Heard B4 The Heard 2012: Laguna/Hopi Painter Marla Allison

The Heard Museum Guild's Indian Fair and Market has become my favorite Indian art show.  I think it's because of the beautiful environment in which the show takes place. It also has a slower pace because there is admission, there are fewer artists juried in, and let's face it...Phoenix is a cool and fun town!    Put all my favorite people in one great place, add their art to the mix, and it's a recipe for success.

This year's "Heard Show," as most people refer to the annual art show, which is included in the top three in the World, takes place March 3 and 4.  Collectors should come prepared to attend some other events off-site that are sponsored by the artists themselves.  Think of them as laid back previews to what you will see from the Heard's opening night "Best of Show" gala all the way through to Sunday.

Award-winning Laguna Pueblo artists Marla Allison (Painting), Pat Pruitt (Jewelry) and Chris Pruitt, are known for putting together one of the most fun events leading up to the big weekend. Every year, they host a relaxed show at Halo Piercing and Jewelry located at 10 W. Camelback in Phoenix on the Thursday night prior to the Heard Show weekend (This year Thursday, March 1). Oftentimes, they convince their other top Native American artist friends to stop by Halo to show their work.  You never know who might show up, and there are great beverages available along with catering by Short Leash Hot Dogs.

Since I am unable to attend the 2012 Heard Museum Guild's Indian Fair and Market,  I opted to do an interview with Marla Allison at her Paguate Village studio in a video I call "Heard B4 The Heard," a successor to my popular video series "Heard @ The Heard."  See and hear Marla talk about what people can expect from her work this year and also get more details about the Halo preview show.  Watch the VIDEO HERE!

Feelin' at 'Home' with Art by Lenny Foster at Casa Rondeña

For those in New Mexico who love exclusivity and elegance, a must do is joining the 1629 Club at Albuquerque's Casa Rondeña Winery.   I had never been to the winery, located in the North Valley in Los Ranchos, but walking its grounds is like what I imagine a stroll in the Spanish countryside to be.  The winter air and sky met the barren grapevines and the strong smell of piñon could be detected adding to the drama of the location. 

After walking down the long dirt driveway, I arrived at the main house, which used to be the residence of the winery's owner.  Since growth forced him to move away from the grounds, the main house has become a social club called 1629.  For around $600 per year, members of the private wine club, can take advantage of cooking and food and wine pairing classes as well as Friday night "socials."  There are also lovely salon-style concerts and barrel tastings. 

Membership caps out at 300 people and includes two bottles of wine monthly, complimentary tastings for two upon winery visits, and exculsive  invitations to "members only" parties.  One example of those parties are exciting art openings curated by well-known New Mexico artist Joshua Franco and his art maven wife Colleen Franco.  The events are called "Showing at 1629 Club."

I had opportunity to attend the opening of renowned Taos photographer Lenny Foster's exhibition entitled "A State of Grace."  The menagerie of his pieces is a combination of various series including his "Fleur du Soleil,” “The Dreamtime of Horses,” “Healing Hands” and “Calling All Angels."  Simply but elegantly placed on beautifully lit walls, including those above the grand fireplace, Foster's work calls you to explore and share New Mexico imagery which has inspired the Washington, D.C. transplant who made his home here eighteen years ago.  In an almost ethereal manner, Foster captures the essence of his subjects softly and subtly, "creating works of 'sacred moments' that are utterly beautiful."  The photographs in this show demostrate why he is such a respected contemporary master.

The Return Home"
Limited Edition Pigmented Print
 

"A State of Grace" continues at Showing at 1629 Club at Casa Rondeña through March 18.  It is viewable by 1629 Club members or by appointment only.  For more information about the exhibition, the 1629 Club or to make an appointment "like" the 1629 Club's Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/pages/Showing-at-1629-Club/123160664422863.

Valentine's Day Gift-Giving ' New Mexico Style'

If you're not in New Mexico or Southern Colorado and were not able to catch my appearance on the live morning show "New Mexico Style" with host Nikki Stanzione, check out  it out!  It's a great opportunity to find your Valentine just the right gift.  From handmade goods to wine to fine art and jewelry it's all here.  Watch it HERE!

Heart-Pumping Valentine's Day Gifts that Won't Flatline

AS SEEN ON KASA FOX 2's "NEW MEXICO STYLE"

You can't change the past or block out all those less-than-appropriate Valentine's Day gifts that you might have received or gifted.  You know, those that died on arrival--The bathbeads that you'll never use and that less-than-aromatic fragrance that was Aunt Bessie's favorite in 1975.  How many single roses have been gifted in the name of frugality only to realize afterwards that your "I like you" was construed to mean "I love you?" 

So, the question is, why is it so hard to find the perfect Valentine?  The answer is that people, in general, expect gifts that are bigger and better these days.  Remember your childhood when getting a paper Valentine was all you wanted? Times have certainly changed.  You can avoid the common pitfalls of Valentine's Day gift giving by listening and putting a lot of thought into the process.

While giving the gift of high-tech is all the rage, I am all about promoting the arts, locally-made, one-of-a-kind gifts that go beyond the tried and true.  Anyone can buy a box of chocolates or flowers, but it takes creative courage to be original when it comes to Valentine's gift giving. Here are some heart-pumping Valentine's Day gift ideas that won't flatline.  I hope you find something that your Valentine would be thrilled to receive this year!

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIVE THEATRE:

For 82 years, the Albuquerque Little Theatre has been featuring high-quality live entertainment.  From its children's series to its main stage productions, ALT inspires both adults and children.  Nothing instills a lifelong love of the theatre than by introducing children to the magic of live theatre at an early age.   If you're a parent looking for just the right Valentine's Day gift for your child, rather than giving them candy, give them the healthy option of tickets to live theatre, including family-friendly productions from Albuquerque Little Theatre such as the classic story "Anne of Green Gables," which opens February 24 and runs through March 11. 

Another great theatrical experience will be the new hit Broadway musical 'Xanadu," based on the early 1980s musical with Olivia Newton John.  "Xanadu," which will run April 6-29, is also family-friendly fun spoof of the film.  If you love classic musicals and want to share them with your children for Valentine's Day pick up tickets to "Singin' in the Rain," which runs from May 25 to June 17.  ALT tickets are $22 (nonmusicals) and $24 (musicals) for adults and $10 (nonmusicals) and $12 (musicals) for children.  For more information go to www.albuquerquelittletheatre.com.

BE ORIGINAL...LOVE LOCALLY!

Whether you are familiar with Native American popular music or not, Northern Cheyenne recording artist Shelley Morningsong's "Full Circle" album is a wonderful gift idea for your Valentine.  It won the 2011 NAMA (Native American Music Award) for "Album of the Year" and is a healing love letter to world.  "Full Circle" is an album of growth and echoes the idea that we, all people, are related. With a mixture of pop/rock, rhythm and blues as well as tribal sounds, you can't help but be inspired. The album, which is $20, is availble at www.shelleymorningsong.com or Painted Sky Gallery in Albuquerque's Old Town.

GIVE YOUR VALENTINE FUN, AFFORDABLE ART:

While expectations for Valentine's Day gifts are high, times are tough, and many young artists are making art affordable.  The Octopus and the Fox is a women owned and operated artist cooperative in Albququerque's up-and-coming EDO (East of Downtown) district.  The shop features fabulous finds made by 70 local artists, including paintings, jewlery, accessories, and handmade household decor items.  You can also find hip vintage clothing and jewelry there.  In an effort to give back to the community, they also offer classes on sewing and printmaking.  Belita Orner, both a co-owner and artist herself, creates adorable handmade silkscreened pillows printed with eco-friendly ink.   My favorite is the "Dino in LOVE" pillow, which sports two dinosaurs and a heart on purple fabric. Orner also prints ostriches, radishes and other designs. The Dino pillow is $16, but others range in price from $16 to $23.

Orner also sews cat dolls and various accessories out of recycled sweaters.  My pick for cool Valentines  are these heart-themed mittens also made from recycled wool sweaters.  It has been a colder winter this year. Doesn't your love deserve to stay warm. These mittens are a bargain at $16!  For more information visit www.theoctopusandthefox.com.

FOOD IS THE PATH TO THE HEART:

In most cultures, FOOD = LOVE! For those who are completely unsure of what to get a colleague or friend for Valentine's Day, a gift basket is a nice touch.  You can fill it with a variety of items that are sure to please, and should your recipient wish to regift an item it makes it easier.  Cost Plus World Market (Nationwide locations available at www.worldmarket.com; 2 locations in Albuquerque--East Side Menaul at Carlisle and West Side on Old Airport Road off of Alameda just West of Coors) is a wonderful place to create your own gift. While it's a chain, it's like a neighborhood business where they treat you just like family.   World Market also a variety of New Mexican food items that you can include in your gift basket to please the homesick New Mexican abroad or out-of-state, or the college student away from home for the semester.  The gift basket pictured costs $100, but there are a variety of price points available to you depending on the items you select.  No matter the size, it's the thought and the love that counts!

Also available exclusively at Cost Plus World Market is the Hatch Green Chile and Chimayo Red Chile 2-pack.  The mild green chile wine is sweet and smooth and would make a wonderful pairing with green chicken enchildadas.  The red chile wine is rich and finishes with a peppery taste.  It's a great pairing with chocolate--perfect for Valentine's Day!  The 2-pack is just $19.99.

GIVE YOUR VALENTINE THE GIFT OF 'WOW':

For the person who really does have it all and is expecting to be dazzled this Valentine's Day, here is a handful of gifts that reach the heights of fabulosity.  For someone with a discriminating palette, original art and jewelry really fit  the bill!

No one loves jewelry more than I do, and Native Americans create pieces with some of the most interesting designs and utilize some of the best techniques for handmade jewelry.  Mary Irene is an up-and-coming designer in the Native American jewelry scene. While she hails from the Muscogee Creek Tribe in Oklahoma, she lives and works in Santa Fe. 

With a background in pottery-making and fashion design studies, Mary brings that background to her work.  Her textured silver pieces like this inverted heart-themed pendant ($225) and heart earrings ($195) as well as this ring with Morenci Turquoise ($600) show her understanding of the fashion-forward.  The zipper effect on the pendant and earring set  is particularly cool.  You can contact Mary Irene via her Facebook page or via email at maryirene505 (at) gmail (dot) com.

Jody Naranjo is a darling of the Native American pottery world.  She is a multi-generational potter from Santa Clara Pueblo.  Her work, while traditional in the sense that it is hand-coiled, stoned polished and pit fired, has a distinct style that is easily recognizable.  It has a very whimsical quality, though her designs are directly inspired from animal and humanoid figures found in ancient petroglyphs.  This pot entitled "Love" and made especially for this gift guide, features deer and geese kissing.  As the bodies of the figures approach one another, they form hearts.  This heart motif is repeated all the way around the pot.  Naranjo, with a technique known as sgrafitto, incises the designs into the pot with an Exacto knife.  It is a piece in which the contemporary and traditional truly meet.  This pot is $1400 and available at www.jodynaranjo.com.

Wright's Indian Art has been around since the early 1900s.  It started out as a trading post on the Navajo reservation before they relocated it to Albuquerque.  Now located at San Mateo and Lomas, Wright's Indian Art carries the finest in traditional and contemporary Native American paintings, pottery and jewelry.  The owner, Mr. "B." as he is known to everyone in the industry, has relationships with some of the best Native jewelry designers in the country and is able to secure some of the best prices anywhere from the artists. He passes that on to his loyal customers.  Silver and gold prices have risen sharply, but Wright's prices have not followed suit making many pieces still very affordable. 

While he offers jewelry in a variety of price points, for Valentine's Day, Mr. "B." is offering this stunning stone and shell mosaic inlay choker by Charlene Reano of Kewa and San Felipe Pueblos.  Charlene is a master at it since she learned from a family that has created this kind of work for years.  Charlene is associated with the highest quality inlay of this style.  This reversible necklace incorporates a variety of stones, including turquoise, serpentine, as well as coral and other shell over a shell backing.  As you can imagine, this kind of jewelry is so labor intensive that it commands a hefty price.  For the woman looking to own a statement piece, this can be hers for only $3950! 

Even more beautiful and extravagant is this turquoise, coral, lapis and shell bracelet also by Charlene Reano. It is made from one piece of shell. It will only set you back $4200 to make your Valentine's dream come true!  For more information visit www.wrightsgallery.com.

So no matter what your Valentine's tastes are or your budget, shop locally and be original.  Nothing says I love you more than something thoughtful, so take the time...you won't regret it!

(*Paul Niemi is a compensated spokesperson for all the products, businesses and services contained within this gift guide)

Multi-Generational Cherokee Experience Subject of New Exhibit at Berlin Gallery in Phoenix

If you're in Phoenix before February 13, please stop by the Heard Museum's Berlin Gallery to catch an interesting exhibit entitled Facing the Sunland: Works by America Meredith + Sallyann Paschall + Kay Walkingstick.

All three artists are of Cherokee descent but each has a very distinct style.  In addition to their proud cultural heritage, the three women also come from backgrounds where art was in the family blood.  Each representing the third generation in their family's artistic legacy, the artists' work in the exhibition is a cohesive whole that questions "shared identities, pop imagery, innovation and tradition."

Facing the Sunland opened on January 20.  You only have a few more weeks to check it out, so don't miss it!  For more information, visit the Berlin Gallery's blog.

The Berlin Gallery located in the Heard Museum Shop in downtown Phoenix "boasts an unprecedented retail gallery experience and an innovative way to view and purchase contemporary American Indian art by established and emerging Native artists for today's collector. The gallery is the latest extension of the Heard's educational mission with a retail focus on contemporary American Indian paintings, sculptures, photography, as well as, prints and drawings."

Giving the Gift of New Mexico Art on a Budget This Holiday Season

As Seen on 2 KASA Fox "New Mexico Style"

Colorful  reclaimed wood and metal pieces
Ghost Town Furniture

Well, it's the holidays and times are still tough for most people.  Have you ever wanted to give art as a holiday gift but weren't sure where to start, where to go or what to buy?  Art can sometimes feel intimidating.  It shouldn't be, if you keep my number one piece of advice for buying art in mind--buy what you like!  Some galleries may try to convince you that it is important to buy for investment.  For most, though, who don't plan to buy a Picasso or Kandinsky, value is less important.  True, many artists' work will appreciate, but in a bad economy, you may not get your investment back if you decide to sell it. That's why it's even more important to buy something that speaks to you or something that your loved one will enjoy.  After all, you or someone will have to live with the piece day in and day out. It may even become a treasured family heirloom! 

With artists and galleries struggling, it is even more important to buy your art locally.  Every community is blessed with terrific artists, and New Mexico cities are no exception. Often times, people will spend upwards of $200 for framed prints by famous artists at the local hobby shop.  Did you know that for the same price or less, you can give a one-of-a-kind gift for the holidays in the form on original art made by a local artist?

New Mexico has some amazing original art that is available both directly from the artists themselves and galleries.  My experience as a New Mexico resident has allowed me to see a wide array of art. That's the reason I decided to put together my own comprehensive holiday gift guide featuring great art for people shopping on a budget.   From functional art to traditional Native American, contemporary and wearable art, I hope you find my picks as exciting as I do!

Functional Art:

Functional art is the kind of art that we can live with, enjoy, and use in our everyday lives.  Furniture is a great example.  Ghost Town Furniture in Nob Hill is one of the best purveyors of rustic furniture in the Mexican style in Albuquerque. Claudio Cruz and his family create beautiful pieces made from reclaimed wood and metal.  Pieces include colorful chairs for $135, this ranch shelf for $240,  nichos for $125 and holiday angels for $18 for small ones and $58 for the larger ones.

Ranch shelf
Ghost Town Furniture

Reclaimed wood and metal angels
Ghost Town Furniture

Micaceous serving bowl by Clarence Cruz
Andrews Pueblo Pottery & Art Gallery

Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo potter Clarence Cruz creates beautiful functional pottery out of black and gold micaceous clay.  From bean pots to stew bowls to ollas, Cruz's work is stunning and can actually be used to cook and eat from because of the properties of the micaceous clay and the firing process involved with making the pottery.    Andrews Pueblo Pottery and Art Gallery in Old Town carries a wide array of Clarence Cruz's functional pottery.  This is a wonderful idea for a holiday party hostess gift. It's a serving bowl that will only set you back $75.

Native American Art:

When it comes to buying Native American art, do your research and know the dealer from whom you are buying it.  Only reputable dealers will represent the art they sell as made by Native Americans.  Native art sales are highly regulated by the government.   Bob Andrews of Andrews Pueblo Pottery and Art Gallery in Albuquerque's Old Town knows a thing or two about Native American art since he has been selling it for 38 years and you know that when you buy from Bob Andrews that it is going to be authentic.

Dreamcatcher  by Carrie Lucero

I really love the traditionally made dreamcatchers made by Carrie Lucero, who is a member of the Onondaga Tribe of the Iroquois Nation.  Did you know that the circle is not a traditional form? It came about when artists started using metal hoops to make them. Carrie utilizes natural wood with organic materials ranging from horse hair to quartz crystals to shells and feathers.  She also handwrites booklets that are attached to the dreamcatchers, which give the meanings of all of the materials.  This dreamcatcher painted black is available at Andrews Pueblo Pottery and Art Gallery for $62.

White marble and black jet bears
by Herbert Halate
Andrews Pueblo Pottery &Art Gallery

If you live in the Southwest, you are, no doubt, familiar with festish carvings from Zuni Pueblo. While it is forbidden to sell true fetishes that are used for religious purposes, many artists such as Herbert Halate, create fetish carvings that can be sold.  Pieces such as these bear carvings cut from jet and white marble are essentially miniature sculptures and are the perfect gift for those who love bears or sculpture. Both are available at Andrews Pueblo Pottery and Art Gallery for $69 and $95 respectively.

Contemporary Art:

"Our Lady of Sorrows" by Nicholas Herrera
Legends Santa Fe

 If finding affordable art by top contemporary Native American artists is your thing, look no further than Legends Santa Fe, a gallery that specializes in Native art and regional non-Native artists. On November 25, Legends Santa Fe opened its "Holiday Small Works" show offering pieces in the $300 to $1000 range by its roster of artists.  Famed non-Native American New Mexico artist Nicholas Herrera created "Our Lady of Sorrows" for the show. It's priced at $450, which is a bargain for this artist whose work is found in museums around the world.

"Untitled" by Frank Buffalo Hyde
Legends Santa Fe

Cool Nez Pierce and Onondaga Native artist Frank Buffalo Hyde created this awesome untitled piece featuring the Bat Mobile for the exhibition. It is currently selling for $300.  For more information on the show and the gallery, visit www.legendssantafe.com.

Day of the Dead ornanments by Amber Middleton
Mariposa Gallery

One of my favorite galleries in New Mexico is Mariposa Gallery in Albuquerque's Nob Hill. Since 1974, the gallery has been carrying funky and fabulous local art. Local artist Amber Middleton creates these cool Day of the Dead paper clay ornaments. They're not what you usually think of when it comes to the holidays, but they're quintessentially New Mexico and will make a wonderful addition to your holiday tree. They come in smaller and larger sizes ranging from $40-$45 in price.

Ariela Boronat is a Cuban-born, Santa Fe-based artist who creates beautiful mixed-media paintings that are based on her travels around the world.  Her works, which can be found in private collections around the world, can run upwards of $300.  This holiday season, Ariela is creating pieces such as "Musical (11" x 14")" priced at $175 and "Old Memories (8" x 10")" $85, a great way to make her work affordable.  They are available at www.arielaboronat.com.

"Musical" by Ariela Boronat
www.arielaboronat.com

"Old Memories" by Ariela Boronat
www.arielaboronat.com

Wearable Art:

Earrings by Priscilla Aguilar
Andrews Pueblo Pottery & Art Gallery

Turquoise earring are a staple in New Mexico. Andrews Pueblo Pottery and Art Gallery features gorgeous inlay earrings made by Kewa Pueblo jeweler Priscilla Aguilar.  Andrews carries a variety of colors and designs.  These earrings are authentic and are a steal at $165.

If you're in the market for wearable art, check out Studio 13 in Albuquerque's Old Town.  Owner and artist Daniel Ramirez, who is Saginaw-Chippewa creates original art on clothing based on his art.  Daniel is currently working on "The World's Longest Native American Painting," which features prominent tribal women, who are constants in his work.  While $800 to $5000 paintings are not in most people's budgets, prints can be had for around $18 to $95 and cards sets cost $28.  Original painted clothing such as the t-shirt below featuring a basic design ($40) are great affordable statement pieces. Cost is determined by clothing item and complexity of the art. Visit Studio 13 in Old Town in person or online HERE.

"Women of the Four Directions" by Daniel Ramirez
Studio 13

Original wearable art by Daniel Ramirez
Studio 13

Bra Shrinky Dinks ring by Kris Mills
Mariposa Gallery

When I was a kid, Shrinky Dinks were all the rage. Today, local Albuquerque artist Kris Mills creates miniature graphite drawings on Shrinky Dinks before baking them.  Then she sets them in silver making pendants, cufflinks and exciting rings like this "Bra" ring available at Mariposa Gallery in Nob Hill.  This is a unique and affordable gift at $135.  www.mariposa-gallery.com.

Men are often hard to shop for. For the man who appreciates unique and sleek jewelry, why not give him this tufa cast cuff bracelet and ring by Kewa Pueblo artist Dino Garcia.  The bear claw and tulip designs are traditional,  but they can be incorporated with the fashion-forward wardrobe and can be worn together or separately.  The cuff is $225 and the ring is $90. Both are available at Andrews Pueblo Pottery and Art Gallery. www.andrewspp.com.

Tufa cast cuff and ring by Dino Garcia
Andrews Pueblo Pottery & Art Gallery

Street sign money clip by Peter Gilroy
Mariposa Gallery

For the man who hates a cumbersome wallet, give him this one-of-a-kind street sign money clip made by Northern New Mexico artist Peter Gilroy.  He retains the original patina of the signs that he uses in his work, but makes them cool and bold by polishing the sides and backs.  This is definitely not your grandfather's money clip, and it's a bargain at $50. Available at www.mariposa-gallery.com.







(*Paul Niemi is a compensated spokesperson for all of the products and services contained within this gift guide)

Get Ready to Shop and Stroll in ABQ's Nob Hill

If you are going to be in the Albuquerque Area, be sure to stop by Nob Hill to participate in the 2011 Nob Hill Holiday Shop and Stroll. 

The mission of the Nob Hill Main Street and the colorful annual event is to "promote the revitalization of Albuquerque's historic Nob Hill District through education, historic preservation, beautification, and promotion of community and civic pride."

Nob Hill galleries, retailers and restaurants will be open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, December 1 to entice shoppers to get into the holiday spirit and spend, spend spend!

So, get a head start on your holiday shopping in Nob Hill! For more information visit http://www.rt66central.com/shopandstroll.html.