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/.
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/.
