Sitting Pretty Still~

There is a quiet that I have been seeking during this time of winter, holiday and personal reflection.

Snows have been blanketing, in stacking layers, my New Mexico trail from Des Moines, New Mexico to Santa Fe and I've been taking time to be with family, see great movies, and read.

This little quail's optimistic stance brightens my days when I'm down in Santa Fe.

This particular day I woke up to a world frosted. I was headed to a class in Santa Fe when I spotted the frosted quail... what to do? If I did not take the picture then I knew that this moment would not remain when I returned from my day in town... if I stopped to take the picture I would be late to class.

My current quest is to reconnect with my creativity and thus I knew what had to be done. I took the time to shoot some pictures, delighted that the quail had presented me with an image worthy of further consideration, grateful for the rejuvenation offered me in this chance to stop and see the magical details just waiting for me to take time to enjoy.

The class was a wonderful class, generously packed with information on developing creative businesses. It was a rich day as have been the days preceding and since.... while I've not written since before taking off on my winter break I've had occasion to ponder all the support and love that comes this way... and my heart sings with happiness to think on the wonderful people who share their talents and their appreciation of creativity here at Studio C.

I'm gathering images and ideas are percolating... meanwhile I send heartfelt wishes of health and prosperity to all who visit.

Thanks!

Christina

Bringing in the Light ~ Thank you!

Are we happy now? I am and I hope you are too.

The Thanksgiving holiday was nearly perfect with family coming up to Des Moines, New Mexico to join us for a 24 pound turkey dinner with all the sides... except the green beans which we forgot to make... probably because there was already so much being prepared for the dinner table.

The weekend before Thanksgiving at our final show for the season, Live @ Studio C! ~ 3rd Annual Show of Gratitude, Steven F. Havill and Karen Anderson provided us with a night of mystery and music to remember. Guests made it a night for me to be thankful for as we sold art & chocolate off the walls. Read Tim Keller's review here: page 1 & page 2. Read his recent blog about it here.

It's now well into December and the gallery is filled with wonderful art and new treasures. Our holiday show, Miracles, Milagros & Wunder is up and there is room for more. We got a late start on the call for work but that doesn't mean it's too late. Remember the old saying, It's better late than never. Mom was here for the weekend and brought a new item for the shelves: Helen's Shop Sacks, so we all can quit using paper & plastic, and a sweet collection of international folk art. I'm expecting some Christmas trees, pinon, the New Mexican standard in today. We'll be selling them from the gallery and per order. Jodi is working with me to make this an annual tradition. So there's lots to see this year and to get inspired about for next year.

I've been working to make my studio, behind the gallery here, a place to make art rather than a giant closet. I'm excited to see my current series of pastels: The Road to Kindness is taped up and ready for me to spend time as an artist. My gallery director, accountant, and groundskeeper hats are ready for a break and I'm close to putting on my artist's beret.

That is a good summary of what I have to be thankful for! Lots of wonderful friends, devoted and supportive family, multitudes of creative people, performers and gallery visitors who all contribute to the magic that is Studio C ~ A dream we are all building together.

Last weekend Dana came through town and stopped again to see what we have. She also brought me a jar of the raspberry jam her mother makes. Yum! And yes, I was charmed. Matt from Colorado stopped in again and did some shopping for his daughter and enjoyed the freshly brewed coffee while we caught up.

It's been an amazing journey and now that I have visitors returning it's beginning to feel really grand. The gallery continues to improve, slowly but surely and the visions I have for the future get clearer and clearer. It's such a blessing to have this opportunity to grow a business slowly and with love.

I thank you, dear reader, for keeping up with me here and for spreading the word to help me succeed in the crazy adventure of opening an ArtSpace deep in rural America where the sky and land fill the view and become the heart of the viewer.

Thank you gallery visitors and customers... without you some would say this is just a pipe dream... but hey, those folks aren't here to see the beauty or experience the magic. You art lovers and appreciators make my world rock! Thank you so much for a great year!

Come see the gallery. I'll be open extended hours this month before Christmas. Then we take a winter break for two months. I've not decided about the blog... I may not take a break from it. After all, I wouldn't want to let the google crawler see that the site is dark.... now would I?

Cheers!

Till next week!

Christina

Hearing the Light

I am so looking forward to Studio C's 3rd Annual Show of Gratitude! It's been an interesting and dynamic three years since I started this adventure.

Karen Anderson, shown in this photograph taken by Tim Keller, shares a double bill this Saturday with author Steven F. Havill. Books by Steven and CD's by Karen will be available for purchase and both artists will be happy to sign them for you. The Chronicle News ran Tim's preview about the show so we are getting a good buzz. I'll post some links soon so you can read it.

Right now the gallery walls are mostly blank... waiting for the new work I've put out a call for... yes, it's a little late, but we still look forward to a good response to the call for holiday arts and treats. I'm about to change those blank walls with some new prints Tim has brought in just for this show. I'm excited to see what else will come in from our community! And of course I'm anxious to get cracking on some of my own ideas!

There is much to do before the show Saturday... I feel like the Fezziwigs of A Christmas Carol... This business is a great journey for me and this special holiday is a great time to celebrate all the blessings that another year has brought. Thank you, dear reader, for being part of it!

In speaking of the adventure of learning to run a business I'll share with you one of my challenges. I am one of those people who live in the moment... so much so that I can lose all sense of time. One of my challenges with retail is that one has to live in the future!

Let me explain: It's Thanksgiving season for me... pumpkins, Indian corn, colors of rust and mustard and winter grasses flowing across the plains. I just can't rush past Thanksgiving and into the reds and greens and whites and blues of Christmas and Chanukah..... call me old fashioned I guess! I remember as a child that there were distinct seasons. Now Halloween shares shelf space with Christmas in the "real" retail world and somewhere in there Thanksgiving gets thrown in, almost as an after thought!

Here at Studio C I strive to be thoughtful in my choices... and to learn as I go what works best. One thing I do know, Miracles, Milagros & Wunder ~ Small Works & Local Flavors Holiday Show is a great opportunity to bring in new talent, to give artists and artisans an opportunity to grow, and to provide our community a place to shop local and support local artists. This will be an annual show and I'm open to ideas and looking to create a win, win, win event. I welcome your comments!

Last week Judy stopped in for some coffee for her parents. Nathan & Tim stopped in on their way to Boulder having been on a deer hunting trip in Texas... they bought coffee to go and chocolate and admired the gallery. Nathan's boots were very cool, and I, being hard-wired as a costume designer, complimented him which brought up the subject of a great boot shop in New Mexico: Joe's Boot Shop.

Speaking of gratitude, gratefulness and thanksgiving~ Feel free to leave yours in a comment. It will be good to read and share. I hope you will!

Christina

Giving Thanks

It's upon us! The holiday season is about to begin... Billy & Buddy are spreading the news with details for several gift bazaars and decorating parties. Listen to KRTN radio, 93.9 starting at 8:00 a.m. for all the local goings on.

Christmas, Chanukah, Muharram, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, New Years' Eve and Epiphany all fall during the winter months. It points out how connected we all are. The season guides us into reflection, celebration and an honoring of sacrifices made in the quest to realize the great dream of peace and good will on earth. Someday our struggles for peace and liberty for all will be realized; these holidays are part of our journey towards a loving and compassionate world.

I love Thanksgiving. Soon plenty of us will celebrate the blessings that our forefathers' and mothers' had in landing on this continent and finding the people here gracious and helpful. Remembering this, we gather together with good food and love in our hearts to express our gratefullness and gratitude for all of our bounty.

Studio C is celebrating it's third annual Show of Gratitude this year. It is amazing to me that life allows me to live my dream and has brought so many talented people together to celebrate the arts and creativity. Thank you for sharing in this wonderful way.

I am putting together our next show: Miracles, Milagrow & Wunder~ Small Works and Local Flavors. Call for information: 575-278-3517.

Coming up in the area:

* Friday November 13 - 15, at The Luna Theatre in Clayton, New Mexico:

Where the Wild Things Are 7:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

* Monday at The Schuler Theatre in Raton, New Mexico:

Juan Carmona Grupa

* Tuesday November 17th, 5:45 p.m. at Old Pass Gallery:

Raton Arts & Humanities Council's Humanities & Education Committee meeting: ~Bring your dinner, your planner & your ideas. If you are interested in promoting the arts through the humanities and education then you are welcome to join us.

Message of Hope

Celebrating the perfection of nature and striving to bring positive change to our world can only be a good thing. Here's to Billy & Buddy and all the crew at KRTN radio who do a fantastic job promoting local businesses and community events. Thank you so much for your support and your wonderful weekday morning talk show: This, That & the Other. The best way to find out what is going on in our area!

I've enjoyed having the student artwork hanging in the gallery these last six weeks. I'm glad that the students' get their work back after 5 months "On Tour". Here I show the photograph Tim took at last Wednesday's reception for the artists and the community. Thank you to everyone who came by to see the show and show their support for Art Plays Its Part!

Thank you to Ashley and Jalane for providing refreshments through the newly formed Parent School Organization. We appreciate you and hope to see this new organization grow and thrive! Read about the the show in Tim's article in the Chronicle News: page 1, page 2.

I am excited about our next two big endeavors! First is our Third Annual Show of Gratitude coming up soon on Saturday November 21st. This is our traditional potluck and entertainment night. No cover, just bring a side dish or dessert, Studio C supplies the turkey complete with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauces. It all starts at 5:30 here at Studio C where we'll share a delicious meal together.

This year we have a double feature: Karen Anderson on her harps and Steven F. Havill reading from his newest NM mystery novel: Red Green or Murder. Karen's CD's and Steven's books will be available for sale. Karen & Steven will be happy to sign them for you. As is our tradition, we will start the evening entertainment with the open mike. Bring your notes and stories, songs and pictures on the theme of gratitude and share your heart with this wonderful gathering of creative souls. Please email me if you have any questions~ I'll be happy to answer them.

The next endeavor is a holiday show: Miracles, Milagros y Wunder: Small Works & Local Flavors. I invite local artisans and crafters to bring work and goodies to sell in the gallery. Call for details: 575-278-3517.

Thursday was a really busy day! Mike came by to help out with lighting issues. Ray came by to see the student show. Abbie stopped in to ask about the holiday show on her way to the garden club meeting at the senior center. Susie came in to see what there is to do in town so I hooked her up with the ladies of the Folsom & Des Moines Garden Club who were in the gallery after their lunch at Des Moines Senior Center. It was pretty much non-stop with travelers and local folk stopping in, enjoying coffee and making the day fly by.... in fact, keeping me from this blog entry!

Friday Suzanne came by and we had a great visit. She is headed to the annual meeting of the Lariat Cow Belles' next Wednesday at 10:00 am at the Clayton County annex building. She invites any woman who is interested in joining this local chapter of the New Mexico Cow Belles to join them for this event. Lunch will be provided. Questions: Email.

Today, Mike stopped in with his two sons in on their way to Texas to pick up a new pickup. Jean Francois from Canada stopped in for coffee... he's on a 6 month bike tour from Canada to Peru & Chile. Sasha and Marcello were in too! Thanks for the pie-crust consultation Sasha!

So, we'll be bringing in Thanks Giving and Holiday Cheer... come by and add yours! Make your days fun and engage your creativity and your muscles. We are all born with the capacity to create beauty, each of us leading a life that is beautiful, rich and generous, striving to make a better world for all... remember that as we move forward in our days. There is more than enough to go around! Share your blessings with everyone you can... the way to peace is with each other.

Cheers!

Christina

All Saints Day~

Welcome!

Change is in the air; freezing days of blizzards blowing and rain freezing have given way to a lovely day of sunny warmth with wet ground under foot. It's Halloween here in Des Moines, New Mexico and most of the snow has been blown away by fearsome winds. Today the winds have quieted, just in time to get out the costumes and begin painting faces.

Tonight we'll be entertained by scary stories from Ashley Bauer; singing along to some raucous blues, original pop, and poetic verse as Peter Burg turns up the heat in the gallery. That's good because Studio C is chilly place so wear your tights and long-johns when you this evening... I've got the heater going and Janet is bringing another to help out in the gallery... still, a warm fuzzy sweater is always a good idea once the temperatures outside dip below freezing consistently. To get a sense of the days recently check out Tim's recent photograph taken on his way to work earlier this week.

I'm planning to install a wood-stove to supplement my solar heating system which has been thwarted this season with all the grey sky days we've had these last two weeks. Today the sun has just come out so the solar gets to work... hopefully we'll have sunny days now.... not sure what has happened to our southwestern sunny day average but I'm ready for it to return.

Reading Alert! I did it... the first time in quite a while... Reading Steven F. Havill's recently published historical crime mystery Race for the Dying, I stayed up till 4:00 a. m. because I couldn't stop reading! Steven will be reading from his newest book, to be released in November, at our upcoming Show of Gratitude on Saturday November 21st.

Coming Up at Studio C:

Art Plays Its Part!

Wednesday November 4th 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Reception for student artists & community

Miracles, Milagros und Wunder ~ Small Works & Local Flavors

~ A Holiday Show

Artists are invited to submit small works and handmade gift items for sale in the gallery.

For more information call me at 575-278-2040 or 57o5-447-2016

Live @ Studio C! November 21st, 2009 Our Third Annual Show of Gratitude

We'll have a double feature this year!

Karen Anderson will bring her harps to grace the evening with her beautiful music

She will have CD's for sale.

Steven F. Havill will read from his newest book, just released: Red Green or Murder

We will have copies for sale and he will be signing books.

I'm still looking for spotlight acts... give me a call if you are interested!

News around the Community:

* Book Mobile November 19th @ Des Moines Senior Center 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. then at Des Moines School 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. This is a very cool thing! Did you know that the best way to learn how to write is to read a lot?

* Congratulations to Vital Roads on their Adopt-A-Highway project. Vital Roads will be taking care of the roads into Folsom, Des Moines and Capulin for one mile in each direction. That is a lot of miles of highway if you count both sides of the road. You can sign on to help and find out more about Vital Roads by emailing VitalRoads@bacavalley.com.

Looking forward to the tricks and treats here tonight... come on out and enjoy the show!

Boo!

Christina

Positive Thinking~

Sure enough~ found my groove with the blog and life takes its twists and turns and now it's been seven weeks since I've posted. Wow! Seven, my sister says, is the number of the Universe. Tim says it's time!

Well~ I trust my path and so today I make the choice to take the time to post the news. Firstly,

the next Live @ Studio C! comes next Saturday, October 31st~ Halloween~ and will be a fun night for all!

Peter Burg, musician, poet, playwright, artist and all around sage of the well lived life will be our featured act. That's his handsome mug you see, photographed by Tim Keller. Peter is bringing his friend Rick Terlep who will accompany him on the slide guitar. They are a dynamic duo!

Peter's recent CD release Dizzy Light has been a delight to share with gallery guests. Peter has been working on new songs, a new play and undoubtedly new poems... his performances are always vibrant high energy events that are not to be missed. I highly recommend this night to you and your guests. Come on out, wear your costumes and enjoy an evening of fun.

Ashley Bauer will thrill us as our spotlight act with her "Tales from the Cauldron".... I'll be in full costume and invite you to try, just try to out do me. Speaking of out doing... I hear rumor that Kathryn Engel is looking to bring her dramatic talents to the show with a goal to take on storytelling..... this evening is looking to bring out the best in some of our local talent. You won't want to miss it will you?

Currently the gallery of Studio C is featuring artwork by students from Des Moines Schools who participated in Art Plays Its Part! They have graciously allowed us to take their work to 3 exhibitions. In June the work travelled to Albuquerque to the 48th annual New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair, then in August the work was shown at the Union County Fair, and in September the work travelled back to Albuquerque and hung in the School Arts Building at New Mexico State Fair. We'll hold a reception for the community to honor the students and their teachers on Wednesday November 4th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Come out and celebrate this homecoming with us. We'll be looking forward to seeing you and to celebrating the creative work of Des Moines School Students. Questions? Give me a call at 575-278-3517.

Well, it's been a long time coming so I'm keeping it short and sweet.

Thanks for reading and for sending your friends and family to Studio C! If it were not for the support of the community and my visitors I would not be here. I thank each and everyone who has made a place for Studio C in their hearts and look forward to making many more friends along this creative journey.

Blessings!

Christina