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:

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!