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/.