Matrix Fine Art

January's 1 x 15 Opening

2012-01-22T16:23:00.000-07:00

The opening provided a unique opportunity to photograph Minie Gonzales for 2 minutes in the Matrix Gallery! Photographers e-mailed their favorite to be juried in hopes of winning a Think Tank camera bag. You can visit www.matrixfineart.com and see the entries there. Minie was the star of the night and here are some shots of her being photographed!

A past 1 x 15 model

Susan Evans(Matrix Artist) and Tim Anderson (photographer and one of the organizers of this show)

Tanya Landin (Gallery Assistant) and Meredith Chapman (One of the best interns!!)

Thanks to all the volunteers and to Jeff Simpson and Susan Evans for photographing the event!!

One Model, 15 Photographers

2011-12-04T10:42:00.001-07:00

Organized by Pat Berrett and Tim Anderson, 15 photographers were given the opportunity to shoot the same model (Minie Gonzalez), and the results were incredible. The finished works ranged from classic beauty to magazine print quality, from whimsical to social commentary. During the opening the public got to vote on which piece they felt deserved the prestigious "People's Choice Award," for which the winner received free printing of an edition of 10 Digital Prints from Carr Imaging, which was graciously donated by Patrick Carr. When we tallied the approximately 75 votes, the Winner was Fernando Delgado and his work "Minerva 1", and there was a tie for runner-up between Roger Baker with "Essence" and Joy Godfrey with "I Do This For You." Upon accepting his award, Delgado bequeathed his prize to the model herself, Minie Gonzales, the decision was met with great applause from everyone.The Photographers responsible for such an intriguing exhibition included: Diane Alire, Tim Anderson, Roger Baker, Pat Berret, Fernando Delgado, Joy Godfrey, John Goyer, Brian Griener, Oscar Lozoya, Wes Naman, Amy Parrish, Craig Roberts, Paula Scott, Crystal Sims, Doran Smith, and the model herself (Minie Gonzales) presented two pieces at the show of her own taking as well.

Proyecto Tango @ Matrix Fine Art

2011-11-12T14:31:00.001-07:00

When people think of Tango, they think of Buenas Aires. World Renowned Dance Photographer Stephen Marino and Writer Pat Pitula have proven with their book Tango!... In Your Wildest Dreams! that Tango can actually be found all over the world, including Albuquerque. As Stephen passed through the crowd mimicking the leading movements of a male Tango dancer, he describes the unimaginable feeling of being engulfed in these amazing places full of life and passion, as those portrayed in his photographs.

Stephen has been a Dance Photographer for years, photographing for Dancing With The Stars amongst other things. Stephen & Pat both had a concept in mind for this book years prior to even meeting each other, but when they did, they knew this wasn't a coincidence and immediately started collaborating on this project. The book contains photos from, Buenas Aires, South Africa, The Bahamas, and the United States of America. Through their travels and experiences photographing and writing about Tango, one definite conclusion was made: Tango is Dancing More with Feel than Mind. Tango is Free!The Proyecto Tango show will be at Matrix Fine Art until the 26th of November 2011.

Raul Dorn and Susan Reid had an outstanding opening!

2011-10-16T17:50:00.000-06:00

Raul Dorn is an artist who resides in Las Cruces, NM. He is also a high school art teacher. Some of his students came to visit him at the opening. I can only imagine he is a patient, yet fun teacher. His abstract paintings are layered with many rich colors, collage, and fabric patterns.

Caught in the Throat of Nature16 x 12"Acrylic and MM on PaperSusan Reid’s work attracted many local clients and artists. Her newer works are delightful to look at. A new series titled “Vacation” consists of 6- 5x 5” paintings on paper, inspired by vacationing in Florida. The colors are reminiscent of a setting sunset at the beach. The show runs through the end of October so come on by and visit!

Windows of Opportunity24 x 12"Acrylic on Canvas

Marilyn Dillard’s Colorful Abstracts Brighten the Room!

2011-09-16T13:41:00.002-06:00

Dillard is small in stature yet uses canvases larger than her to as small as an 8 x 10" painting. Her newest pieces are inspired by the natural landscape, especially the visual qualities of rock, soil, and vegetation in its many variations. The work does not include reproductions of the landscape or a specific place but rather represents the essence of the landscape.

Many people came out to see this lovely exhibition. The work is
a beauty of contrast, textured imperfections, and emotions that Dillard expresses through her abstract paintings.

Another artist, Matthew Lutz came to the opening. Leo Neufeld also came to see his wall in honor of being announced a Local Treasure in Albuquerque! It is always a joy to see the Matrix artists. They are usually busy working away in their studios and doing their daily life things that we don't get to visit often.
Matthew Lutz

Leo Neufeld

Marilyn Dillard has been with Matrix since it first opened. It is a delight to see her work evolve.

And here is the crew that helps make this gallery a success!

(From left to right: Kristen Gentry- Intern, Meredith Chapman- Intern, Regina Held, Director, Tanya Landin- Assistant, Pamela DiMauro- Assistant)

Thanks Jeff Simpson for the photographs!!

Photo New Mexico Juror Talk

2011-08-12T17:03:00.006-06:00

This is a little past due... better late than never, right?

Mary Anne Redding discusses how and why she chose the photographs for Photo New Mexico 2011. With the names and titles set aside, Redding looked through over 100 photographs to choose from. Her initial reaction was to choose images that stood out visually from the rest. We asked that she choose one image per artist so the gallery could represent more artists. Redding had a difficult time with this as some of the images by the same photographer were so striking!

The photogravure, “Building Blocks of War”, by Diane Alire, won the juror’s choice award. Redding loved the political message, the exquisite printing, and the composition of the piece.

Building Blocks of War

There was a question about photogravure being considered photography or printmaking or both. Redding highly agreed that it is a photographic process because the artist starts from a photograph being printed in an alternative fashion. Photogravure is a printmaking process and many can see how a photograph translates into gravure just next door at New Grounds Print Workshop and Gallery!

Photo New Mexico 2011 exposes the best of photography in NM!

2011-07-14T10:56:00.006-06:00

Like all gallery owners, I wish I had three times the wall space to exhibit all the great art that is made in New Mexico. I especially wish I had one room just dedicated to photography. But since I don’t have that kind of space, I can only show so much work at any given time. Photo NM gives me the opportunity to exhibit some wonderful photography by several different artists who I normally would not be able to accommodate.

Regina and Mary Ann Redding

But the toughest job went to the juror. Mary Anne Redding, curator of Photography at the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe not only had to choose 25 images out of a gazillion entries, she also had to pick the “Juror’s Choice Award” which went to Diane Alire’s “Building Blocks of Wars.” She liked it because it was very timely and thought provoking. Congratulations, Diane!

Diane Alire

Diane and Regina

To our surprise, Mary Ann picked another favorite piece which we quickly coined as the “Juror’s Award of Merit.” It went to Jamie Sweeney for “Elena Waiting.” The quirky part about this is that Elena was our intern from April to May, and Jamie is her fiance!!!!

Although it was incredibly hot all evening despite of the air condition pumping as hard as it could, everybody stayed until the end to find out who received the coveted “People’s Choice Award.”

The award was taken home by Marie Maher for “Tomorrow’s Dream.” Marie could not believe it!

Marie Maher and her piece

There are some amazing pieces in this show with some artists having juried into it before, and some new faces.

Adrian Panaro

Adabel Allen

David Antreasian

Charles Palmer

George Gibson

David Hanson

Philip Augustin

Lee Chesney

Jo Antreasian

Tim Anderson

Sylvia Crain

If you like photography this is a show you don’t want to miss. If you are a photographer and would like to see your work included in this show next year, watch for the “call for entry” which will go out in January. Request to be on our mailing list, or check our website for the entry forms. www.matrixfineart.com.

Don’t miss the Juror’s talk on Saturday, July 23, from 1 – 2 PM. Mary Ann Redding is very approachable and very passionate about photography. The show will run through July 30.

Tanya Landin, gallery assistant, Pamela DiMauro, artist and volunteer, Molly Zimmer, intern, Regina Held, director

Photo New Mexico winners!

2011-07-02T09:42:00.004-06:00

Diane Alire
Building Blocks of Wars
We had a great turnout for Photo NM last night! Diane Alire won the Jurors Choice Award for her piece "Building Blocks of War", Honorable Mention went to Jamie Sweeney for "Elena Waiting", and the People's Choice award went to Marie Maher for "Tomorrow's Dream". Congrats!

Jamie Sweeney
Elena Waiting

Marie Maher
Tomorrow's Dream

Please come hear the juror for this exhibition, Mary Anne Redding, discuss her selections, Saturday July 23rd from 1 to 2 pm.

Photo New Mexico 2011 is almost here!

2011-06-17T10:48:00.000-06:00

Here is a preview of the show on our website! Visit Photo New Mexico online.

Local Treasure Leo Neufeld

2011-06-11T14:34:00.001-06:00

Matrix artist, Leo Neufeld has been honored as "Local Treasure" by the AABA for his achievement as visual artist and his contributions to the Albuquerque community. Congratulations Leo!

For more information visit the Albuquerque Art Business Association website.

Leo Neufeld, Paradise, 36 x 44", Oil on Linenhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

David Koch’s newest pop art paintings!

2011-06-10T11:37:00.003-06:00

David combines or layers disparate elements such as; a monochrome field of color, images and graphics. Many of his newest works are on two panels, wood panel and canvas next to each other with one placed higher than the other. The images are simplified to line that give the viewer enough information to visualize the whole image. The choice of images in his work may not always make sense visually however it may touch someone at an emotional or conceptual level. And what may make perfect sense to one person viewing the piece may not for someone else.

Stacy Hawkinson, fellow artist, and David Koch

Stacy Hawkinson, fellow artist, and David Koch

The opening on First Friday was a delight. It was wonderful to see many friends and family come over to support David’s new body of work. He also completed his "self portrait" series with this show. He has done many paintings of a piece of candy, with a pill of some sort, and a word on top. The “Self Portrait “ series
is a direct response to many personal issues that have evolved over time.
Here are two pieces titled, “Yes” and “Glad”

David has been busy painting and has work showing at the South Broadway Cultural Center in Albuquerque. Check out the link for more information. http://www.cabq.gov/south-broadway-cultural-center/events/overlay-reconstructed-images

Laura Wacha’s 50th Birthday Gallery Opening and Celebration

2011-05-28T13:16:00.005-06:00

In honor of Laura Wacha’s 50th birthday she exhibited 50 paintings and paper mache sculptures for her solo show. The painting most related to turning fifty is called, “So Long”. It represents moving on in life and saying goodbye to the past.

So Long

Laura Wacha

The paper mache sculptures were a big hit at the opening! They are colorful and seem to have personalities of their own. Here is Lynn Johnson, Artist, looking at “Target”.

Lynn Johnson and Target

Wall of characters

Laura’s Paper Mache

Egg Sucking Dog

Scissors from Above

The show was well attended. Laura is a mother of two and an art school teacher on top of being an artist. Here is her son.

Laura’s son

Laura and Clients

Laura greeting friend

Many thanks to Elena, intern, Anise, server, Sarah Hartshorne, volunteer and Matrix Artist and Jeff Simpson for taking the photographs! And to Kai for cleaning up the gallery! :)

Kai

Anise

Laura and Sarah Hartshorne

Kuzana Ogg’s new paintings are big and bold in “Super City”

2011-04-10T14:19:00.003-06:00

Kuzana Ogg was born and raised in India and has traveled widely which continues to influence her work. Not only does she deserve a price for “best dressed artist during a reception” she also should receive the “most prolific artist on the planet” award if there was such a thing!

Her April 1 reception was well attended and a lot of fun. Next door, New Grounds Print Workshop & Gallery celebrated its 15 year anniversary which called for properly mixed cosmopolitans!

Over the last three years, Kuzana’s oil paintings slowly experienced a transformation from organic images of Mangos to patterned shapes resembling silk saris to geometric urban shapes. Her new work combines all of these motifs and adds a new element, houses, to her repertoire. These images were inspired by the time she spent living in Korea as well as her time in England. Although this seems like an odd combination of influences it works. Fields, gardens, urban architecture merge into lush, yet slightly quirky abstract landscapes.

Kuzana says about her work: “The mangos are a nostalgic reference to my childhood in India, the seeded fields to a desire for order and continuum, and the windows to the multiple iterations of humanity.”

The show runs until April 30. It’s a fabulous body of work, so don’t miss it! www.matrixfineart.com.

Archer Dougherty’s paintings enchant with magical creatures

2011-03-17T10:21:00.002-06:00

Archer

Archer and friends

Archer Dougherty’s reception for the show “In the Attic” was another fun and well attended event at Matrix Fine Art. And what’s not to love – her paintings are amazing and Archer’s bubbly and outgoing personality just added to the event.

Archer finds her inspiration in nature, and her childhood phobia of the dark. Monsters with shark teeth, huge glowing eyes, and claws like tigers whirled through her imagination when the sun set. Her paintings always feature animals, and people, and sometimes a mixture of the two.

Thank you everybody for coming out. If you missed it, Archer’s show runs until March 25. www.matrixfineart.com

Tanya and Regina

This blog was submitted by Tanya Landin, gallery assistant, and Regina Held, gallery director. Photography by Jeff Simpson and Mike Rudahl.

Leo Neufeld exhibits work at the Jewish Community Center in Greater Albuquerque area

2011-02-11T13:46:00.002-07:00

The Jewish Community Center in collaboration with MATRIX Fine Art present:
Leo Neufeld- Capturing Yeshema/ Soul of Life
Exhibition Dates: January 27 - March 2, 2011

Reception: Sunday, February 13, 4:30 - 6:00 PM
(directly following A Taste of Honey)

Show Location:Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque
5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE
between Spain and Academy

Contact person: Phyllis Wolf, JCC Program Director
348-4500 or phyllisw@jccabq.org.

Hours: Mon-Thu 5am-10pm; Fri 5am-5pm; Sat 1pm-7pm; Sun 7am-7pm

Wave Mechanics drew in a whole new crowd!

2011-01-22T10:20:00.007-07:00

With the New Year came an exhibition unique to Matrix Fine Art. Jim Coker curated the video art show “Wave Mechanics”. He is showing a video installation in the show called, “Atomic”, which interprets a contemporary symphony.

The majority of the artists came from Santa Fe to participate in this group show. All the artists highly respect Steina and Woody Valuscka as some of the early video artists.

Steina

Many of the videos were collaboration projects between two or three artists. Susanna Carlisle and Bruce Hamilton collaborated on these three videos. They are all mixed media and the videos themselves are created by Susanna, the craftsman is Bruce Hamilton.

Mike Root came to the opening. He is a collaborator in Apperception 01.
WindowExchange.org was started as both a space and distribution system for online video art. The Snowflake Series, an ongoing collaborative ambient video series, was the first to be hosted by WindowExchange.org. Brian Bixby, Charles Buckingham and Mike Root are all contributors to the Snowflake Series.

Anne Farrell had two screens with videos playing titled “Mannequins”. The clips of people, horses and the like showed on the screen for a few minutes then switched to another creation. Here are some examples of the mannequins.

Many new clients came to see the show that night! It was great to see new faces in the gallery.

Thanks to Anise for serving us and to Regina Held and Tanya Landin for all their hard work. James Coker did an amazing job curating the show and keeping up with the technical aspect of putting together this exhibiton.

Anise

Tanya and Regina
Photographs by Jeff Simpson

Sara D’Alessandro’s sculpture and Frank McCulloch’s paintings are a perfect marriage!

2010-11-18T11:06:00.003-07:00

Frank and Patsi

This was another lovely reception at Matrix Fine Art. Frank McCulloch’ new landscapes are vibrant and energetic; there seems to be now slowing down for Albuquerque’s favorite octogenarian. As a special treat we are also displaying some of Frank’s older and more abstract lithographs.

Sara and her work

D’Alessandro surpassed herself with this body of work. These pieces are elegant, abstract, and yet retain some of the quirkiness we have come to expect of there work.

Sun Transit Dancers

This was a fun evenings with a lot of surprise visitors such as Russell Hamilton and his wife.

Frank and Russell

Frank and the Kalishmans

Thanks to all of you who came to the reception. If you missed it, the show has been extended through December 3. www.matrixfineart.com.

This blog was written and submitted by Matrix director Regina Held and gallery assistant Tanya Landin

Regina and Tanya

Images by Jeff Simpson.

Pat Malcolm's solo show!

2010-10-29T15:26:00.001-06:00

2010-10-23T13:12:00.001-06:00

Marilyn Dillard moves into full color!

2010-10-17T12:35:00.003-06:00

Known for her subtle earth palettes, Dillard's new work is infused with an exuberant color palette. Way to go, Marilyn!

Magical Meadow
12 x 12"
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

Late Season
12 x 12"
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

Falling into Red
12 x 12"
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

Sally Condon’s work buzzes with vibrant color and luscious layers of wax!

2010-10-10T16:24:00.005-06:00

Many people came out to see the beautiful oil, wax, and collage paintings by Sally Condon. Sally says, “I see my paintings as metaphors for my feelings about the magic and beauty that surrounds me from a simple flower or leaf to the colors of a beautiful western sunset.”

Sally Condon

The wax comes from the bees that she cares for! In her work, Sally “covers the collage with beeswax mixed with dammar varnish then begin brayering many thin layers of color on to the surface using pressure as in printmaking.”
Her paintings are not encaustic like many people think. Encaustic is a painting method where color-pigmented beeswax is melted, applied to a surface and reheated to fuse the paint into a smooth or textured finish. The word encaustic comes from Greek and means 'to burn in', which refers to the process of fusing the paint. Sally actually mixes oil paint with the wax.

Why
35 x 35”
Oil, Wax, and Collage on Panel

Regina Held, Director, was at the Affordable Art Fair in New York and left Tanya Landin, Gallery Assistant, in charge of the reception. Note from Regina and everybody else- she did a great job!

Beth Kassay, artist and teacher, is shown here admiring Sally’s horizontal piece titled, “Almost”.

There were a lot of inquiries regarding Laura Wacha’s newest woven canvas paintings. They are unique and eye catching!

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped with this opening!

New Work by Raul Dorn

2010-10-08T12:20:00.004-06:00

Raul just brought us these acrylic on paper paintings! Enjoy
Raul is an artist who lives and works in Las Cruces.

Subsonic 1
17 x 14.25"

Subsonic 2
17 x 14.25"

Caught in the Threat of Nature #4
19 x 14.25"

Caught in the Threat of Nature #3
19 x 14.25"

Caught in the Threat of Nature #2
19 x 14.25"

Caught in the Threat of Nature #1
19 x 14.25"

New work by Laura Wacha- pics coming soon!

2010-09-14T11:49:00.000-06:00

As Aunt Bee said to Opie, “Finish your milk. We can’t put it back in the cow, you know.”
Like Aunt Bee, I’ve always been a big fan of finishing what I start. Usually once I declare a painting finished, I don’t go back to it again.
Recently however, I had an idea (Eureka!) to tear an old painting into strips, weave the strips together and paint over the result. The original image of three women on a sofa was fractured by the weaving but was still discernable to me and I used it as inspiration for the image that I then painted over the top. I found the potential for accidental alignments of images intriguing, as well as the option to retain the shapes and patterns of the original piece.
I enjoyed the process so much that I have ripped into strips other “finished” canvases that might benefit from a similar treatment. After painting a few of these reworked pieces, I am now painting pictures with the intent of ripping them up and weaving them together. What fun!
Laura Wacha

Morris’ river landscapes soothe the spirit

2010-09-09T11:08:00.003-06:00

Iva Morris’ (on the left) pastel paintings burst of color, light, and an emotional connection to the rivers and desert landscapes she portrays. This particular show is an exploration of water, river bottoms, the geology and the ecology of a river system, particularly the Potomac where she grew up.

Morris reflects on her special relationship with that river - the cadence of her rhythm, the rise and fall of her flow, the colors, texture and mood that changes with every season.

Despite of Labor Day weekend, we had a nice group of visitors all evening long. Iva is an exceptional artist and incredibly talented painter. Some of you might know her for her super realistic figurative work – three of which are also displayed in the gallery. If you missed the reception, the show will run until September 25. Get a preview at www.matrixfineart.com.

Robbins “Pieces” is a complete experience in mosaics

2010-08-24T14:08:00.002-06:00

Laura Robbins mosaics greet those entering Placitas, and they delight us at the Range Café. She has worked full time as mosaic muralist for a long time, but this is her first solo show at a gallery.

Her show drew a huge crowd and the gallery was packed all evening long.

Several pieces found a home and not just her flower sculptures that fits in a yard and only costs $ 100.

And, this artist brought everything AND the kitchen sink. Her grey water piece is a full blown installation of a kitchen counter, complete with windows, curtain, dishes, plumbing, and yes, the kitchen sink. All of it is made out of clay or glass. If you like work that breaks the mold, don’t miss this show. It will run through August 28. \

www.matrixfineart.com

David Koch showing new work!

2010-07-23T10:52:00.002-06:00

coupling Art is a group show by couples who make art. Please join them Saturday, July 24th from 5 to 8 pm at the Lerma Home 10101 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM. Congratulations David!

Free Gallery Talk with juror Andrew Connors, Curator, Albuquerque Museum of Art.

2010-07-22T09:36:00.001-06:00

Saturday, July 24, 1 – 2 PM

This presentation is in conjunction with the following exhibition:
Photo New Mexico 2010

Now in its third year, this show features the pinnacle of New Mexico photographic talent in this ongoing collaboration between an Albuquerque gallery and curators of New Mexico museums.

Show runs through July 31!

Gallery hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 9 – 6; Tuesday 10 – 4; Closed Monday

Photo New Mexico 2010 was a hit!

2010-07-16T14:11:00.005-06:00

Photo NM 2010 captures a broad range of imagery

Now in our third year, Photo NM continues to attract the best of photography in New Mexico. This years’ juror, Andrew Connors, curator of art at the Albuquerque Museum of Art, had the difficult job of selecting only 21 images by 20 artists out of the 224 entries we received from 74 artists.

Here are a few of the artists in the show with some new and several familiar faces:

Melany Herrea, who also won our “People’s Choice” Award this year – congratulations!

Barry McCormick

Bruce Shortz

Dino Farfan

William Gruner

Karl Latino

Robert Goldstein

Thomas Leiblein

Robert Nugent

Tim Anderson

Andrew Connors says about this show:

This selection in many ways celebrates the classic elements and techniques of photography with only a few forays into digital manipulation or enhancement.

The best of artists allow us to see the world in a new way, and the best of photographers help us see and understand with greater complexity and with new perception. Those of us who are not art makers owe to them a debt of gratitude for enriching our visual experiences. Those who submit their work to a blind jury are doubly brave.

Thus a big “Thank you” to all who submitted work” and did not get in – we hope that you will try again next year. The call for entry will go out in January.

A big thank you also to Tanya, Pam and our intern Justin who helped with this show.

Justin, our intern, did a fabulous job keeping up with the ballots which were cast throughout the evening to determine the “People’s choice” award. It was a close call and Robert Goldstein, Karl Latino and William Gruner were neck to neck throughout the evening until Melany Herrera took the award home. The Juror’s Choice” award, went to Jeff Laird’s “1510 Wyoming NE.”

This show runs until July 31, and Andrew Connors will give a one hour gallery talk on Saturday, July 24 at 1 PM. Visit www.matrixfineart.com to see the entire show.

Leo Neufeld’s plein air landscapes energize

2010-06-06T15:41:00.006-06:00

Neufeld’s show opened with a huge attendance and packed the gallery all evening long. He dedicated the last twelve months to create this body of plein air landscapes which mark a significant change of style and direction in his work. Some of these canvases are huge, but it did not stop him from lugging them into the Sandias and foothills where these pieces were created

Leo’s enthusiasm for working more loose and directly from nature was boundless and it shows in the freshness and vibrant energy of his work.

Paradise

Desert View

Desert Life

This is a huge shift for Neufeld who is widely known for his old masterly portraits. He certainly plans to continue his career as a portrait artist; but it is clear that this show of marks a pivotal point in the artist’s career.

Special guest at the reception were fellow landscape artist Russell Hamilton

and the infamous Don Shrader who Leo has painted repeatedly over the last few years.

Last, but not least we had a surprise visit from the former owner of ARTopia Allan Rosenfield and his partner Dan.

Thanks to all of you who made it to the reception. If you missed it, the show runs through June 26. A special thanks to our staff and volunteers, and especially to Jeff Simpson who did a great job taking pictures during the reception.

This blog was submitted by gallery director Regina Held and her assistant Tanya Landin.

This body of plein air landscapes represents a break-through in Leo Neufeld’s extensive artistic career. Well known as Albuquerque’s premier portrait artist, Neufeld spend the last twelve months on this series of New Mexico landscapes which literally resemble “portraits” of a place. These impasto oil paintings are fresh, lush, vibrant and they are infused with an immediacy and energy quite different from the artist’s previous work. This will be a tremendously exciting exhibition.

Show runs until June 26

Portraits of a Landscape - Oil Paintings by Leo Neufeld

2010-06-01T15:46:00.003-06:00

Desert Life
28 x 32"
Oil on Linen

A Quiet Beauty
12 x 14"
Oil on Linen

This body of plein air landscapes represents a break-through in Leo Neufeld’s extensive artistic career. Well known as Albuquerque’s premier portrait artist, Neufeld spend the last twelve months on this series of New Mexico landscapes which literally resemble “portraits” of a place. These impasto oil paintings are fresh, lush, vibrant and they are infused with an immediacy and energy quite different from the artist’s previous work. This will be a tremendously exciting exhibition.

Exhibition dates: June 4 – 26
(Early Bird Preview: June 1 - 4)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: June 4, 5 – 8:00 PM

Gallery hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 9 – 6; Tuesday 10 - 4, Closed Monday

Matthew Lutz- High School Art Teacher

2010-05-08T11:43:00.001-06:00

One of Matrix artists' Matthew Lutz is a high school art teacher at Rio Rancho High School here in New Mexico. His class has submitted these designs for shoes to a contest on Vans. com. Their class is in the top four finalists! Congratulations!

http://www.vans.com/customculture/vote.html

Mary Zaremba's second solo show at Matrix

2010-05-08T10:27:00.000-06:00

Mary Zaremba enjoying talking with the people who came to her opening! What a beautiful show.

Our friendly volunteers hard at work!

Sarha Hartshorne's first solo show at Matrix

2010-04-10T11:33:00.000-06:00

Chris Herman did a wonderful job greeting everyone as they came in the door.

Here is Sarah Hartshorne, one of the most prolific artists I know!

This is Larry, her supportive husband.

People inside and outdoors had a great time at Sarah's opening.

Our lovely wine server, Cornelius!

Thank you all for making this evening so special.

Frontlit/Backlit - Paintings by Sarah Hartshorne

2010-04-02T10:48:00.001-06:00

Red
30 x 40"
Oil on Canvas

The Odd Couple
36 x 24"
Oil on Canvas

Hartshorne’s realistic oil paintings capture the unique in the ordinary, the beauty in the mundane. Although this particular exhibition focuses on her mouth-watering still lives, she paints what so often goes unnoticed at our hectic modern pace: the unusual angle of a fork next to a gracefully draped napkin, or, the way a wine glass reflects the nearby candle light. Hartshorne explores the play of light and shadow, and brings her subjects alive with color. This is her first solo show at Matrix Fine Art.

Exhibition dates: April 2 – May 1
(Early Bird Preview: March 30 – April 2)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: April 2, 5 – 8:00 PM

Worli – Paintings by Kuzana Ogg

2010-02-28T14:20:00.002-07:00

Kuzana Ogg, Tikiya; Oil on canvas, 48 x 36,” 2009

Kuzana Ogg, Saivala; Oil on canvas, 24 x 48,” 2009

Ogg’s abstract, yet detailed and layered paintings are inspired by the colors, textures and energy of her native India. Composed of largely organic shapes and vibrant colors, her elegant images are reminiscent of lush tropical foliage and the shimmer of silk saris. Kuzana Ogg is an emerging artist who is steadily gaining recognition on a national level. This is her second solo show at Matrix Fine Art.

Exhibition dates: March 5 - 27
(Early Bird Preview: March 2 - 5)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: March 5, 5 – 8:00 PM

Enlightenment, Paintings by Sarah Hartshore

2010-02-16T11:43:00.005-07:00

Sun Worship

Iris

Brooklyn Bee II

Matrix artist, Sarah Hartshorne is having a solo show in Houston, Texas on April 8th 2010. It is at the:
Sculptures by Design Studio, City Center, Houston
12848 Queens Bury Lane
Building 1 Suite 204

If you live near there or will be visiting please go see her show!

Raul Dorn’s paintings energize Matrix Fine Art

2010-02-13T14:10:00.002-07:00

Matrix Fine Art is excited to introduce this outstanding Las Cruces artist to the Albuquerque area! Raul Dorn’s vibrant, yet slightly whimsical, abstract paintings often start with collaged sewing patterns. The resulting images sometime retain the arrows and track marks, but Dorn’s use of semi-organic shapes and bold lines transform them into pathways that lead to a deeper and more metaphysical realm.

Dorn’s February reception was well attended and we continue to receive rave reviews of his work.

Even Raul’s son Lowell gave us “thumbs up!” How cool is that!

One of Raul’s friends volunteered to play his guitar and it made this First Friday reception extra special.

Gallery assistant Tanya Landin takes care of last minute details just before the reception.

In the words of the artist:
“Less is becoming more in the recent oil on canvas work of the studio, as the gift of silence and void become more precious. Painting has become a journey, a diary, a place to fly, a place to give order to my meandering thoughts, a place to comprehend the source of truth that lies beyond, behind, and below all surfaces.”

Don’t miss this fabulous show! It runs until February 27.

Images by Bruce Childs

Sarah Hartshorne in Placitas

2010-01-19T12:44:00.001-07:00

Katrina Lasko in upcoming juried show!

2010-01-12T13:38:00.003-07:00

Judy Chicago and Through the Flower invite you
to the opening of Subversive Stitching: Feminist Artists with a Needle on January 23rd from 2-4 pm at Through the Flower Gallery and the Belen Hotel Gallery in Belen, New Mexico.

Judy Chicago and Laura Addison, Curator of Contemporary Art at the New Mexico Museum of Art, juried a selection of works from over forty artists. They chose fifteen artists to be a part of the group exhibition. Shirley Klinghoffer won the completion and will receive a cash prize and a solo exhibition to be held in 2011.

Shirley Klinghoffer, Santa Fe - Winner
Sarah Hewitt, Santa Fe - Honorable Mention
Stephanie Lerma, Albuquerque - Honorable Mention

Marina Brownlow, Santa Fe
Jan Marie Du Bois, Santa Fe
Georjeanna Feltha, Las Cruces
Pamela Frankel Fiedler, Santa Fe
Katrina Lasko, Placitas
Thelma Mathias, Santa Fe
Nancy Ziegler Nodelman, Santa Fe
Margaret Lisa Page, Albuquerque
Jack Slentz, Santa Fe
Marilyn Stablein, Albuquerque
Cecilia Stanford, Silver City
Joslyn Werner, Santa Fe

Make A Day Of It In Belen!
The Rail Runner arrives in Belen at 1:42 PM and Through the Flower is a short walk from the train station. For more information about the Rail Runner please visit their website www.nmrailrunner.com. From the station cross over the train tracks via Reinken Avenue going west and cross Reinken at 2nd Street which takes you in to the historic rail yard district of Belen. Through the Flower is on the corner of 2nd and Becker.

There is so much to see in Belen.
Learn more about The Hub City at www.belen-nm.gov.

• Through the Flower and the Belen Hotel Gallery will be open from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
• Visit the Historic Harvey House Museum, just a half block away from Through the Flower. They are open Saturday 12:30 to 3:30.
• Have lunch or dinner at Pete's Cafe, around the corner from Through the Flower.
• The Belen Art League, up the street, is open from 12:00 to 4:00.

“1 x 15” Photography show explicitly kicks off the New Year!

2010-01-10T16:35:00.004-07:00

The cold weather and the Holiday did not prevent us from having a successful opening reception on January 1. The gallery was filled with visitors - of any age - all evening long.

This exhibition is the brain child of Pat Berrett, a well-known Albuquerque photographer. He invited fifteen photographers to take pictures of professional model Stephanie Ann. The resulting images range from the classic nude to those dealing with gender and identity to scenes fresh out of “The Lord of the Rings.”

Susie Edwards

Tim Anderson

Pat Berrett

Stephanie Anne and her self portrait

Other highlights in Matrix are fabulous new pastel paintings by Iva Morris, and previews of upcoming shows by Raul Dorn, Kuzana Ogg and Sarah Hartshorne.

Iva Morris' wall

Thank you everybody for coming to our shows, and thanks to the many volunteers from New Grounds and Matrix who helped to make this another successful evening! If you missed the reception, the show runs until January 30, and the gallery is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 AM to 6 PM, and Tuesdays from 10 AM to 4 PM.

1 x 15 – One Model, Fifteen Photographers

2010-01-01T13:27:00.005-07:00

Rob Thalmann
Blue Nude I
10 x 10"
Pigment Print from Polaroid

Pat Berrett
The Mask
10 x 15"
C-Print

Diane Alire
Bullethole Madonna
10 x 8"
Silver Print

Our perceptions create the reality around us. One of the most intriguing realities is how we perceive other people. Photographers apply their perception to the subjects they photograph. In 1X15, fifteen diverse photographers each created two images of the same subject, professional model Stephanie Anne.

Participating photographers:
Diane Alire
Tim Anderson
Pat Berrett
Kelly Eckel
Susie Edwards
Kirk Gittings
Susan Graham
Barry McCormick
Wes Naman
Tom Outler
Katie Price
Nolan Rudi
Doran Smith
Rob Thalmann
Bob Thornburg
Mark White

Exhibition dates: January 1 - 30
(Early Bird Preview: December 29 – January 1)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: January 1, 5 – 8:00 PM

Gallery hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 9 – 6; Tuesday 10 - 4, Closed Monday

Contact person: Regina Held, 268-8952
Cost of event: Free

Suan Reid's paintings mesmerize!

2009-11-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

Influenced by Byzantine tile work, aboriginal art, bead work and fabric design, Susan Reid’s new paintings are comprised out of hundreds individual dots.

4, 5 an 6.

Some of her pieces are more organic, some more patterned, but all of them captivated the many visitors who came to her opening reception last Friday.

Susan Reid’s pieces were paired with some brand new ceramic vessels by Elizabeth Fritzsche, standing to the left of gallery assistant Pamela DiMauro.

Persistent Memory

Forgiveness

Matrix Fine Art also welcomes new gallery artist Jacklyn St. Aubyn, whose intricate layered paintings drew a lot of attention during the reception.

Promise

St Aubyn lives and works in Las Cruces and her career spans more than 25 years.

Thank you everybody for coming to our November reception. We will see you again next month for our UNDER 500 Holiday show!

Red Dot Art Fair Miami

2009-11-13T11:04:00.002-07:00

Matrix Fine Art is going to be at the Red Dot Art Fair Miami. Director, Regina Held is going to be exhibiting works by: Kuzana Ogg, Sally Condon, Raul Dorn, Sarah Hartshorne, Marilyn Dillard, Susan Reid, and Laura Robbins. The fair runs from Dec. 3rd to 6th. It is located at: 3011 NE 1st Ave. at NW 31st Street, Wynwood Art District, Miami, Florida. Please visit their website: www.reddotfair.com for more information.

Hypnotic Pulse - Paintings by Susan Reid

2009-11-05T14:59:00.001-07:00

Room for Me
20 x 16"
Acrylic on Canvas

Reid’s abstract acrylic paintings are inspired by Australian Aboriginal design, Byzantine mosaics, bead work and textile design. The laying down of thousands of tiny dots on the canvas is a form of meditation that restores balance to her day to day life. Reid’s paintings pulsate with so much energy and movement that they have the ability to mesmerize the viewer.

Exhibition dates: November 6 – 28
(Early Bird Preview: November 3 – 6)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: November 6, 5 – 8:00 PM

Gallery hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 9 – 6; Tuesday 10 - 4, Closed Monday

Contact person: Regina Held, 268-8952
Cost of event: Free

Deborah Donelson shows in Chicago!

2009-11-05T14:53:00.002-07:00

Deborah has extended her art to show in Chicago, Illinois. For the month of November her exhibition, "Wild at Heart" will be on display. The opening reception is Friday, November 6th from 6 - 9 PM. Congratulations Deborah!

"Albuquerque Now" includes some Matrix artists!

2009-11-05T14:49:00.002-07:00

Through January 3, 2010

Albuquerque Now is a pair of exhibitions, comprised of two distinct installations of recent works created by artists in Albuquerque. A wide variety of media and styles will be featured, from traditional Native American and Hispanic Folk Art to cutting edge conceptual pieces, and the artists represented range in age from the mid-twenties to over eighty.

Among the artists to be included in Albuquerque Now | Fall :
Jane Abrams, Garo Antreasian, Cynthia Cook, Ann Dunbar, Betty Hahn,
Aaron Karp, Stephanie Lerma, Orlando Leyba, Reg Loving, Santiago Pérez,
Bart Prince, Alan Radebaugh, Holly Roberts, Peter White

From Matrix Fine Art: Laura Wacha, Frank McCulloch, Leo Neufeld, and Elizabeth Fritzsche!
Please visit: http://www.albuquerquemuseum.com/pages/las_noticias.html for more information

Kuzana Ogg's newest events!

2009-10-29T14:39:00.002-06:00

If you are in New York during the month of November please stop by Climate Gallery in Long Island City! Kuzana is in a group show called "Paint!"

Also for all you calendar lovers, Kuzana's painting "Cavala" will be featured in the 2010 Calendar published by SPAN, United States Embassy New Delhi.

Cavala
24 x 48"
Oil on Canvas

Dougherty flies high in mixed media show!

2009-10-10T09:44:00.003-06:00

Archer Dougherty never fails to surprise us with her work! From stained glass to intricate wooden boxes, paintings and drawings everything she creates is exquisite, well executed, and highly imaginative.

The First Friday reception for Archer’s show was well attended; we had a steady stream of people all evening long.

Archer was her usual bubbly self during the reception. She is so much fun to talk to!

Laura Wacha’s wild paintings were displayed as a mini show in the main gallery’s alcove and provided a nice counterpoint to Archer’s work. While Archer’s pieces are imaginative, Wacha’s work is insanely over the top. We love you, Laura!

Iva Morris’ lovely pastel landscapes also received a lot of attention. She just brought in several fabulous new pieces!

A special thanks to New Grounds artists Shirley Levy (right) and Leonora Durrett (left) for volunteering their time for the reception. This was a great event!

Paul Helphenstine is back! Thank you so much for helping us out. Paul studies art history and was our intern most of last year. We are so glad you can give us a hand with receptions again!

This was a great event! Thank you everybody for coming! If you missed the show it runs until October 31!

A Place to Fly - Mixed Media Sculpture and Paintings by Archer Dougherty

2009-09-26T13:01:00.001-06:00

Hiding Places
17" diameter
Wood, clay, and found objects

Archer Dougherty could be called a renaissance woman. Her interactive sculptures are inspired by architecture, mythologies, icons, poetry, and literature – subjects she has studied and explored in depth. Delicate boxes open up to reveal an inner sanctum where memories are stored and ideas sprout wings. Butterfly and bird images are juxtaposed with architectural elements; hand-made and found objects take turns telling a story. By piecing together form, text, and image, Dougherty investigates connections between the innermost human spirit and nature.

Exhibition dates: October 2 - 31
(Early Bird Preview: September 29 – October 2)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: October 2, 5 – 8:00 PM

Gallery hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 9 – 6; Tuesday 10 - 4, Closed Monday

Contact person: Regina Held, 268-8952
Cost of event: Free

Location: 3812 Central Ave. SE - 2.5 blocks east of Carlisle between Solano and Aliso, next to New Grounds Print Workshop & Gallery

Leo Neufeld landscapes now available at Matrix Fine Art

2009-08-22T13:41:00.003-06:00

Chamisa in the Fall, Sandias, NM
Oil on Board
8.5 x 13"

Leo Neufeld has established himself as Albuquerque’s premier portrait artist. He is equally known for his lush New Mexico landscapes, all of which he paints on site – they literally become “portraits” of a place. We are excited to exhibit a nice selection of Neufeld’s landscapes starting in September – and at very affordable prices!

2009-08-12T13:08:00.003-06:00

The Art of Fashion

Buzz Networking ABQ and Matrix Fine Art invite you to see what is hot in Albuquerque’s fashion scene. This extraordinary evening begins with a complimentary wine sampling from a local winery and hors d’oeuvres. The Art of Fashion Show will feature three fabulous local designers. This is not your typical runway show, be prepared to experience fashion in a new and exciting setting!

Designers:
Kat Ford – Corpirate
Mondo – Veypurr
Eilen Higgins - Eidos

Event Date and Time: Thursday, August 27th.
6:30 pm- 7:30 pm: complimentary wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres
7:30 pm-close: fashion show

Cost of event: $20 in advance, $30 at the door.
Tickets are available at Matrix Fine Art- come by or call (505) 268-8952
Or contact Stephen Cuomo, 702-301-3773.

Please visit: www.myspace.com/buzznetworking for more information.

Location: 3812 Central Ave. SE; 2.5 blocks east of Carlisle between Solano and Aliso, next to New Grounds Print Workshop & Gallery.

Marilyn Dillard and Harriette Lawler open land art show at Matrix Fine Art!

2009-08-11T13:17:00.004-06:00

Marilyn Dillard
It is always amazing to see artists create paintings that are twice their size! Dillards pieces are earthy, not only for their palette, but also because she buries the canvas in the ground for several months before she paints on them. This new body of abstract work ranges from subtle to bold. We still wonder how this artist who barely reaches four feet in height manages these huge canvases of hers!

Lawler finished the last pieces of her show with a serious leg injury. It slowed her down a little, but it did not stop her from finishing these intricate metal sculptures. For those of you who like metal work you have to come and see Lawler's work, they are amazing. Most of her pieces are cut out of a single sheet of copper which she then bends into their final shapes. The resulting work is elegant, spiritual, and often quite fun.

The crowd kept streaming in all evening long for this beautiful and elegant show. Anise took care of our visitors, and gallery owner Regina Held and her assistant Tanya Landin had a lot of fun hosting this event. They also wrote and submitted this blog.

If you missed the reception, remember that the show runs until August 29!

Kuzana Ogg was juried into the Axis Gallery in Sacramento

2009-08-08T14:16:00.004-06:00

Kuzana Ogg made it into the 4th Annual Juried Exhibition at Axis Gallery in Sacramento. The juror is Janet Bishop, Curator at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Janet recieved over 1,000 entries and only 39 images were chosen. Congratulations Kuzana! If you live near Sacramento or are planning a trip there in the month of August, go see the show!

Please visit: www.axisgallery.org for more information.

Earth Narratives - Paintings by Marilyn Dillard and Sculpture by Harriette Lawler

2009-08-06T09:55:00.003-06:00

Marilyn Dillard
Early Storm
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas
20 x 20"

Harriette Lawler
Ribbon Dance through a Rusted Steel Heart
Steel and Copper
35 x 30 x 15"

Marilyn Dillard’s work not only focuses on the visual qualities of rock and dirt, she buries her canvases for several months in the ground to stain them before she applies paint, collage and stitching to create her subtly hued abstract paintings. Harriette Lawler’s sculptures are about the changing mental, spiritual, or emotional landscapes that we traverse on this earth. Her intricate pieces are often cut out of a single sheet of steel or copper. Between these two emerging artists the idea of “land” is explored from the inside and the outside, and from its physical manifestations to the memories we retain of a specific place or journey.

Exhibition dates: August 7 – 29
(Early Bird Preview: August 4 - 7)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: August 7, 5 – 8:00 PM

Gallery hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 9 – 6; Tuesday 10 - 4, Closed Monday

Contact person: Regina Held, 268-8952
Cost of event: Free

Location: 3812 Central Ave. SE - 2.5 blocks east of Carlisle between Solano and Aliso, next to New Grounds Print Workshop & Gallery.

Witty Gallery Talk with Katharine Ware

2009-07-14T14:19:00.003-06:00

Katharine Ware has been curating photography for many years now and has a lot of experience. She is relatively new to the digital world and loves how you can make photography look “hyper-realistic”, as she called it. She chose Glenn Craley’s photograph, “Dilemma” for the juror’s choice award. Ms. Ware found the photo interesting and she liked how it told a story. She said she could see the green bush hopping across the image to go out the door.

Glenn Craley

Dilemma

Digital Inkjet Print

We had a good turn out. Many photographers came to the talk and the ones who were in the show each had a chance to tell us why and what they photograph.

The gallery talks are always informative. I have learned something new every time I go to one.

Katharine Ware has a great sense of humor. She says that each show she curates, she can see herself in them. After she has chosen the images and goes to see the physical work hung in the gallery, she is blown away. It is so different in person than looking at a tiny image on the computer. Ms. Ware did give credit to the people who work in the galleries and to the photographers. She is not a photographer; she leaves that up to other people. Ms. Ware’s background is in Art History.

Thank you to everyone who showed and to the photographers who helped us put on a fantastic 2009 Photo NM show!
Photographs courtesy of Tanya Landin

Photo NM 09 creates a snapshot of the state of photography in NM!!!

2009-07-11T10:03:00.005-06:00

Now in its second year, this juried exhibition is even more successful than we imagined. We received 184 entries by 61 artists. Our juror, Katherine Ware, curator of photography, New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe, had the agonizing job of choosing her favorite pieces. She selected 21 images by 21 artists.

The show opened to a packed house! Every visitor was encouraged to submit a vote for their favorite piece and the image with the most votes received the “People’s Choice” award
Gallery assistant Paul Helphenstine kept up with the votes all evening long, but ballots kept coming in until the moment we had planned to announce the winner which was just at the end of the reception.

Gallery owner Regina Held announced the winner in front of a huge crowd while the runners-up, Robert Goldstein (image left) and Bruce Shortz (image right) dried their tears. They came really close to winning, but it was Rob Thalmann who took home the big prize!!!

Here is Rob with his winning piece, “Anthropomorphic Study # 1,” a silver photographic print, selenium toned with oil paint. This was the most abstract piece in the show. We are receiving rave reviews for the exhibition; a lot of visitors commented on the variety of pieces and the high quality of the overall show. We would love to know what YOU think about the show and which one your favorite pieces is and why! Below are a few more of the show’s highlights:

Robert Goldstein, “The Pottery Factory” – his piece even sold!

Stephen Cussen next to “Laced.” Stephen and his wife Maria definitely won the prize for best dressed (and cutest) couple!

Lisa Gunter printed her piece “Aversion to Light” on a transparency and displayed it on a light box.

Barry McCormick’s “Luna” was printed on canvas. His piece also found a home!

Bill Tondreau and his piece "Los Volcanes"

Gail Diane Yovanovich’s work was selected last and this year. Good for you Diane! Here she is next to her piece “Goodbye Papa.”

Gallery director Regina Held and her assistant Tanya Landin are slightly worn out and seriously slap-happy at the end of the reception. We also wrote and submitted this blog! Photography by Jeff Simpson.

Come and see this show – it runs until July 25!

Gallery Talk with Juror Katharine Ware

2009-07-09T11:06:00.000-06:00

News Release

Free Gallery Talk with juror Katherine Ware Curator of Photography, New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe.

Saturday, July 11, 1 – 2 PM

Now in its second year, this juried show features the pinnacle of New Mexico photographic talent in this first-ever collaboration between an Albuquerque gallery and the New Mexico Museum in Santa Fe.

This presentation is in conjunction with the following exhibition:
Photo New Mexico 2009

Show runs through Aug. 1st!

Gallery hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 9 – 6; Tuesday 10 – 4; Closed Monday

Location: 3812 Central Ave. SE.- 2.5 blocks east of Carlisle between Solano and Aliso next to New Grounds Print Workshop & Gallery.

Photo New Mexico – A juried Show (Juror: Katherine Ware, Curator of Photography, New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe)

2009-06-26T12:55:00.003-06:00

Rob Thalmann
Anthropormphic Study I
Silver Photographic Print, Selenium Toned, Oil Paint

Bruce Shortz
The Distant Mountains
HDR Photography

Zak Ruttledge
Rural Mechanism
Digital Photography

Now in its second year, this juried show will feature the pinnacle of New Mexico photographic talent in this first-ever collaboration between an Albuquerque gallery and the New Mexico Museum in Santa Fe.

Exhibition dates: July 3 – August 1
(Early Bird Preview: May 31 – July 3)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: July 3, 5 – 8:00 PM
The public is invited to select the “People’s Choice Award” during the reception with the winner to be announced at 7:45 PM

Gallery Talk with juror Katherine Ware, Saturday, July 11, 1 – 2 PM

Gallery hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 9 – 6; Tuesday 10 - 4, Closed Monday

Contact person: Regina Held, 268-8952
Cost of event: Free

Location: 3812 Central Ave. SE - 2.5 blocks east of Carlisle between Solano and Aliso, next to New Grounds Print Workshop & Gallery.

Art Journey: New Mexico

2009-06-21T13:20:00.000-06:00

Art Journey: New Mexico is being released in November 2009 by the Collector's Guide. Congratulations to Stacy Hawkinson and Frank McCulloch for making it into the book!

Realism is alive and well in Albuquerque!

2009-06-16T14:34:00.005-06:00

During very well attended reception several clients and artists discussed with me the “state” of realism. Are artists going back to it? Is there a renewed interest in it? In my humble, but firm opinion, both of it is the case. Not only do I seem to come across realistic painting quite often, whether in galleries, art fairs, or art magazines, I am also impressed by the high standard of craftsmanship practiced by realist artists. Maybe we have seen so much digital art that artists want to practice using a brush again, or maybe it is the very availability of digital media that allows artists to create a fully worked out “sketch” before moving on to the canvas. Whatever the reason, I am delighted to be able to represent so many talented and hard-working realist artists who live and work right here in New Mexico.

Patricia Malcolm employs the ancient and extremely time consuming medium of egg tempera to create her highly detailed animal images which go beyond portraits; they usually represent attributes such as “strength” or “humility.”

Rodney Wood also uses animal imagery in his work, but his pieces exhibit a surrealistic and sometimes supernatural bend in addition to showing his great sense of humor.

Matthew Lutz is an emerging artist whose larger than life flower clusters are beyond real, they are super-real with a nod to pop art.

Sarah Hartshorne is a new artist at Matrix Fine Art. Although she covers a large variety of subjects, her still lives are some of our favorites. They also made everybody very hungry!

Once again, this was a very busy reception; the gallery had a continuous stream of visitors all evening long. Thank you everybody for coming out to see the show!

Anise, our trusted server, is getting cuter and cuter.

Gallery assistant Tanya Landin and director Regina Held wrote and submitted this blog. And no, those are not giant strawberry earrings, just an unfortunate placement of Tanya’s head in front of Sarah’ strawberry still life……

Jeff Simpson, who is a New Grounds artist, volunteered his time to take pictures during the reception. Thank you Jeff, great job! (We’ll overlook the strawberry earrings this time….).

Regina Held, director, Matrix Fine Art

New Grounds and Matrix Artists’ swept up a huge amount of purchase awards from the CABQ 1% for the Arts Program.

2009-06-06T13:00:00.000-06:00

We want to give a round of applause to the artists’ whose work was chosen by the city. Artists’ represented by Matrix Fine Art include Sally Condon, Harriette Lawler, Katrina Lasko and Iva Morris. Chosen from New Grounds Print Workshop and Gallery were pieces by Diane Alire and Dan Noyes.
The City of Albuquerque's Public Art Program, one of the oldest in the country, began in 1978, with the passage of the Art in Municipal Places Ordinance. This bold initiative set aside 1% of City construction funds derived from the general obligation bond program and certain revenue bonds for the purchase or commission of works of art. (Read more about it at http://www.cabq.gov/publicart/about-1-for-art).

Contemporary Realism – Paintings by Rodney Wood, Leo Neufeld, Patricia Malcolm, Matthew Lutz, Mark Beck and Sarah Hartshorne

2009-06-04T11:32:00.003-06:00

Sarah Harthshorne
Blackberries
30 x 40"
Acrylic on Canvas

Although the beginning of the 21st century exhibits a pluralism of styles an increasing number of artists are returning to realism. This particular show features several aspects of realism with three artists, Leo Neufeld, Mark Beck and Sarah Hartshorne, working traditionally in a realist style defined as “the accurate and apparently objective description of the ordinary, observable world (Wikipedia).” Quite different from these, Patricia Malcolm’s egg tempera paintings explore a more symbolist approach while Rodney Wood and Matthew Lutz work in a distinctly hyper-realist style. In addition, these six outstanding painters cover a wide variety of subject matters from the figure to still-lives, botany and landscapes.

Exhibition dates: June 5 – 27, 2009
(Early Bird Preview: June 2 - 5)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: June 5, 5 – 8:00 PM

Looking for Abstract and Glass Artists residing in New Mexico

2009-05-24T16:17:00.003-06:00

We are currently accepting submissions for abstract paintings and glass art. If you fit into this category and are looking for a gallery to represent you please visit our website at http://www.matrixfineart.com/contact_us.html. We represent emerging and established artists living in New Mexico.

Katrina Lasko's "Don't Look" Opening Night Recap

2009-05-16T14:04:00.006-06:00

Katrina Lasko’s opening night went great! Here is a picture of her posing with “Icarus”. Many people commented on the lovely blue she used in this piece. Katrina also made it into Santa Fe’s THE Magazine, May Issue, discussing this body of work. Check it out!

Katrina’s show titled “Don’t Look” created many discussions about the pieces and why she made them. Katrina said, “This body of paintings and sculptures is about hiding, turning a blind eye, and running from the terrors and sadness that I see in the world today.” She also informed us that all the ears in her paintings were red to draw the attention to listening, or not.

Many people came to the opening and Regina is seen posing for the camera many times tonight!

Regina and Katrina Regina and Tanya

Robert, Regina, and Tom

Thanks to Steve Cuomo for bringing his Buzz Network of art lovers to the gallery tonight.

Steve Cuomo

We had many artists turn up for the event, and Laura Wacha even made a surprise appearance! Marilyn Dillard was busy greeting guests.

Laura Wacha Marilyn Dillard

The night was great and thanks to everyone who made it out! The show runs until Saturday May 30th, so come and see it before the show is over!

Katrino Lasko in May Issue of The Magazine

2009-05-12T12:05:00.001-06:00

Katrina Lasko is in the center spread of Santa Fe's Monthly The Magazine of and for the Arts! Check it out, she looks awesome posing with her sculpture "Icarus".

Don’t Look – Paintings and Sculpture by Katrina Lasko

2009-04-29T16:02:00.002-06:00

Balance Hurt

30 x 24" 48 x 36 x 12"

Oil on Canvas plaster, branches and paint, app

Lasko’s newest figurative paintings and sculptures are emotionally charged, beautifully crafted, and very personal. They address our tendency to practice disengagement and our general feeling of helplessness when confronted with today’s terror and sadness filled world.

Exhibition dates: May 1 - 30
(Early Bird Preview: April 28 – May 1)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: May 1, 5 – 8:00 PM

Gallery hours: Wednesday through Sunday 9 – 6, Tuesday 10 - 4; Closed Monday

Contact person: Regina Held, 268-8952
Cost of event: Free

Location: 3812 Central Ave. SE - 2.5 blocks east of Carlisle between Solano and Aliso, next to New Grounds Print Workshop & Gallery.

Newsletter: Sign-up at http://www.artscrawlabq.org/ to receive the free bi-monthly newsletter covering art events in Albuquerque. This newsletter is published by the Albuquerque Art Business Organization - the Artscrawl people. Stay updated with current events and shows!

Pop Art Revisited - Paintings by David Koch and Stacy Hawkinson

2009-03-26T10:49:00.003-06:00

David Koch, Fine, Acrylic on canvas, 20 x 18"

Koch's deliberate and well painted acrylic canvases give us something to think about in this series which investigates four-letter words. Hawkinson's layered mixed media pieces lightheartedly point fingers at everything and nothing in particular. This is a fun yet thoughtful and very contemporary exhibition.

Exhibition dates: April 3 – 25
(Early Bird Preview: March 31 to April 3)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: April 3, 5 – 8:00 PM

Gallery hours: Tuesday 10 - 4, Wednesday - Sunday, 9 - 6

Contact person: Regina Held, 268-8952
Cost of event: Free

Gallery Owner, Rgina Held and her dance partner, Al Marshall are participating in a Tango Performance!

2009-03-26T10:44:00.003-06:00

Regina and Al will be performing Tango at the South Broadway Cultural Center, 1025 Broadway SE. They have been practicing in the gallery and at Double Time Dance Studio for the last two months. Many thanks to John Henry and his wife, Adrienne for making Tango dancers out of them in less than 2 months! Tickets are free with a suggested $5 donation. Come out to see them perform this Saturday, March 28th at 8 PM!

John Henry

Double Time Dance Studio

112 Morningside SE

505-268-1123

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“The Quiddity of Clay” by Sara D’Alessandro

2009-03-22T14:21:00.000-06:00

I really enjoy gallery talks when I am able to attend them. Since I work here it makes it convenient to go to the talks that are scheduled. Sara D’ Alessandro talked about what she liked about working with clay. She loves the plasticity of clay versus other media; e.g. marble, steel, wood, etc. Plasticity is the ability to retain a shape attained by pressure deformation (Wikipedia). She enjoys that clay can be molded and holds its shape. Sara likes putting layers of texture on clay to give the piece history. Clay has been around for thousands of years and she likes to record history in her sculptures.

Sara uses slab and coil techniques to create her pieces. She is influenced by nature and does not have any 90 degree angles in her work. She recently started forming sculptures out of solid pieces of clay that weigh over 1,000 pounds, then hollowing them out to fire. The terra cotta that she uses for her pieces are low fired and under glazed. Sara is not a fan of shiny glazes. Her pieces are meant to be viewed in an outdoor setting and a shiny glaze would not be ideal in sunlight. The terra cotta sculptures will last more than a lifetime outdoors as long as they do not sit in a pool of water, they are raised off the ground and water does not drip on them constantly.

If you missed the show it is still on view through Saturday, March 28!

Tanya Landin

Gallery and Workshop Assistant

March Reception Re-Cap

2009-03-21T12:22:00.005-06:00

Frank McCulloch and Sara D’Alessandro at Matrix Fine Art

Matrix brought together paintings by an Albuquerque legend, Frank McCulloch, and large scale terracotta sculpture by Sara D’Alessandro for a perfect match of landscapes and earth inspired work.

For our March 6 reception, the gallery was packed all evening! Frank’s legs are not anymore what they used to be so we provided him with a comfortable chair and he held court all night. Here he is with Harriette Yale Russell and her husband, and with Al Marshall. Frank knows just about everybody in town!

He still found time to pose with the gallery staff, director Regina Held and her assistant, Tanya Landin. If you do not know Frank McCulloch you should know that he is the absolute nicest guy you will ever meet!

Did anybody notice our freshly painted red doors?

Thank you to everybody who helped with the reception, especially Anice who is the best server

in town and Bruce Childs who took these pictures.

Sara D'Alessandro gives a Gallery Talk

2009-03-13T10:30:00.003-06:00

A World View
Indoor/Outdoor Terra Cotta Sculpture
27 x 36 x 13"

Come join us on Saturday, March 21st for a talk given by Sara D'Alessandro. "The Quiddity of Clay" will give you background information on the artist and the techniques she uses to make her terra cotta sculptures.

MATRIX Fine Art

3812 Central Ave SE, Suite 100

Albuquerque, NM 87108

director@matrixfineart.com

505-268-8952

http://www.matrixfineart.com/

New Vision - Paintings by Frank McCulloch and Terra Cotta by Sara D'Alessandro

2009-02-28T12:18:00.002-07:00

Nube de Lluvia

Oil on Canvas

24 x 30"

McCulloch is one of Albuquerque’s most well-known landscape artists. He recently was awarded the title “Local Treasure” by the Albuquerque Art Business Association. He describes his lush oil paintings as "landscapes of the mind," and they never fail to enchant. D'Alessandro has had a long career as sculptor. Originally from New York, she finds inspiration in the raw New Mexico landscape. Her organic clay shapes bring the outdoors inside, but they are also very comfortable in a garden setting.

Exhibition dates: March 6 – 28
(Early Bird Preview: March 3 to 6)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: March 6, 5 – 8:00 PM

Gallery Talk by Sara D'Alessandro: The Quddity of Clay, Saturday, March 21, 1-2 PM

Gallery hours: Tuesday 10 - 4, Wednesday - Sunday, 9 - 6

Contact person: Regina Held, 268-8952
Cost of event: Free

Herself

Terra Cotta Sculpture

39 x 19 x 19"

Harriette Lawler co-curated "Corrections"

2009-02-06T14:52:00.002-07:00

SOMArts Cultural Center will be presenting “Corrections”, an international installation from March 5-April 16th in the SOMArts Main Gallery. The exhibition will visually explore problems in contemporary society which require “corrections”, and the public will be invited to interact with the exhibit by placing “corrections” in a paper shredder as part of the installation. Participating artists come from Columbia, Austria, Belgium, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, South Africa, Israel, Sweden, Canada, and the USA, including eight from the Bay Area. Curated by Harriette Lawler and Frank Ettenberg, this show has been juried through the internet and represents a global look at the difference artists can make through their imagery.In addition, the World Café, an international networking organization, will be holding a continuing conversation event in the Main Gallery on Saturday March 21, from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

“Corrections”

March 5-April 16, 2009

SOMArts Main GALLERY

934 Brannan St.

San Francisco 94103

415.552.2131. ext 7 http://www.somarts.org/

OPENING RECEPTION: Thursday, March 5, 6-8 pm

CLOSING RECEPTION: Thursday, April 16, 6-8 pm

WORLD CAFÉ: Saturday, March 21, 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.

GALLERY HOURS: TUESDAY-FRIDAY 2-7 p.m.SATURDAY 1-5 p.m

SOMArts Cultural Center (south of Market Art Resources, Technology and Services) maintains one of four cultural facilities owned by the City of San Francisco and operated by nonprofit arts organizations to provide cultural and arts programs with support from the Hotel Tax Fund and the Community Arts & Education program of the San Francisco Arts Commission. SOMArts serves approximately 450,000 people with its year-round schedule of community arts classes, theatrical performances, gallery exhibitions and technical services’ support of festivals and parades throughout the city. SOMArts also provides affordable event space for local nonprofit organizations to present showcases, fundraisers and exhibitions. For more information about upcoming events, space rentals and technical services, visit http://www.somarts.org/ or call 415.863.14134

Piercing the Fold: Transformation

Steel, aluminum

49"h x 60"w x 12"d

Conservation Calendar Features Local Artists including Leo Neufeld

2009-02-06T13:56:00.000-07:00

The Water Authority has enlisted local landscape artists to help inspire its customers to save water and replace turf with xeriscaping. The result is “Desert Vistas,” the Water Authority’s Water Conservation & Xeriscape Calendar.The calendar features oil and pastel paintings depicting plant life andlandscapes typical of –and unique to –New Mexico. Artists featured in the calendar are Barbara Clark, Barbara Coleman, Sarah Hartshorne, Phil Hulebak, Patricia Ann Massingill, Leo Neufeld and Deborah Christensen Secor. All agreed to donate use of their artwork for the calendar.The “Desert Vistas” calendar will be available free at Albuquerque area libraries and community centers. It is also being distributed to neighborhood associations and other organizations.

LUSH - Abstract Paintings by Sally Condon, Kuzana Ogg, & Susan Reid

2009-01-28T10:39:00.002-07:00

Sally Condon
Inside Out
20 x 20"
Oil and Collage on Panel

LUSH features three accomplished woman artists whose abstract paintings are very detailed and layered. Condon uses wax to embed organic materials and found images into her architectural compositions, Ogg’s paintings are inspired by the silky texture and shimmer of her grandmother’s saris, and Reid composes her pieces out of hundreds and hundreds of individual dots. Each of these artists fuses a unique vision with exceptional painterly skills.

Exhibition dates: February 6 – 28
(Early Bird Preview: February 3 to 6)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: February 6, 5 – 8:00 PM

Gallery hours: Tuesday 10 - 4, Wednesday - Sunday, 9 - 6

Contact person: Regina Held, 268-8952
Cost of event: Free

Location: 3812 Central Ave. SE - 2.5 blocks east of Carlisle between Solano and Aliso, next to New Grounds Print Workshop & Gallery.

Website: For a preview of the exhibition, visit our webpage at http://matrixfineart.com/

Newsletter: Sign-up at http://www.artscrawlabq.org/ to receive the free bi-monthly newsletter covering art events in Albuquerque. This newsletter is published by the Albuquerque Art Business Organization - the Artscrawl people. Stay updated with current events and shows!

Drawing and Preliminary Sketches Reception

2009-01-15T13:19:00.003-07:00

The Drawing and Preparatory Sketches show gives people a chance to see how some artists plan out their art before it becomes completed.

At the opening Matthew Lutz came and had a chance to discuss the drawing he has on display. The drawing is set up on an easel with drawing utensils. It looks like he comes in to the gallery to work on it!

Many people enjoyed the show.

Jorge Tristani, a New Grounds artist, brought his friends and looks like he is having a great time.

Here are two ladies having fun talking about the art.

These First Friday receptions are a great time for artists’ to get together in a casual setting and discuss their art. Here is Matthew Lutz and Bruce Childs, a new member at New Grounds, talking together.

The show will be up through Friday, January 30th. Come and visit us!

Holiday Sale ReCap

2009-01-15T13:07:00.006-07:00

The Holiday Sale by Matrix Artists’ reception drew in a smaller crowd than expected. Those who came to the show enjoyed seeing the diverse art that was hanging in the gallery. The sale gave us a chance to see art that has been tucked away and only pulled out once a year! Katrina Lasko brought in some figurative pieces that were unlike any of her work that I’d seen before.

This young boy chose this piece as his favorite.

This man really enjoyed the mosaics by Laura Robbins who is a new artist here at Matrix. We are happy to have some of her pieces here.

Mary Zaremba came to volunteer at the reception and did a fantastic job greeting people as they came in.

Mary also had a chance to talk with Elizabeth Fritzsche about her newest porcelain pieces that she brought into the gallery. We loved the porcelain so much we decided to display it after the holiday sale. They are still here if anyone didn’t have a chance to make it in December.

Iva Morris brought in some new pastels and here are people enjoying them. Mary Zaremba is standing near her photographs as well.

Karin Brandi and Marilyn Dillard.

Look at Judith Rauchfuss’ beautiful masks!

Happy Holidays and see you next year for the 2009 Under 500 Affordable Art Sale!

Deborah Donelson wins cover image on Art Calendar Magazine, the business magazine for visual artists!

2008-12-13T10:07:00.002-07:00

Check out Deborah's article and cover image at http://www.artcalendar.com/home.asp!

This is a great achievement, Deborah, and we are all proud of you!

Art Calendar is the industry’s foremost business magazine for visual artists. Founded in 1986, Art Calendar acts as a beacon to guide artists on their journey toward making a living with their art.

Written by knowledgeable industry pros and successful working artists, Art Calendar offers artists practical business advice on subjects such as art marketing, art law, portfolio development, exhibition presentation, communication skills and sales techniques, as well as advanced technical applications of photography, computer and Web tools. It also offers the most extensive and recent listings of Calls to Artists, including galleries reviewing portfolios, juried competitions, grants, fellowships, festivals, publishing opportunities and residencies.Best described as “The Artist’s Guide to Making It,” Art Calendar is the only subscription-driven, business-oriented magazine published specifically for visual artists.

There are no “how-to-paint” articles — Art Calendar readers have already found their voice and established their own unique style. Art Calendar enables professional artists to make a living doing what they love, providing them with fresh and innovative ideas, along with the all of the necessary tools to sell their work and further their careers. Offering professional artists more than any other art publication, Art Calendar has established itself as the ultimate resource for visual artists.

This is the painting that made it on the cover. Baby Blue, Acrylic on Canvas, 10 x 10"

And here she is...

Deborah Donelson opens solo show with a packed house

2008-11-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that Deborah Donelson has a large number of fans in Albuquerque. Matrix was filled with a constant stream of visitors during the November First Friday reception and they could not get enough of Donelson’s work. If you love figurative work and you are not the timid kind, check out her work on the Matrix Fine Art website: Deborah Donelson.

See Kahn’s review of her show at Duke City Fix! http://www.dukecityfix.com/profiles/blogs/trackstracesvestiges-1

UNDER 500 – Holiday Show by Gallery Artists

2008-11-22T11:21:00.002-07:00

Iva Morris
Charlie's Orchard
Pastel
9 x 12"

This Holiday Show features fun, fabulous and affordable art by gallery artists. From jewel-like encaustics by Kuzana Ogg to lush, fabulous pastels by Iva Morris and textured paintings by Marilyn Dillard, there is something for everybody with prices starting as low as $ 100.

Exhibition dates: December 5 - 27
(Early Bird Preview: December 2 - 5)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: December 5, 5 – 8:00 PM

Gallery hours: Tuesday 10 - 4, Wednesday - Sunday, 9 - 6

Contact person: Regina Held, 268-8952
Cost of event: Free

November Show

2008-11-22T11:20:00.002-07:00

Listening

Acrylic on Panel

10 x 10"

Deborah Donelson's figurative paintings will be on display until Nov. 29th. Come by the gallery to see these colorful and emotional paintings

Iva Morris exhibition in Santa Fe

2008-10-19T14:49:00.001-06:00

October 24th- November 10th, Iva Morris' show Pas De Deux will be on display in Santa Fe at Hunter Kirkland Contemporary. Opening reception is Friday Oct. 24th from 5 to 8 pm. Visit www.hunterkirklandcontemporary.com for more information.

Elizabeth Frizsche at artspace116

2008-10-10T13:20:00.000-06:00

Elizabeth Frizsche is going to have her porcelain displayed at artspace116 from October 3rd thru November 14. The gallery is located at 116 Central Ave. SW Suite 201, Albuquerque, NM 87102. The gallery hours are Monday - Friday from 9a-5p. The website is www.artspace116.org for a preview of her work.

Pathos and Eros - Paintings by Rodney Wood and Masks by Judith Rauchfuss

2008-10-07T11:29:00.001-06:00

Wood’s figurative paintings are created with layered glazes reminiscent of Vermeer and Rembrandt. His work is influenced by his interest in mythology, religion and symbolism, resulting in powerful images that are at once frightening and beautiful. Judith Rauchfuss creates unique masks in the old Venician style of the Comedia del Arte.

Exhibition dates: October 3 – November 1
(Early Bird Preview: September 30 – October 3)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: October 3, 5 – 8:00 PM

Juried Photography show a first in Albuquerque

2008-10-07T11:03:00.005-06:00

Matrix Fine Art invited New Mexico photographers working in all mediums, styles and schools of thought to participate in Photo New Mexico – A Juried Photography Exhibition. Douglas Fairfield, a curator at the Albuquerque Museum, generously agreed to jury the show. As a gallery owner, I could not help but worry that we would not receive a single entry. Instead, we were swamped - we received 158 entries by 54 artists. Doug Fairfield assured me that he seriously enjoyed reviewing the selections and that he was very impressed with the quality of work presented to him. He chose 26 images by 25 artists. The show looked great!!! It covered a lot of ground from traditional to contemporary. It was nice to see familiar names such as David Antresian and David Ondrik, and to get to know some wonderful emerging artists such as Aaron Marie Beien and PD. Rearick. Skip to the end of the blog for a complete list of artists accepted into this show.

And what a crowd!!! The opening reception took place on July 5, the Saturday after Independence Day. Matrix usually opens shows on the First Friday of every month, but I had to move it due to the Holiday. Thanks to a great review in Local IQ, http://www.localiq.com/, and some intense blogging on Duke City Fix we could barely contain the steady throng of visitors. For a while, it was almost impossible to get into the gallery, and people spilled into the courtyard area.

As always, I was lucky to have great help. Here gallery assistant Paul Helphenstine and volunteer Carol Walker take a quick break from answering questions.

This was one of the best receptions we had all year. Either people looked for something to do on this Holiday weekend, or Albuquerqueans REALLY like photography. I like to think it was the latter – the crowd stayed until the bitter end and all of them voted for the People’s Choice award.

Votes poured in all evening long. Thank goodness, Paul continued to log in votes throughout the event or it would have taken us forever to count them all. It was also interesting to see how the favorites changed over the evening.

Lee Manning’s “Screen Test” was the leading piece off and on for most of the evening. The runner-up was Aaron Marie Beien’s “Valpincon Bather.”

When it was finally time to announce the winner of the People’s Choice Award, the crowd was in a serious party mood! Thank goodness I have a loud voice. The winner was....

Raine Klover’s “My Church.” Congratulations, Raine!!!

Our second award was the Juror’s Choice Award. Doug Fairfield selected Josef Tornick’s “Magdalena, NM.” Good job, Josef!!!!

Two weeks later, Doug Fairfield gave an informal, but incredibly insightful and passionate gallery talk about his selections. He especially spent a lot of time on Tornick’s piece, pointing to the successful composition, the repetition of the checker pattern and the story behind the piece.

As Fairfield moved around the packed gallery he not only explained some of his selections, but also voiced some very interesting opinions. For once, he commentated on the importance of titles in photography; he sometimes prefers “Untitled” over an overly descriptive one. He elaborated that it is important for the image to speak for itself, and how an overly clever title can restrain the meaning for the viewer. As a gallery owner, I cannot help but have an opinion about titles. It is an important issue. I would like to hear what the readers of this blog think about this subject. How important are titles for you? Is it different for photography than other art media? Let me know what you think about titles!!!!!

I am sorry to announce that Doug Fairflield has left the Albuquerque Museum – he now writes for Pasatiempo. This is a big loss for Albuquerque! Read his juror’s statement below.

In the meanwhile, I am planning the 2009 Photo NM show to be held next July. The call for entry will come out early January. Check out our website and mailings for more info as the time comes closer. I definitely have to agree with Dough Fairfield: “Photography is alive and well in Albuquerque.”

Regina Held, director, Matrix Fine Art

Photography by Bruce Childs, reception, and Paul Helphenstine, gallery talk

Juror’s statement:
It is extremely difficult to avoid cliches in a juror's statement. We've all
read them and rolled our eyes in disgust or frustration. But in all
sincerity the process was tough; not so much the first go-around
wherein after reviewing 160 images 41 were singled out. But to
accommodate space allotments (and a directive from the top floor)
the final review was brutal. Consequently, a very good group of
images were reluctantly let go.

Given that my appreciation is alive and well for a myriad of
photographic genres and variants thereof, this exhibition is indeed
eclectic. But that's to be expected with an open call for entries. There
was no attempt to present a thematic show nor was there a single
vision, at least not consciously, to select work that conceptually fit my
own personal aesthetic. However, I do not warm up to any art that is
clever or saccharine in content. In addition, I have little patience for
photographic imagery where process is the overriding construct. In
short, show me an image that's worth looking at, be it conceptually,
politically, or socially motivated.-.or simply beautiful.

My criterion for the selection process was not atypical. I look for a
variety of things, including originality, technical expertise, critical
thinking and a critical eye. These are integral to an image that does
not readily slip from memory but, indeed, beckons you back for
multiple viewings. I believe the photographic images in Photo NM do
just that for various reasons.

I extend my thanks and appreciation to Regina Held, Director of
Matrix Gallery, for the opportunity to serve as juror for Photo NM. I
also thank her very competent colleagues for the organization and
installation of this show. To all of the photographer/artists who
submitted work, I urge you to keep working despite impossible odds
of "great" success as a creative individual. And finally, I salute Regina
for supporting contemporary photography in New Mexico.

List of artists accepted into PHOTO NM 2008

Diane Alire
David Antreasian
Aaron Marie Beien
Wayne Bennett
Sylvia Crain
David Cramer
Fernando Delgado
Carole Devillers
Sondra Diepen
Moira Ellis
George Gibson
Raine Klover
Melissa Koch
Carl Latino
Lee Manning
David Ondrik
Charles H. Palmer
Alan Pearlman
P.D. Rearick
Julie Rybachek
Rick Scibelli Jr.
Robbie Steinbach
Josef Tornick
Gail Diane Yovanovich
San Pedro de Burque

How we survived three events this month!

2008-09-23T12:06:00.010-06:00

Mountains of food, gallons of lemonade, two mailings, two receptions, one gallery talk, getting up at 3 AM to take our Japanese visitors to the airport - All TOTALLY WORTH IT!

September 5 – Reception for McCulloch and Trovillion
Seriously, why have one reception when you can have two, and a Gallery Talk to boot? There are simply too many fabulous artists to feature and too many great works of art to exhibit. Matrix started out with its First Friday reception featuring Local Treasure Frank McCulloch and new work by Emily Trovillion – two long-time Albuquerque artists who have shaped the Albuquerque art scene, such as it is, long before I opened Matrix Fine Art. If you love surreal art, don’t miss Emily’s pieces – this mini show is a treat (of course, I am totally biased since I fell in love with her work when I was still in graduate school, and, after all, she is one of “my” artists….).

Trovillion's Alcove

Frank McCulloch at the Reception

September 19 – Reception for Hayashi
Then, the day before our Friday 19th reception, we picked up Ando Shinji and Takahiko Hayashi from the airport. Our first order of business was to feed them large doses of green chile at El Patio. Thus fully acclimated, they were ready for their receptions the next day – Ando Shinji at New Grounds Print Workshop & Gallery, and Hayashi at MATRIX Fine Art. It took us most of the morning to get Ando Shinji prepared for his etching demonstration which turned out to an incredible treat - see our video and stills on the New Grounds blog. Both of these artists have a huge following – this was Hayashi’s second event in Albuquerque – he had an exhibition at New Grounds two years ago.

Hayaashi, Shinji, and Regina, Fritschze and Hayashi at Reception

Gallery Talk by Takahiko Hayashi
On Saturday, Hayashi gave us some valuable insights into his work during his hour-long gallery talk. Hayashi pointed out that the main symbol in his work is the spiral, an element that he uses to illustrate wind, flow, energy, and the landscape in general. On a technical note, he originally created large scale work by collaging several small etchings together simply because he did not have access to a large press. However, he continued to work this way even after he bought his large etching press because he had come to appreciate the flexibility of inking up several plates in very different colors and printing them on various Gampi papers before combining them into a large piece. In addition to his etchings, Matrix featured the artist’s highly textured and detailed mixed media paintings. He creates those by combining many different materials from handmade paper to strips of canvas, pigments and pen and ink. The show was completed by a recent series of under glass paintings which he developed by trial and error. These pieces have an almost primordial feel with spiral pattern in luminous colors emerging out of dark fields – alluding at string and chaos theory. This technique intrigued him because he was forced to work from the front to the back with the first layers of paint showing right against the glass.

Hayashi at the Gallery Talk, Under Glass painting discussion

Thank you, everybody!
As always, tons of people made this happen – Tanya Landin, my infinitely capable intern/gallery assistant/workshop manager (Tanya, we need to take a picture of you), Paul Helphenstine who keeps things going and me laughing, Bruce and Patti Carpenter who took Ando and Hayashi to dinner on Friday, Yoshiko Shimano, UNM professor in printmaking who graciously volunteered her time as translator, my husband Cornelius who, among many other things, takes care of the refreshments, and a sea of artists from Matrix and New Grounds who volunteered in different capacities during our functions. And, of course, thanks to all of you who attended despite of the State Fair opening, despite of Globalquerque, despite of the Old Town Artscrawl and despite of the stock market crashing!!!

See you in two weeks for our October show!
Regina Held

Frank McCulloch recognized as one of Albuquerque’s “Local Treasures!”

2008-09-16T15:28:00.002-06:00

Luna De Miel
Oil on Canvas

Matrix Fine Art is proud to announce that one of its gallery artists, Frank McCulloch, has been chosen as one of Albuquerque’s “Local Treasures.” This month-long event was inaugurated in 2008 by the Albuquerque Arts Business Association who also organizes the monthly Artscrawl events.

“Local Treasures” is a month-long celebration of the arts in Albuquerque. On September 21 Mayor Martin J. Chavez will recognize 12 artists as Local Treasures in a ceremony at 2pm at the Albuquerque Museum. For more information go to http://www.artscrawlabq.org/, or http://www.blogger.com/www.artscrawlabq.org.

Frank McCulloch - contemporary landscape painter

Frank McCulloch is one of those beloved Albuquerque artists who everybody seems to know. He has contributed to the Albuquerque community on many different levels. He taught art at one of the local high schools until his retirement about 10 years ago and is a prolific painter who continues to exhibit extensively. If he is not in his studio painting, you can find him somewhere in town performing with his band, Frank McCulloch y Su Amigos, keeping old New Mexican folk songs alive. Frank was born in Gallup, NM and received his BA from UNM. He went on to receive a Master of Arts from NM Highlands University and a Master of Fine Arts from Instituto Allenda in Mexico. Awards include Governor’s Award in the Arts, National Endowment of the Arts, and National Endowment of the Humanities.

See more of his work at the gallery, or visit our website for a preview. Keep in mind that the work looks a lot better “in person.” http://matrixfineart.com/matrixfineart/frank_mcculloch/frank_mcculloch.html

Matrix Artist Marilyn Dillard is judging art quilts at Northern New Mexico Quilt Guild’s Quilt Fiesta!

2008-09-12T09:57:00.002-06:00

Marilyn Dillard will be judging the extraordinary art quilts at the Northern New Mexico Quilt Guild’s Quilt Fiesta. Dillard was invited to judge because of her numerous years of experience in fiber arts including art quilts. Tradition Transformed: The New Art of Quilting is the theme for this year’s event that will be at the Santa Fe County Fairgrounds Extension Building, 3229 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico. The quilt show will run from Friday, October 17, through Sunday, October 19. Hours are 10:00 – 5:00 Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 – 4:00 on Sunday. Admission is $3 per day or $5 for a weekend pass.

For additional information contact Diane DiMaria at (505) 992 – 3468 or visit the guild’s website at http://www.nnmqg.org/

Storm Mountain

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Cancas

48 x 36"

Albuquerque flying high!!

2008-09-09T14:52:00.001-06:00

Albuquerque is read about all over the world! Delta Sky Magazine published a fabulous “portrait” of the Duke City, 42-pages about Albuquerque's history, attractions, businesses, cuisine and culture.

And Regina was quoted on page 87. Really! Check it out online.

Portrait Albuquerque Featured in Delta Sky Magazine

John Garrett showing at the Arts Alliance

2008-09-09T14:50:00.002-06:00

For those of you who cannot get enough of John Garrett’s fabulous mixed media sculpture, check out his current show at the Art Alliance. If you are not familiar with John’s work, this is a great introduction to this multi-talented artist.
Show runs through September 29.

“ONCE UPON A TIME …. AGAIN “
An exhibition by three artists: Donna Loraine Contractor, John Garrett and Susan Skinner.
The Arts Alliance Gallery
Courtyard Shopping Center
1100 San Mateo Blvd. NE Suite 10
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505.268.1920
http://abqarts.org/
Open Monday thru Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, 10 am to 4 pm
The three artists, a weaver, sculptor and jeweler, randomly exchanged materials of equal value they purchased at local thrift and salvage stores. Their challenge was to use all of the items, supplementing them only with connective materials (glue, nails, thread, rivets, etc.) from their studios. Most artists are notoriously particular about the materials with which they work. While two of the artists regularly use recycled materials in their work and the third is the consummate thrift store shopper, the challenge they created for themselves pushed them all into new territories of exploration. Confronted with the mundane (old bed sheets and children’s toys) to the offbeat and particular (Yugoslavian paper dolls and an American Red Cross First Aid Manual) they were all forced to find new ways of working with the materials. The results are humorous, surreal, provocative and unexpected.

Fortune

Mixed Media

New Work by Emily Trovillion and Focus on Local Treasure Frank McCulloch

2008-08-29T14:00:00.005-06:00

Emily Trovillion
Big Head
Oil on canvas on board
18 x 24”

Trovillion’s oil paintings feature detailed and lovingly rendered figures blending subjects from carnival to evidence of natural and unnatural disasters. Emily Trovillion was named one of New Mexico’s top 150 artists in an article in the June/July 2008 issue of the Santa Fean Magazine.

Frank McCulloch
Luna de Miel
Oil on Canvas
48 x 66"

Frank McCulloch, one of the ten artists awarded the title of “Local Treasure” as part of the month-long celebration of the arts in Albuquerque, is a New Mexico icon who has greatly contributed to the arts as teacher, artist and musician. He describes his lush expressive paintings as “landscapes of the mind.”

There will be a special celebration of a 12 Local Treasures at the Albuquerque museum, Sunday Sept. 21st at 2:00pm. Find out more about Local Treaures at http://www.artscrawlabq.org/html/local-treasures.html

Exhibition dates: September 5 - 27
(Early Bird Preview: September 2 - 5)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: September 5, 5 – 8:00 PM

September Show- Dwelling in the Form: Etchings and Paintings by Takahiko Hayashi

2008-08-17T10:53:00.003-06:00

Takahiko Hayashi

D-28, Aug. 2004

Painting and Mixed Media

17 x 11.5"

Takahiko Hayashi lives and works in Japan where he is a rising star. His etchings and pigment paintings are composed out of hundreds of detailed lines creating masterfully bold abstractions, often with vibrant color. His work is best described as abstract landscapes although it also reflects his interest in philosophy such as the writing of Lao-Tse.

Exhibition dates: September 5 - 27
(Early Bird Preview: September 2 - 19)

Artscrawl Reception: September 19, 5 – 8:00 PM (the artist will be present)

August Show: Reflections - Sculpture and Mixed Media Work by John Garrett

2008-07-29T14:23:00.001-06:00

John Garrett is one of Albuquerque’s most talented sculptors and mixed media artists. He is especially noted for his mobiles, exclusively available at the Albuquerque Museum gift shop. His newest collection of work invokes remembrance. These layered wall pieces are composed of images and objects, found, collected and hand-made, with multiple meanings both specific and ambiguous. True to the title, these pieces use shiny and reflective materials!

Exhibition dates: August 1 - 30
(Early Bird Preview: July 29 – August 1)

First Friday Artscrawl Reception: August 1, 5 – 8:00 PM

Gallery hours: Tuesday 10 - 4, Wednesday - Sunday, 9 - 6

John Garrett, Trap; wood, metal, fiber, paper, 30 x 18 x 3, 2007

Albuquerque Journal and Local IQ Review

2008-04-26T13:58:00.001-06:00

A big “Thank you” to Wesley Pulkka of the Albuquerque Journal and to Brendan Picker of Local IQ for not only reviewing Mary Zaremba’s show, but also for writing beautifully and with much insight.

Picker interviewed the artist which added a nice more dimension to his review. He starts out by saying:
“This new photo series, entitled Life After, by local artist Mary Zaremba, belies her energetic, spunky and ultimately engaging personality. Not that this series of images isn’t engaging; they are, but the images are so “still,” it’s as if her delicately wrinkled subjects – decaying flowers and other organic materials – are frozen in crystal.”
Picker quotes the artist as she comments on her use of the scanner as her camera: “Its’s another window to see. My house has dried flowers and seed pods in every room. I let them go and watch them transition til the bitter end. I like watch them evolve into something completely different but equally beautiful.”
He comments: “With this technique, certain qualities become heightened. She is able to magnificently display each twisted spine of a curled vine. The fuzz on a petal of a Proteus plant becomes larger–than-life. The again botanicals are soft hued, shriveling and ultra fragile and Zaremba’s images have a depths of field that is simply stunning, with a highly detailed subject I the foreground that swiftly falls away to black."
“My favorite piece is Blue Thistles. The sharp prickles almost explode off the paper and the blue is otherworldly. Her Daffodil portrait looks like some exotic deep-see creature, descending into the darkness. Zaremba uses this tool to play with scale and depths of field, making theses natural objects appear almost supernatural.”

He ends with “…..using the scanner – is a way to interpret the world with a new set of “eyes.” Her results are stunning.”

It seems that Picker really liked the show!!!!

Pulkka was positively exuberant about Zaremba’s work (and she deserves every bit of this praise)
“Zaremba is an excellent photographer who instills a sense of awe in viewers. Her well-crafted and painstaking imagery of dead flowers and seed pods is beautifully elegant and timeless. “Golden Rose 3” and “Daffodil I” are reminiscent of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Shroud of Turin. The faded petals drained of life but still revealing the veins that carried nutrients to the living blossom, have the brittle beauty of faded parchment or carelessly folded linen. Zaremba offers her images as a life after life. Through photography she resurrects what was once vibrant and transforms its purpose from fertility to reverence. Through her scanner Zaremba creates monuments to the lost struggle for immortality that every living thing experiences. The show is divided between seeds, stems and dead blossoms lending it a hope/despair dichotomy. Though the life force continues to defeat entropy, it does so at the expense of its constituents. Through the technique of isolating her images on opaque dark backgrounds Zaremba emphasizes the natural sculptural structure of botanical forms. Aside from his controversial pictures Robert Mapplethorpe was the consummate floral photographer. Zaremba is playing in Mapplethorpe’s league. She is the kind of artist that makes reviewing art worthwhile.”

Mary Zaremba at her show.

Did he say she is in “Mapplethorpe’s league?” Wesley, you are a dear. And did I mention that Mary’s show was a huge success? Not only was the Matrix packed for the duration of the reception, but pieces were FLYING out of the gallery. Mary presents her photography in small editions, and her work continues to be featured at the gallery – just in case you missed her show .

When walking through the gallery, Pulkka’s well trained eye caught the very unusual work of Archer Dougherty, who just had her solo show in March. This emerging artist deserves to be recognized and Wesley was generous enough to throw some praise her way as well.

“Dougherty is a 26-year-old sculptor whose work is well crafted and detailed. In “Kylemore Abbey,” Dougherty presents five elongated forms that act like stained-glass windows as seen from the outside looking in. Their faces open through a series of vertically hinged doors. These well-executed mixed media works are rooted in architecture and include figuration, drawing, painting and carpentry. She continues to dazzle the eye in “Blossom” and “Construct.” If Dougherty avoids graduate school and eschews getting a real job she could evolve into the next Erika Wanenmacher.”

Archer Dougherty giving a talk at her show!

Wanemacher??!!! If you do not know about this artist you have to google her. She is fabulous.

Most pieces in Archer’s show sold, but since then she has brought in some amazing artist books encased in very unusual hand-made boxes – she never seizes to amaze us.

Follow this link for the complete review from 04/05/08!
ABQJOURNAL VENUE: A Fine Showing in Nob Hill http://www.abqjournal.com/venue/06111510venue04-06-08.htm

April Show -- Life After: Photographs by Mary Zaremba

2008-04-20T12:46:00.004-06:00

Zaremba uses flowers and organic materials as metaphors related to the themes of growth, change and aging. Flowers or botanicals are her primary subjects. Her photographs capture their vulnerability and transient beauty as they appear in varying states of life and decay.Zaremba uses the scanner as her camera. Through patience and a great deal of trial and error, she looks for a particular feeling and aesthetic for each image. Zaremba uses the photographic medium to capture the play of light across the delicate surfaces of her floral subjects. The resulting image represents the constantly changing shapes, colors and textures inherent in all organic matter.

Exhibition dates: April 4- 26

March Show: Illumination - Sculpture by Archer Dougherty

2008-02-28T14:46:00.008-07:00

Illumination : Sculpture by Archer Dougherty

Archer Dougherty's lush and intricate sculptures are deeply rooted in an ancient, mystical soil. The effect is akin to stumbling across a ruined church in the woods, still full of arcane regalia & fragmented decoration, a simultaneous experience of the Lost and the Found.

Mixing together hand-crafted stained glass, tooled wood, and translucent porcelain, Archer creates a system of wonderous containers, all nooks & crannies, doors to open and compartments to discover, all full of botanica, books, faces and butterflies.

First Friday Opening: March 7, 5-8pm
Exhibition dates: March 7 – 29.

Gallery Talk by Archer Dougherty: Saturday, March 15, 1 – 2 PM

Gallery Talk for Good Intentions

2008-02-12T11:50:00.001-07:00

Laura Wacha, Bubblegum Pie to the Rescue, Acrylic on canvas, 54 x 44"

Laura Wacha will be discussing her work in an informal gallery talk on February 23, 1-2 pm. Come hear Laura discuss her wierd, wild, wonderous paintings. Our gallery talks are always free and always a good time.

Laura Wacha, Vista View, Acrylic on canvas, 50 x 32"

Our February Show: Good Intentions: Paintings by Laura Wacha

2008-01-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

Laura Wacha, Good Intentions, Acrylic on canvas, 32 x 54”

There's something slightly familiar, maybe alarming, and vastly entertaining about Laura Wacha's paintings. She offers up a cast of characters that seem completely fanciful and off the wall, until you suddenly realize that you know this person, or maybe you even are this person, this stretched, lurid, and magnificently exhausted individual. And that one sort of reminds me of my neighbor... And oh jeez, this guy is just like my dad...

Laura brings to vivid life the mundane, everyday indignities we all have to ignore now and again just to keep our heads in the game. And she does it with packed compositions, kaleidoscope colors, and brushstrokes that are so complete and self-assured that you don't even know that they're there.

Combine all of that with her, ummm...unconventional embroideries, and polymer clay figurines--action figures for the apocalypse--and what we are given promises to be one of the most delightful, surprising, and sardonic shows you will encounter this year.

Exhibition dates: February 1 – March 1
First Friday Artscrawl Reception: February 1, 5 – 8:00 PM
Gallery Talk by Laura Wacha: Saturday, February 23, 1 – 2 PM

Laura Wacha, Vernal Violation, Acrylic on canvas, 20 x 32"

Gallery Talk next Saturday, January 19th. Don't Miss David Koch!

2008-01-11T16:25:00.001-07:00

image: David Koch, Warm (detail), acrylic on canvas, 20 x 18"

David Koch's cool, mildly self-deprecating paintings are like Victorian still-lifes blown into pieces and piled back together atop fields of suggestive and subtle color. The treatments are precise and elegant, while the subjects and concoctions are immediate and laughably sharp.

David Koch will discuss his recent work and the world of contemporary Pop Art. 1:00 PM on Saturday, the 19th of January, right here at Matrix Fine Art. The talk is free and the general public is not only welcome, but is the very target audience. Come!

image: David Koch, Good, acrylic on canvas, 20 x 18"

Aaron Karp and Kuzana Ogg in upcoming shows

2008-01-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History will be showing Aaron Karp's "Bemis Grids," works that he completed while a resident artist at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in Omaha, from February 10-April 20th of this year. The paintings, uncharacteristically small for Karp, still utilize his bold palette and almost gestural optics. This promises to be a racy exhibition. We all look forward to it!
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In other Martrix artists' news, Kuzana Ogg's piece Mangoes in the Morning has been accepted into Erasing Borders: Passport to Contemporary Indian Art of the Diaspora.

From their website: "The exhibition, Erasing Borders: Passport to Contemporary Indian Art of the Diaspora explores the contributions of artists whose origins can be traced to the Indian Subcontinent...The artists in this exhibition will meld Indian and Western colors and forms in many media, namely painting, sculpture, and photography. They will also grapple with diverse subject matter, including: AIDS, poverty, identity as a South Asian living in the post-9/11 world, in addition to their religious, sexual, and ethnic identities.
The exhibition will travel in California and throughout the greater NYC area, from February to October, 2008.