From Peace to Soul & Around the Volcano!

Wow! I feel like a beautiful red maple leaf caught on the surface of a lively river~ flowing downstream with the sound of water splashing against the great sandstone banks and the well worn granite boulders and stones below.

The photo I open with today comes from the 2010 International Day of Peace event which The Mandala Center presented last week. This was a beautiful event and I am so grateful to the visiting monks for making their prayer for peace on the planet right here in our corner of the state. Thank you to The Mandala Center for presenting this experience.

I'm still zinging from the amazing concert I saw in Santa Fe Monday evening. My friend Katherine met me at The Lensic Theatre to see Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings. What an amazing show. This is a show to get your dreams up and into get down and move mode. WOW! Thank you Sharon Jones for being so generous with your talent and so righteous with your songs!!!

Earlier in September I spoke of the 2010 New Mexico Arts ArtsLink conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico in late August.... thought you might like to see some images from the workshop I presented. They can be viewed here: Mask-making - ArtsLink 2010.

On the way home from that conference I stopped in Cimarron, New Mexico to visit my friend Yvonne O'Brien, a photographer/writer, and her husband. Yvonne shared the exciting news that she has been accepted as an Artist in Resident at the Petrified Forest National Park for April 2011. She'll be there for a month, making images and writings immersed in an amazing place. In exchange she will present to park visitors and make a work that will become part of their collection. Congratulations Yvonne! You can see one of her images in Des Moines Village Hall which houses the local EMS 1% for art purchase.

We had a lively show here for our last Live @ Studio C! Many thanks to Jaecke & Ruby for presenting some local history on Emma Adams and also to George Greco for sharing his wonderful poetry with us. ~And who should walk in the door just now? Ruby & Jaecke! They came with a copy of the current enchantment news, in which our local paramedic Jan Pryor is featured in their Nuestros Vecinos series. They also brought the news that our very own Senior Citizen Center is hosting a show of art from the New Deal. On Wednesday, October 6th, there will be a talk about the New Deal presented by Kathy Flynn. For information or to register please call the Senior Center at 575-278-2144.

The next Live @ Studio C! will be on the night before Halloween... thus, I've decided that we simply must go with the season and offer a Halloween Costume preview get together.

Yippee! (Pardon my gleeful enthusiasm but I love costumes!) Only one rule applies: You must have created your costume yourself. You can get out the sewing machine or raid your closets and attic drawers to put together something wonderful. Costumes are not mandatory for entry, just a spirit of fun and frolic and a contribution for the peoples' choice 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place awards. Details to come. So, put on your creative thinking caps and get out your imagination. There is plenty of time to make a wonderful costume you can be proud of for years to come. Mark the date: October 30 - Halloween Eve Costume Party~ 5:30 p.m. Potluck and dance.

And finally, I come round to The Volcano!

The 2010 Capulin Volcano Run Around the Rim to benefit the Folsom Museum was a big success! You can visit Tim Keller's blogs (he has two) to see more photos from the run, the peace event and other happenings our corner of New Mexico.

So~ even as I swirl around in wild eddies of experience I seek peace and continuity and yes, sustainability. I am working on time management skills, scheduling in the tasks I want to maintain and striving to make it all come together. Stay with me, dear readers, I will achieve my goal of a weekly update. I appreciate all the support you give me and I reflect love and compassion back to you.

May you be imbued with happiness and all of its causes.

Till next time~

Christina

It's Framed!

I've been doing a lot of traveling lately; alas, my promise to update the blog weekly has not been met. However, I am home now for a while and have lots of news. I thank you, loyal readers and visitors for checking in on me while I was out and about.

I also want to thank Karen Anderson who graciously agreed to reschedule her harp concert to November as the featured act at our upcoming 4th annual Show of Gratitude. Because the Juan Siddi Flamenco Dance Company was bringing their concert to the Shuler Theater I asked her to reschedule so we'd be sure to have a good audience for her. Turns out that several people were indeed planning on coming to hear her and we would have had a good night... However, in hindsight, it appears that it was my deep love of flamenco that was key to the decision to reschedule. I LOVE flamenco and was thrilled to accompany my husband on our 11th anniversary to see this absolutely brilliant show. Tim Keller was reviewing the show and so you can see some of Tim's photos from the show here at his blog.

It's a beautiful New Mexico Indian summer day here in Des Moines New Mexico.... the sun is bright and there is a crisp breeze fluffing the leaves in the trees and on the vines. I'm grateful to call New Mexico my home state and to have such a deep love for the land, weather and people of this enchanted land.

I had a very productive and informative time at the recent New Mexico Arts ArtsLink Conference. It was inspiring to hear experts in the field share their experiences and wisdom. This conference represented another example of the excellent services to art councils, art educators and artists that our state provides through the dedicated work of New Mexico Arts.

New in the gallery~ I've brought home four pieces of newly framed work. Two are awaiting the jurors' decision for the 34th annual International Art Exhibit and Sale coming up in Raton, New Mexico, one is already hanging in its new home in Las Vegas, New Mexico and two currently hang here at Studio C in the main gallery. I started the series in 2003 with photographs and a color pencil drawing. The series of five pastels was begun in 2007 and in 2010 has come to completion. It's been a long journey but the work comes in its own good time. I call the series The Road to Kindness. It's for the journey I'm embarked on as I strive to live my life authentic to my soul's creative voice and the gifts I want to honor.

There's new chocolate! In addition to the endangered species chocolate bars I carry I've added endangered species new line of covered morsels... nuts, berries, toffee and mixes. They have been tantalizing visitors and enriching home-made ice creams too. Yum!

Coming up at the end of September, Live at Studio C! looks to be a wonderful show. We have a spotlight presentation on local history given by Jaecke Hughes-Daniel and will feature the inspiring poetry of George Greco. The evening starts at 5:30 on Saturday September 25th on the eve the 3rd annual Capulin Volcano Run. I'll blog Wednesday about George who wowed our Live Poetry! campfire gathering in 2008, inspiring me so much that this year I asked him to come entertain us. I am thrilled to present him as our featured act.

Coming up soon, just three miles east of Studio C ~Gallery & ArtSpace, at The Mandala Center: International Day of Peace 2010. Studio C offers its sincere thanks to The Mandala Center for bringing a week full of wonderful, inspiring and special events promoting peace in the world to Union County New Mexico. What an amazing opportunity to experience Tibetan Mystical Arts in our neighborhood! A heartfelt welcome to the Buddhist monks and all the visitors, from far and near, who will come to our area to share in the experience.

And this labor day weekend I turn my attention to the west face of Studio C.... the paint cans will be opening soon, beginning phase two of my mural painting process. Having bit off a giant chunk of wall to paint, it will be a huge rush to finally see Galardias in full gargantuan bloom on the gallery. They are blooming now and their bright cheerful native blooms are my muses.

I hope you've enjoyed the news and invite you to prepare to share your talent, inspiration and stories at our open mike on the last Saturday of the month. Send an email to StudioC@bacavalley.com to let me know you want to sign up. I appreciate all who tell friends and family about the fun we have and the magic that happens when we listen to each other in a warm and welcoming circle.

May you experience bliss this weekend!

Christina

Living Large ~ Learning, Listening, Loving & Leaping!

Lightning strikes! I'm ready to listen.

Studio C will host Live @ Studio C! this Saturday starting at 5:30. We'll have our monthly reading from Mrs. Click's "Us Nestors" and our open mike and then take a break to refill our coffee cups, tea glasses and maybe take another slice of banana bread and then we'll turn the stage over to Tim Keller. Tim sent out a humorous email earlier this week promoting his show telling folks that I force him to play every summer as one of our featured acts. Maybe you don't know that Tim was just about to record an album, No Stranger to Wishes, when I first met him... so in my heart he is a musician. The fact that he has turned his creative and artistic expression to writing and photography does not end my admiration for his music. I ask him to take a show each summer and he always accepts. I know you will enjoy this show and look forward to sharing this evening of live entertainment with you.

I'm feeling excited about August coming up. It'll be a busy month with inspiration flowing and art happening. I'm not quite done with the Road to Kindness series but I am excited to report that I've already sold one of the images to a collector of my work.

I'll be spending time at Ponder refilling the well of inspiration. I cherish the time I spend on our place south of Kiowa. The absolute beauty of this land heals my heart and gives free range to my soul.

I've got a new order of luscious Endangered Species chocolate bars coming in this Friday with more coming in next week. Endangered Species chocolates have added a new line of dark chocolate covered nuts and berries... yum!

So many reasons to come by the gallery and spend some time enjoying the creativity of all the artists and artisans showing in the gallery... and a great cup of organic free trade coffee.

August's Live @ Studio C! will be on Saturday August 28th. Karen Anderson will bring her harps for a show she is calling "Cha cha cha!: A World of Dance on the Harp". We'll be going up against The Shuler Theater's presentation of Juan Siddi Flamenco Company. I mention this because I LOVE flamenco dance. But I also LOVE Karen Anderson's harp performance. So it's not that hard to choose. In fact it's really wonderful to have such wonderful choices to make here in the northeastern corner of New Mexico.

And so I leave you with loads of love and leagues of joyous laughter ~for that is good medicine we can always take benefit from.

Leave a comment here at the blog or send an email to StudioC@bacavalley.com.

I'd love to hear from you!

Christina

May Storm Clouds ~ Spring Flowers

The winds have died down and the day is full of possibilities. Creating space to work and be inspired... first class day is Saturday. I've decided to set the studio class room up for collage. I'm thinking what better way to spend part of a day this glorious Memorial Day weekend? Collage is such a wonderful way to visualize ideas that are deep in your imagination. Worlds of emotion and feeling are made visible for the viewer. Fantasies for home and nature are made visible... facilitating the journey in making them real.

Speaking of creating a better world, and we always are in some way, reducing and reusing come before recycling. Something to remember as I sift through the resources I've gathered over time for making paper, sculptures and collage. The thought for the day, is flow. In fact let's take a moment to find a really great quote to inspire the vibrant flow of creativity....

"Life is easier to take than you'd think; all that is necessary is to accept the impossible, do without the indispensable, and bear the intolerable." ~ Kathleen Norris

As I look at my collection of junk from the perspective of resource management I realize that if you look at what you have in trying to create something of value... something artistic, your process leads to a final piece that is original and innovative in a way it could not have been had you gone shopping for materials. Reusing is a path to reducing and recycling is a process of life we are continually engaged in.

As we remember the fallen heroes and pray for peace so our sons and daughters and their children and grandchildren live long and joyful lives, let us keep our hearts open to our neighbors and their new visions and to new perspectives and new collaborations.

With this in mind I invite your comments and thoughts.

Be Happy!

Christina

Working With the Rain

Another cold, rainy, wintery-spring day here in Des Moines New Mexico. The rain is great and when spring finally does land the green that's begun cannot help but be stunning.

This morning I stopped at KRTN radio to give a plug for Summer Art! on their morning show: This That & the Other. Buddy was working solo today and was gracious as ever helping me to get the word out about classes being offered this summer. The picture I've posted shows a wonderful mask made last spring by one of my students. I'm offering mask-making again this summer along with many other classes. Check out the flyer for more details!

I'm offering all classes "on-demand" and hope this delivery will result in Studio C having a successful summer full of creative exploration and discovery! Classes will be scheduled first come first serve so contact me early to be sure you get the dates you want. I'll keep you posted on classes and scheduling as it happens here at Studio C ~ Gallery & ArtSpace.

Live @ Studio C! is coming up on Saturday May 29th. This falls on Memorial Day weekend and I'm sorry to say I've not been able to schedule a featured act yet. Even so we'll be here with open minds and hearts looking forward to listening to the stories and poetry that open mike brings. Tim will read from Mrs. Click's history. I predict that there will be a great flow of traffic by the gallery and will put out the signs to invite folks to stop and share their stories and memories in honor of this day of remembrance. The show starts at 5:30... I'll put the sign up sheet out today for the open mike portion of the show. If you are planning on attending and would like to sign up for open mike you can send an email to StudioC@bacavalley.com.

Margaret C. just called... she and I have been working together to present the last two Guest Vendor Open Houses. She has expanded her group and they have decided to move their gathering to our local village hall where there is a kitchen for their use. They'll keep the same date but it will now be located across the street and down the block. If you are interested in joining her collective or have questions send Margaret an email.

It's a quiet time for me and the cloud that's descended on our town lends a mystical atmosphere to the day here at Studio C ~ArtSpace & Gallery. The new leaves on the silver lace and clematis vines outside are drenched in moisture. The last few days have been dry and windy so I know the land is soaking up this moisture in gratitude. I am grateful to have this opportunity to work creatively in this beautiful area of New Mexico with so many wonderfully talented people.

Be well and enjoy the day~

Christina

On Angels' Wings Come Joyful Songs~

On this rainy breezy Scottish day in New Mexico I'm giving thanks to all the wonderful people who've walked through the doors here at Studio C in northeastern New Mexico.

Yesterday Roxie, Mike, Georgia, Brianna, Derek & David brought new ideas and energy into the gallery during a full day of visits and sharing. Today I am feeling the afterglow that genuine connections spark. Add to that, I sent Mike home with his new pastel. What a great day!

Today's image comes from last Sunday when the gallery opened up to three guest vendors for the second event of what we plan to repeat every 4 to 6 weeks. Studio C had a steady stream of guests and business was steady for the guest vendors. Margaret, Marsha & Nicole brought gifts that everyone can enjoy and presented their products elegantly; with their warm and friendly salesmanship the energy in the galleries was enhanced. I was inspired! We're all so excited about how things are going with these Open Houses that we've booked Sunday June 13th for the next one. Mark your calendars!

That's it for now!

Enjoy the mist and be warm~

Christina

Authenticity ~ Finding Flow

The sun shines on a beautiful day here in northeastern New Mexico.... though inside my hands are stiff with the cold.

Today is typical New Mexican spring time... cold in the shadows and warm in the sun. So, as it is a magical day and upstairs Suite B's porch is warm and sunny, I'll move outside to warm up these flying fingers.

Mucho better!

I'm feeling rejuvenated after a mini-holiday with my love (he's on Spring break this week) spent at Heart's Desire B&B in Raton New Mexico.

We stayed in the Victorian room for two days and had a wonderful time. Barbara Riley is the owner and hostess at this most cozy & charming inn. We highly recommend it to all who travel though the area.

Friday evening is the reception for The 4th Annual Ralph Solano Memorial Photography Show. Photographers, artists and the public will be on hand to congratulate the award winners as they are announced during the event. I'm looking forward to being there and to seeing who takes home what award. The show has a strong mix of images which gurantees that everyone will find something to enjoy. I encourage you to plan on being there to mingle and support the arts in our region.

Saturday the West Gallery in Studio C will transform into a photography studio as Tim Keller brings in a client who has commissioned some portraits. I'm thrilled to see the space being used in so many different ways to support the arts and artists in our community. If you are interested in booking an event at Studio C send an email to studioc@bacavalley.com and we can work it out.

Sunday is another exciting event: our second Open House for Guest Vendors. Come by from noon to four to see what we have in addition to our regular art & crafts. Margaret, Nicole & Marsha are looking forward to sharing their wares with you. We might have a couple more vendors show up so do stop by for a visit.

Thanks!

Christina

P.S. About the photograph: A pastel I did several years ago to help promote the Art & the Volcano project which partnered The Mandala Center, Capulin Volcano National Monument and the Des Moines Schools.

Community in Joy

Fresh from Rusty Southard's kiln to Studio C ~ Handmade coffee & tea mugs. Come by for a cup on the house while you visit!

I'm excited to have new coffee mugs for my guests to sample the wonderful coffee available for sale in the gallery... and to share the energy of spring coming into the door these days.

I've been talking to local artists about teaching classes this summer and have Sasha Jensen and Lori Coon on board. Check out the new flyer for additional details.

Next Sunday we hold another Open House with Margaret Chacon, Nicole Girardin, and Marsha Strom bringing in jewelry, soaps, tie-dye, incense and more! Join us on the 11th from 1:00 to 4:00. There'll be something for everyone as I open up the gallery to these wonderful women. You won't want to miss it if you are in the area.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday and I'll be spending the afternoon working on some decorative eggs. I invite you to come spend some time with me Sunday April 4th from 1:00 - 3:30 pm. I'll have blown eggs and all kinds of materials to decorate the eggs with. Sunday Afternoon Fun! Come check it out!

Speaking of coffee! It's freshly ground and freshly perked and ready to pour... and my cup is empty so give me just a jiff to fill it up again and continue on with the news!

And... I'm back and happy~ I just love a great cup of coffee... which is why I sell big bend coffee roaster's fair-trade organic whole bean coffees and brew it up fresh each day for you to enjoy here or to-go. It's been an adventure to take on coffee sales in addition to art and locally produced crafts and I'm thrilled to be growing Studio C here in Des Moines New Mexico.

I'm also excited to have the studio reaching a new degree of organization and readiness to make art in. I fully intended to make art here... but the business of learning to run a business has taken me on a long detour which I am happy to report is now returning me to the original intent.

I love to teach through art in a mixed setting where children and adults are equals as students even as experience and abilities vary. My observation in presenting class over the years shows that adults have much to gain from the creative freedom children possess while children are empowered to realize that adults like to learn! It's a win win situation that inspires me. This summer will be a new chapter in Summer Art! here at Studio C in Des Moines. I look forward to seeing what happens! I hope you'll take a class and if you are interested in teaching one that you'll send me an email at StudioC@bacavalley.com.

Tim Keller will be stopping by on his way to the Spahn Bison Ranch to work on some portraits in his current creative quest. We'll be spending some time at Heart's Desire B&B later in the month.... another great place to know about as you decide to visit our area and plan to stay awhile.

And now to set up my installation piece Ode to Frida in honor of Spring's return and the renewal we all have access to in this season.

With Joy in Community~

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

Angels Songs

If we are lucky, we experience true connection in our lives on a relatively frequent basis. For me this often manifests as a tingling sensation on my skin and a flood of blissful serenity. I like to go out into Nature where I am able to find this connection. Sometimes it is the vista ahead, or a particularly beautiful tree, or perhaps a cloudscape and the perfect light. This can also happen during live performances when there is deep appreciation for the beauty being presented... whether it is music, dance or theatre.

One of the reasons I like small performance spaces so much is the proximity to the performers which makes the experience that much more visceral. So, imagine if you will, my bliss when we turned the stage over to Gabrielle Louise and David Rynhart last Saturday and were immediately brought into connection with these two lovely people and their exemplary musicianship, compassionate and vibrant hearts, and joy in performing for an appreciative audience here in Des Moines New Mexico.

It was a show that will not be forgotten by anyone in the room. I am playing Gabrielle's CD's, cigarettes for sentiments and Journey here in the gallery. The sweet harmonies and earnest sentiments that we experienced during the live performance infuse the recordings with the memories of a truly wonderful event here for Live @ at Studio C! I want to thank our audience for their wonderful generosity during the passing of the hat. Gabrielle & David were so grateful for the wonderful listening audience and are looking forward to returning to Studio C for another performance. To our benefit they will be letting other performers know about the wonderful scene we have going on here, March - November on the last Saturday of the month, (except November's show which is on the Saturday before Thanksgiving). Gabrielle & David stayed upstairs in Suite B and rested here in Des Moines Sunday before their evening performance in Trinidad for Concerts for Causes. We got a chance to know them and they got a chance to experience small town rural Northeastern New Mexico. We're looking forward to more great shows here at Studio C. Thank you Gabrielle & David for making us a stop on your tour.

Thank you to all of you who support Live @ Studio C! We are building a reputation for being a meaningful performance venue. It is a big thrill to see the show becoming its own entity. So, by now, those of you who were not here probably wish you had been! I've posted several photographs taken by Tim Keller during the show in my Studio C set on Flickr. I've got Gabrielle's latest CD, cigarettes for sentiment, for sale. I'm looking forward to your visit!

The art is changing here in the gallery.... This week International Bank in Raton New Mexico presents its 33rd Annual International Art Exhibit and Sale. Several artists I represent in the gallery, Tim Keller, Nathaniel Franklin and Yvonne O'Brien are taking their work to the show today. The show will be up Wednesday - Friday evening when there will also be a wine & cheese reception for artists and the much anticipated awards ceremony. Mark your calendars for 6:00 p.m. Friday September 11th and join in the celebration in The International Room at International Bank.

Did I say what I'll be hanging next? I've decided to take some time in the gallery for my art. I'll keep some pieces of all of my artists, but in the blank spaces I'll hang my work. I'm going to bring out my Ode to Frida installaton. That should keep things interesting while we wait for student work from Des Moines Schools Art Plays Its Part! to come home from the school art exhibit at the state fair. I'll be hanging the student pieces next Wednesday and driving back up just in time to open the gallery on Thursday morning at ten. Plan on visiting the Youth/School Arts Building if you are at the the New Mexico State Fair this year.

Steven and Peter just stopped in for a visit after taking a trip to the Folsom Museum and having lunch here in Des Moines at Sierra Grande Restaurant. Steven is the author of the Sheriff Bill Gastner mystery novels. His most recent novel, Race for the Dying, is a departure from the Sheriff Gastner series, is a historical novel dealing with medical mail order diagnosis and will be available in early October. I learned today that he plays classical flute! My flute was honored to have him play a tune on it. I got some basic tips to help me along on my way to learning how to play it. Peter is an art dealer from Albuquerque who had some wonderful suggestions for me to grow the gallery with. It is always fun for me to see the myriad ways in which Studio C fulfills its mission ~"Where Creativity Grows!" There is a symbiotic relationship between my visitors and Studio C. Creativity is nurtured in a circular direction with the spiral always expanding and rising towards inspiration.

Well, it's time to tune the radio to 93.9 KRTN fm radio for Little Sharon's Country Cafe... and mention a couple of events coming up:

Second Summer Arts Street Fair, September 26th in Des Moines New Mexico.

Second Capulin Volcano Run, September 27th in Capulin & Folsom New Mexico.

Second Fall Harvest Festival, October 17th at Rainbow Ranch, Folsom New Mexico.

Thirty-Sixth Annual Clayton Arts Festival, October 3 & 4 in Clayton New Mexico.

Raton Bearfest - Fine Arts & Craft Show, October 10 & 11 in Raton New Mexico.

Billy D is hosting Little Sharon's Country Cafe while Sharon is out exploring New Mexico events for her New Mexico writings... maybe at the Cleveland Millfest which is happening right now. I'm enjoying the show and hope you'll tune in if you're reading this from KRTN's listening area.

I hope all of you will come see our artists and visit me here Thursdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Tell your friends who are traveling through to be sure to stop in. I'll remind you all that I am happy to open by appointment also. Send me an email and we can work something out!

Blessings of Bliss to all of you!

Christina

Adventure!

This life is such an adventure! I've been riding my bike regularly for two months now. New strength, calm and the start of a new poem has come to me as the wind resists or assists me in the stunning terrain that we are blessed to live amongst.

I've been enjoying a lovely stream of visitors in the gallery this week. Victoria came in early to pick up copies of the Chronicle News which has been reporting on the Herzstein Memorial Museum's recent Old West Days. Janet came by to drop off some items she knew I'd make good use of. Both went off into their days with chocolate to sweeten things up.

Later, Sandra & her husband John stopped in for the first time. They are building a home east and north of here and Sandra is looking to bring together a vocal ensemble to sing classical music. She gave me an impromptu voice coaching which synchronistically answered a question I had about my own vocal training (I just started taking lessons with my dear friend Carmen who lives in Albuquerque). I am looking forward to hearing Sandra's group! Maybe they'll debut a song at one of our open mikes in the future!

Tomorrow, Saturday August 29th, is Live @ Studio C! I am proud to present Gabrielle Louise and her partner David Rynhart as our featured act. For more information read Tim's article about Gabrielle Louise in the Chronicle News: page 1, page 2. Kathryn Engel is in the spotlight and presents a dramatic reading to warm us up.

Kicking it all off, as is the tradition here at Studio C, will be the open mike. All forms of performance and presentation are welcome at our open mike. Traditionally, open mikes provide a nurturing time and space for anyone brave enough to step in front of those assembled to share their talent. They provide you an opportunity to grow and the audience an opportunity to get to know more about you. I hope you'll come see the show Saturday and even sign up for a spot on the open mike. Send me an email and I'll add you to the list. Abbie did!

We are gearing up for another fall full of events....

Calling all types of creative people! Come set up to sell what you have at our 2nd Summer Arts Street Fair here in Des Moines New Mexico on Saturday September 26th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Click vendors for more information. There will be food, fun, and stuff to buy. Support your local economy in the truest of senses... buy from friends and neighbors. Your money will be circulating in our community which is GOOD thing! I also encourage you to spend some time developing your own crafts and harvests for sale. We often have more than we need in our gardens... this is a perfect opportunity to share and make some money. I'm drying herbs myself! It's fun to see my shelves begin to show signs of abundance beyond my own household needs. I'm keeping things simple; living by the credo to "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" so overhead is low even while I'm producing high quality herbs and plants to sell. I wonder what you have that could provide you with added income and our Summer Arts Street Fair shoppers wonderful choices for their hard earned dollars. Questions? Let's open this up for discussion. Leave a comment with your ideas. Let's grow our creativity together!

Next month in September, Live @ Studio C! will be a little different~ It's a field trip! We'll meet at The Mandala Center for their fall evening concert: September Sizzle. The Mandala Center presents Randi Whitman, Eileen Terry and Valerie Powell. They are a very accomplished trio comprised of flute, piano and soprano voice. The event is free and includes a wine & cheese reception. The Mandala Center would love an RSVP and donations are greatly appreciated.

If you want to hear about what is going on in our area, one of the BEST things to do is to tune in to KRTN, 93.9 FM radio out of Raton, New Mexico and listen to the dynamic duo of Billy D and Buddy Springer. They do a wonderful morning talk radio show called This, That & The Other. Sponsored by several local businesses, Billy and Buddy welcome any and all who come to the studio Monday through Saturday to talk about... well, this that & the other! Thank you Billy & Buddy for a terrific show!

Wes, on his way back to Durango from San Antonio is sitting out front with a cup of organic fair trade Guatemala Maya Ixil coffee, freshly ground and brewed, enjoying the sound of water running in Nathaniel Franklin's two water sculptures. He's in a blessed time in his creative journey and knows that there is plenty of time to get to Colorado. He's taking time to stop and smell the roses and savor the delicious coffee grown and picked and purchased at fair living wages. A nature lover and nutritionist in training, customers like Wes are part of why I love growing Studio C!

I hope you will come by the gallery to see what we have to offer. Studio C is growing and changing as we all do. Life is rich with Joy and discovery for all of us. I send you vibrant bliss!

Cheers!

Christina

Good Bye Tom Fool Paisley

Today has been a grand day. Anna & Marissa stopped in on their way back to Dallas. They were on a road trip to show Anna, visiting from Scotland, the sights in TX, OK, KS, CO & NM. They did some shopping and thus, goodbye to Tom Fool Paisley. He is a handmade horse figure made by New Mexico artist Amy Caldwell. Amy's horses are so cute it's just crazy!

I am excited about the Old West Days being held in Clayton, New Mexico tomorrow. (Clayton is the next town 40 miles east of here.) Read about the event here. I can't go but I hope you will, and if you'll be driving through town stop in to visit.

I'm swimming in Endangered Species chocolate thanks to the new order I recently made! big bend coffee roasters' whole bean organic fair trade beans are here by the pound for your morning java pleasure... or take a cup to go as you head on down the road; east to Clayton, west to Raton.

Gabrielle Louise will be here with David Rynhart on the 29th to wow you with her original songs, expressive playing and warm generous spirit. Kathryn Engel will be here too, she's bringing an heirloom letter from her great grandfather and will give a dramatic reading which is sure to inspire you! I encourage you to bring something of your talent to share with us as we start the show with our open mike. You'll be glad you did!

A big shout out to new friends Sherry Wolf & Steve Knight at knight/wolf studios in Cimarron New Mexico. Yvonne O'Brien introduced me to Sherry & Steve during the reception we held in celebration of her show. Yvonne's photography is available at their gallery, Old Town Gallery located at 114 East 17th Street in Cimarron and here at Studio C in Des Moines New Mexico.

I'm headed out to watch my swallowtail butterfly worms...... hope you too are enjoying this fabulous late summer weather!

Blessings and Salutations~

Christina

Changing Times, Changing Ways

Well, the day has begun! We've got great weather, 30% chance of rain, blustery warm winds and inspiration from new projects getting underway.

New T-shirts from Chiapas Mexico artist Nono Espejo have arrived. Come by to see his new shirts in both men's and woman's styles/sizes. His Mayan-inspired images are batiqued and tie-dyed in deep rich colors that are perfectly tuned to the fall season coming up.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for August's Live @ Studio C! Saturday August 29th we are featuring Gabrielle Louise with David Rynhart. This is a night not to miss. Be sure to check out Gabrielle's link so you know why. We'll also spotlight Kathryn Engel and of course hear from the adventurous participants who sign up for our open mike. Did I tell you about our give-a-way at our July show? (I've decided that we'll be giving some "door prizes" away. You never know what that will be and you do have to be present to win.) Last month Sharon Niederman won a loaf of pineapple nut bread made fresh for the evening by Abbie Reaves. Abbie's breads are available here each Sunday at the Des Moines Area Farmers' Market which will be here from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.

The Union County Fair is in progress and Art Plays Its Part! student work is hanging in the show barn in Clayton. Students should all be proud; the work looks wonderful! FYI the Colfax County Fair is also going on. The work will come down Saturday and then make its way to the State Fair/ New Mexico Expo in September. Talk about well travelled!

The Herzstein Memorial Museum in Clayton, just 45 miles east of here is hosting a new event on Saturday August the 22nd from "noon - ????". Presenting a full day of fun with their first ever "Old West Days". There'll be long horn cattle to get your photo taken with, good food, arts & crafts booths, games, historical reenactments and in the evening music and a street dance. Attendance is free. All this will be at 22 South Second Street in Clayton New Mexico.

Speaking of events, there is a new open mike in Raton. The series is called Second Wednesdays. Pay a $5.00 cover fee, sign up and share your talents at the El Raton movie theatre on the second Wednesday of each month! Hey, with that schedule I can even go sign up.... proceeds from the night will go to the Wounded Warrior Project.

I've received the prospectus for a new event in Raton, Raton Bearfest - Fine Arts & Craft Show which will be held in Raton October 10th & 11th at Ripley Park. Artists are juried into the show. Entries must be postmarked by September 21 and include fees. Email Cindy Montoya for details.

Here in Des Moines we are getting ready for our second annual community events series! Were putting out the call for vendors, artists and artisans to show and sell your wares on Saturday September 27th during our Summer Arts Street Festival. Send us an email for more information.

Check out Tim's blog this week for information about the Folsom Museum and goings on there.

So, there it is! Another week here in the gallery has arrived. I hope you'll come by for some coffee and chocolate and fresh veggies and of course: ART!

Thanks for leaving your comments here on the blog. It's such an honor to know you are reading and enjoying this news.

Blessings and Magnified Creativity to you!

Christina