Phil Peterson's Retrospective

Eighty-year-old artist Phil Peterson's new retrospective show Friday night was infomative about water based acrylic media, humorous, and fun!

Phil stands and talks with a guest.

The majority of Phil Peterson's art is large and measures between 4' x 5'.

Upon first look one could easily not notice the collaged materials within the paintings, but on closer inspection grocery bags, map pieces, overlapping and criss-crossing pencil lines, and even sand can be seen amid the paint.

Director Regina Held talks with New Grounds member Pam Wesolek before Phil's talk.

One of Phil's granddaughters stands in front of one of his paintings.

Regina introduces Phil before his talk.

In order for people to better understand his process and the nature of acrylic paint Phil gives guests and demonstration and chemistry lesson.

Phil began making his paintings on stands like this in his New York apartment in the 1960's.

Phil explains the chemial properties of safe non-toxic PVA which is found in acyrlics. Throughout history artist have used media such as oil based ink and dangerous solvents to create work, which over time can lead to disabling health issues.

Phil as a child lived close to the Hanford Atomic Project, and as an artist draws inspiration from that past. He sees beauty in every day power lines which are common themes in his art.

 

Please be sure to join us the next First Friday!

Photos by Jeff Simpson

Written by Kaitlin Reese, New Grounds Intern

Abstract NM Gallery Talk by Andrew Connors, Curator of Art, Albuquerque Museum

Andrew Connors, Curator of Art, Albuquerque Museum gave an interactive analysis and insight in his daunting process of selecting each amazing work shown at the Abstract NM show in the Matrix Fine Art Gallery.  Connors talk was one unique introspection in his process of dealing with the task of mentally selecting, cataloging, and curating such a show, which was wonderfully unique to those who attended.  Most jurors or curators don't readily conduct such an interactive talk, but Connors spoke with us and amongst us while explaining his thoughts and process, while asking the artists who attended how they made, and thought of their work.  The talk gave an insight into the curator's mind that is not often seen.  It was a refreshing experience to say the least.

- Meredith Chapman, Artist

First Abstract New Mexico juried show

Matrix Fine Art is proud to present its first juried show of anything abstract! Our juror, Andrew Connors, who had the impossible task of choosing the best 27 pieces out of several hundred submissions, expressed a high opinion of the works he reviewed. The resulting show does not necessarily answer those questions about abstract art, but it is colorful, provocative, and proves once again that New Mexico is full of extremely talented contemporary artists. The opening night was a success with several artists in attendance.

Ward Russell

Roger Green

Natalie Hardcastle

Diane Alire

 

People had a wonderful time at the event. They even got to vote on their favorite piece of the show. 

 

 Let the voting begin!

 Regina Held, Director, announcing the people's choice award.

And the award goes too.... Yesenia Perez-Gonzalez! Her first photograph in a show, ever! Congratulations!

"Transition" by Yesenia Perez-Gonzalez

 

 

 

 

Thank you to all the volunteers and to Jeff Simpson for the photographs!

Laura Wacha publishes book!

Matrix Fine Art's Laura Wacha, publishes a young adult book! Congratulations!!

Sarah Hartshorne, Quiet Beauty

Sarah Hartshorne’s paintings in the Matrix gallery bring the beauty of nature indoors. Surrounded by her crisp oil paintings of serene water lilies, sunflowers and wooded trails, viewers forget that they are indoors. 

 

The large scale of her work and vividness of her imagery caused viewers to pour over the paintings, looking for brushstrokes, trying to figure out just how she does it. Her work explores the play of light and shadow, and brings her subjects alive with color. Viewers enjoyed talking with Hartshorne about her painting techniques, her use of color, and the imagery that she works from.

Thank you to all the volunteers, to those who came to the show, and to Jeff Simpson, photographer.

Sally Condon is in this upcoming group show!

LIQUID CURRENCY 2012 sponsored by La Montañita Co-op

Thursday, June 28, 6-8pm ART OPENING RECEPTION spend it like water SOUTH BROADWAY CULTURAL CENTER 15 artists  with music • bonnie bluhm poetry • cathy arellano . tani arness . marilyn stablein www.cabq.gov/south-broadway-cultural-center/news

Opening Reception for Image New Mexico

Regina Held, Director of  Matrix Fine Art

Carol Mell with her work

Uwe Schroetar with Trinity, selected for a Juror's Choice Award by Andrew Connors

Robert Esposito with Grey Beyond the Tenacious which won Second Place as well as the People's Choice Award

Regina announcing the winners

Audrey Connolly receiving her prize

Audrey Connolly with Las Trampas Neighborhood Watch which one Third Place

Robert Katz, a member of Matrix Fine Art

John Gilbert with his work

Emilie Sommers with her work

Image New Mexico 2012

This year the annual juried photo exposition and competition featuring local photographers at Matrix Fine Art culminated in a spectacular opening event.  A grand total of eight awards were given by the panel of judges, Fernando Delgado, photographer/artist; Andrew Connors, Curator of Art, Albuquerque Museum; LeRoy Perea, curator, Annual New Mexico Photographic Art Show, InSight Women’s Photography Exhibit;  and Bob Laetare, director, The Artistic Image (alternate).  First Place was given to David Kelton for his piece, Ice Storm, while second and third went to Robert Esposito for Grey Beyond the Tenacious, and Audrey Connolly for Las Trampas Neighborhood Watch, respectively.  Mr. Esposito’s work was also honored with the People’s Choice Award.  Each Juror was also able to celebrate their individual favorites through the Juror’s Choice Award, with both Mr. Perea and Mr. Laetare selecting David Kelton’s Water Drop, Mr. Connors choosing Uwe Schroetar’s Trinity, and Mr. Delgado choosing Mary Hobbs’ Untitled #7 from “Just Before Sleep”.  The final award, Best of Show, was given to John Palmer for Pipes of Pan.

The show is a marvelous combination of images ranging from abstract to figurative and landscape.  It will be on view through July 28^th.  We hope you are able to witness this triumph of New Mexico’s most talented photographers!