Manuel Lujan Building is on par, if not superior, to much of what I saw there—certainly more diverse and definitely exciting!

What you’ll find at the New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair, which continues on through this Sunday, June 28, is a compilation of artists and craftspeople, who are highly skilled and love what they do. The economy has not deterred them from coming out and exhibiting their work. That said, the one thing that is different from past years is that prices have been adjusted to meet the collector half-way. At one young artist's booth hung a very prominent sign that stated “Marked prices are negotiable.” She was very talented, and I recommended she remove the sign, because she could likely fetch her asking price. Unbdoubtedly, other artists were negotiating as well. I had a couple of people lower their prices to make a sale without even having to ask. Nonetheless, all prices were reasonable, and considerably lower than you would find in an Albuquerque or Santa Fe Gallery—Well worth the $5 price of general admission.

Since the higher power seems to be ruling in my favor these days, I’m going to start off with a fantastic discovery. On Thursday, I popped by the Goodwill Donation Center on San Mateo to “check out the chotskies,” as I say. Not sure what I’d find (though I have figured out you can find a treasure a day if you have the time, the eye, and the wherewithal to do so), and I found a marvelous and elegant unfired white clay Japanese offering vase. It was $2.99, an obviously ridiculous price for something of such high quality and craftsmanship. I took it home and immediately hit Google typing in every search term that seemed appropriate to identify its maker. I couldn’t read the signature because it appeared to be signed in Japanese, and DUH!!! I only hablo espanol. So, therein lay the mystery of the bamboo and shell-themed vase. As I went to bed, I remember putting it out into the Universe that I really wanted to know who created that vase.

This morning, as I turned one of the corners at the Arts & Crafts Fair, I was brought face to face with the vase’s creator—Albuquerque ceramics and brushwork dynamo, Pat Marsello. Fearing that she would be insulted that I found one of her pieces at Goodwill, I hesitated to ask her if this unidentified vase might be her’s. After perusing her lastest artistic offerings, I found a piece that had similar kiva step cut legs and stampwork, which confirmed that my newfound object, indeed, was her handiwork. It apparently took a while to make it to Goodwill, though, since this particular vase was made ten years ago. That made my day!



(My Goodwill find...offering vase, ceramic stonewith dragonfly and brushwork card--All by Marsello)











Here are some images of Pat's work at New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair:














If you’ve ever been on ebay, you might know that there is a contingency of artists who cater to first-time art collectors, collectors on limited budgets as well as those who just appreciate miniature art. I have been following many of these artists for the last couple of years, and the ACEO (Art Cards Editions and Originals) movement is continuing to build momentum and fans. Just a few months ago, I began to watch pieces by Albuquerque-based artist Ed Wyatt. I was pleased to have the opportunity to put a face with the name at the Arts & Crafts Fair.

While I have a personal fondness for some of Ed’s smaller pieces (He recently sold the piece “Fence Line,” a 5”x 7” tribute to Southwest landscapes), I was pleased to discover some of his more contemporary pieces in larger form at the Arts & Crafts Fair.














Clearly influenced by his natural surroundings, Wyatt achieves his goal of capturing “serenity and simplicity executed with color and perspective.” If you are unable to make it out to the fairgrounds this weekend, visit http://www.edwyatt.com/ for more information, and certainly, if you are looking for affordable art, keep checking back at his ebay store called "Route 66 Art." He has assured me that there will be some great forthcoming works up for auction!

Perhaps the biggest highlight of my day was meeting Alamagordo artist Horace Cordova. His overall body of work, self-proclaimed “Visions from the Past,” is a stirring exploration into our humanity, our connection to nature in the past and present. Combining influences reminiscent of his ancestral roots ranging from Mexican to Native American, Cordova manages to harness the spirits of his subjects in clay in a way that elicits melancholy and excitement, both at the same time. Ironically, I experienced one of his pieces, for the first time, at Northeast Albuquerque’s Weyrich Gallery on Thursday. As a mask maker, I immediately connected to it. His New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair booth was filled with a wide array pieces that show his versatility in utilizing form. The artist intentionally mixes traditional and contemporary techniques and materials in his pieces, which run the gamut from tribal-and animal-inspired masks to small and large sculpture with themes, ranging from prehistoric medicine men to mythological maidens. Cordova has created a mysterious, spiritual and thought-provoking world in which the beings—those who come to light via his hands--can effectively exist in. Cordova’s oversized pottery fragment pieces inspired by Native American and Mexican pottery styles are also a real treat for the spectator. It is important to note that Cordova had the honor of studying pottery painting for a time with Juan Quezada of Mata Ortiz fame. These works are highly reflective of that training, though he has opted to combine many of the lines in his own way to depict the symbiotic relationship between man, animal and nature. For more information, visit http://www.hcordova.com/.



















Another highlight of the New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair includes Native American pottery by the lovely Margaret Rodriguez-Chavez (of the Laguna Tribe) and her husband. Rodriguez-Chavez has taken traditional elements of tribal pottery and combined them, in some cases, with contemporary ingenuity to create wonderful works of art that bring Native American ceramics into the new millennium.

I loved the encaustic (beeswax combined with resin) mixed media paintings of Santa Fe native Mary Alayne Thomas, who says that her whimsical pieces illustrate “those magical ephemeral moments we all experience, both real and imagined.” The inspiration for many of her pieces comes from her love of Japanese block prints and early twentieth-century children’s illustrations. Visit www.maryalaynethomas.com.

Meredith Kent of Meredith Kent Designs is one of those thoughtful, talented, up-and-coming young artists, who know how to make edgy beautiful. I loved her cool paintings, which were inspired by Victoria’s Secret advertisements. Anybody want to buy the painting of the chick in the nightie and the gas mask for me???


Finally, another big thrill for me, was meeting local ceramic and tile artist Elaine Bolz of Corrales. Her brightly colored ceramic masks (again, another artist, whose work I encountered for the first time at the Weyrich Gallery), remind me of some of the folk art that I found while living in Costa Rica in the early 1990s. Many of her pieces evoke images of people of the Earth as well as (and of particular interest to me) the striped Native American Koshare Clowns. Bolz’s eye for detail is superb, and no matter what your décor, there is a place for one of her pieces en su casa. See more of her work at http://www.claywork.com/.

Perhaps the most inspiring part of attending the New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair was seeing the variety of talent, working in all mediums and at different levels. If you are so inclined, pop by the Hispanic Arts Building for the Youth Art Exhibit. You will be amazed at all the talented youngsters' work emerging from elementary schools on up through senior high, Undoubtedly, the exhibit will have you asking yourself the question "Why didn’t I start taking art lessons way earlier in life?"