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

Facing West

Actually.... we're facing north in this view of Studio C but we are looking directly at the works of sculpture by Nathaniel Franklin, our currently featured artist, lit up in the early evening sky.

Tim and I just returned from a mini-vacation at The Little Tree B&B in Taos where we took advantage of the lovely accommodations to rejuvenate. Yep. We did pretty much nothing but read, sleep and eat in celebration of our 10th wedding anniversary, my recent birthday, and 23 years of joyful journey together. It was a perfect time in the busyness of our lives to step back and reflect. We wandered back to Des Moines via the 3 T's Art Trail yesterday. Thanks to Sasha who helps me out on occasion. She is a fine artist and lovely person to have in the gallery.

We just received a new shipment of hand batiqued and tie-dyed T-shirts which I'll be putting out as soon as I get this blog update published. Nono Espejo is the artist we continue to import after meeting him at the plaza market in San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas Mexico. The colors he works with are rich and exotic, perfect for the fall palate. They are further embellished with Mayan inspired images done with the batique process. We love them and continue to import them as they have proven to be very popular. This new collection comes to us just in time for your back to school shopping!

I'm keeping it short today since there is so much to do... Tomorrow afternoon Studio C will be the place to be between 3 & 6 with a reception for the artist, Nathaniel Franklin. Come by to enjoy the festivities, visit with Nathaniel and see the work we are all raving about. We'll be christening the west gallery "The West Gallery" and Nathaniel will discuss his work. It will be an arts event not to be missed! Want more information? Read Tim Keller's review of Nathaniel's work: p. 1, p. 2.

Are you craving chocolate? We just received a new shipment of Endangered Species Chocolates in assorted styles and flavors... come on in to support your happiness and better health through chocolate... I'm just about to open the box now!

Life is indeed full of pleasures that I am blessed to be able to offer here at Studio C!

Blessings and Songs of Joy!

Christina

P.S. Do leave a comment! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

C

Rainy Days Remind me of Scotland!

Well, I've been enjoying the Scottish rainy day here in Des Moines! I was all set to write this entry early before I opened the gallery until I went out to feed our birds... the drizzle, the wet spongy ground, the beautiful morning light... I was transfixed by the days of rain we've enjoyed these last weeks. I did some light gardening! I've got lovely flowers and herbs to fill the vases here. I've had a shop full of internet cafe patrons. I've downloaded the camera and have some new images to share with you!

It's been fun even as you've been waiting to get the news this week!

OK Here it is:

First off, mark your calendars for next weekend, Saturday August 8th from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. We'll be presenting Nathaniel Franklin with a reception for the artist. Come out to meet Nathaniel and see his work in person.

You might be planning on going to the Folsom Museum on the 8th see Dorothy Smoker in a chautauqua. Come by Studio C first 3:00, meet & visit with Nathaniel and others at our reception and then drive the 9 miles to Folsom to see the chautauqua at 4:00.

Sunday we'll have fresh veggies and homemade breads here Sunday from 10:00 - 4:00. The Farmers' Market is a great place to meet your friends and neighbors, share some recipes and take home some good foods. We're looking for more vendors... just come on over with your goodies and set up next to Sunny.

Speaking of Sunny, it was earlier today but now the rains have come and all is drenched yet again! The New Mexico gourd vine is threatening to take over but the ground is wet so I can easily pull it. I was here at 7:30 pulling the new crop of vines... I pulled for 3 hours 3 weeks ago getting every vine I could see... though I swear that it does grow even as you pull it! I've got another half hour to go to get the last of it. I'm composting it so all that lovely greenery will eventually help the grounds look even better.... still remember some fun things my brother & sister and I did with them when we were younger. Have any good stories about New Mexico gourd vine? Tell your story in the comments.

Inge Bobek's stained glass bottle hummingbird feeder is full of sweet nectar and the hummers are coming in to feast!

Sharon Niederman stopped in with her husband Chuck last Saturday and read during our open mike. She's working on a new novel and read her first chapter, fresh off the writing pad, after her week at the Taos Writers Festival. She is going to be presenting a memoir writing workshop, Writing from Personal Experience: Memoir, Journal, Family History and More, at The Mandala Center later this fall. Check out the links to find out more information so you can plan to attend!

I've got fresh coffee in and will send out another order for chocolate this weekend. All is well here at Studio C! The only thing missing is you! Hope you'll stop in soon!

Blessings~

Christina

Summer Sings!

And now another week has passed and we are getting ready for Live @ Studio C!

This month's show, as always, starts at 5:30 with our open mike. The space is so intimate that we've dispensed with the mike, come up to the performance lectern to try your hand at performance. Our audience is wonderfully receptive and generous with their appreciation. You will have fun and we will all gain from listening to your offering. Nathaniel Franklin will be here to do a spotlight, talking about his show currently hanging in the gallery. The evening leads up to our featured act: Tim Keller. I'm pleased to present him this summer. I know you will enjoy his lively storytelling and sensitive singing.

Studio C is proud to show the paintings and sculpture of Nathaniel Franklin through August 30th. We'll have a reception for the artist on Saturday August 8th from 3-6. As an artist Nathaniel has many talents to draw from. His sculptures are combinations of found metal farm and ranch equipment. His paintings draw from the colors of nature as lived on the ranch he calls home. Nathaniel's poetic vision inspires whimsical constructs that remind the viewer of days long past when survival made engineers of necessity out of us all. Come see the work and on August 8th meet Nathaniel. He'll be happy to answer all of your questions. His work is dynamic and expressive. I expect his career to bring great value to these works as the years go by. Don't miss this opportunity to purchase one and start your collection.

So much is going on around town that once again I'm remiss in keeping a weekly update coming your way!

In the time I've been "silent" I've seen the Ralph R. Memorial Photography Exhibit & Sale, sponsored by the Raton Arts & Humanities Council in Raton New Mexico. That's 38 miles west at the foot of the Sangre De Cristo mountains. I was proud to be with Tim Keller whose portrait of Archie West won best of show. You can still get raffle tickets for a framed 18" x 27" framed print of Ralph Solano's Box Car Graffiti Art. They are $5.00 each. Drawing will be Friday, July 31st. Funds raised will go towards Raton Arts & Humanities Council's youth activities. We hope to create a scholarship or present photography classes. The Solano Family will decide which direction to go. While we viewed the wonderful photography, I visited with Carol Woodworth who reminded me to see the Kaleidoscope Players this summer. She and her husband Howard are supporters of the Santa Fe Trail School for the Performing Arts. The school is in its sixth season presenting shows in repertory, this summer, through August 4th. Check out their calendar for dates.

Summer Art! T-shirt painting classes were a blast. The students' work was beautiful and we all had fun while learning about the seven elements of art: line, shape, form, space, texture, value & color.

Tim & I are working on some new promo shots for the gallery. Check out this whimsical construct of ours... Rhodi agreed to do a product shot while Tim worked on a portrait of her for his current writing project.

So, there it is~ I'll be happy to see you here this weekend... or, whenever the muses move you to join us here at Studio C, Where Creativity Grows!

So, that's the news!

Blessings!

Christina

Switching Lanes

Today is a perfect summer day. Warm and sunny with a breeze blowing the scent of honeysuckle across the land.

I'm getting ready for tomorrow night's show with Tim Keller and Karyna Cragin. Karyna is coming up from Santa Fe to share her wonderful musicianship with us. She plays the African balafone, marimbas, piano, guitar and her lovely voice. It's her first show as the lead act and I am honored to have her grace our ArtSpace with her talents. It's always a great evening with wonderful stories told, laughter shared and sometimes even tears shed. I invite you to come on out with a friend or two.... Sign up for the open mike and tell us what you did for Fathers' Day or how your family celebrated last week.

It's looking like the fancy colored corn seeds that friend Tom brought me are doing well here at Studio C! Knee high by the fourth of July is looking good!

I've cut mint and am about to brew some tea for the iced mint tea that I'll have out tomorrow evening... I love the smell of mint tea as it brews... it is so uplifting!

I've also got some empty walls to fill! Yvonne O'Brien came to pick up her show leaving three pieces for the gallery. We had a nice visit while she waited for the light to get lower in the sky... she was looking forward to driving across Johnson Mesa and taking pictures on her way home.

So, that's what I mean by switching lanes! We've got change all around and love to make it all good.

Hope we see you here soon, or hear from you soon. Drop an email, come by and read tomorrow evening during our open mike, or just come on by to enjoy the gallery.

Good Road!

Christina

Finding Flow

Happy Fathers Day!

It's a lovely summer day here in northeastern New Mexico. The smell of BBQ wafts in the gentle breeze telling of fathers all around celebrating their day.

I'm working on the blog when I want to be outside working on the landscaping, or painting, or kicking back with my love who is a wonderful father to a very special daughter. We'd make a toast to my father and the life he gave me and my siblings. Speaking of siblings, my sister just had a very successful reception for the artist, she being the artist, down in Santa Fe. Mom threw the reception at El Museo Cultural Center where her show Blue is hanging. The work was made in part to help her mourn the passing of dad. Karyna will be here next weekend as our featured act for Live @ Studio C! and I would love to have the house filled for her performance. The theme will be Dear Dad for the open mike. It will be a great chance to honor and share your thoughts on fatherhood, your dad, and life in general.

I've got a lot of new items to put into the gallery so that keeps me busy too.

I'm switching out artists in the gallery over the next ten days. Yvonne O'Brien's show ends officially today. She'll pick up her work Thursday or Friday so you have a chance to meet her. Give me a call and I'll let you know when to be here. We'll be keeping some of her work and her cards as she becomes one of the gallery "regulars".

Nathaniel Franklin, local sculptor and painter, will be bringing his work the next week. His show is titled Facing West. I am pleased to be able to show his work and look forward to what he has to bring.... he's still working on new pieces so I'm not sure exactly what we will be getting! We've decided on Saturday August 7th for his reception. Check back for more details as it gets closer.

I'll be headed south to deliver artwork created this spring at Des Moines Schools in the Art Plays Its Part! program for display in the 48th annual New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair next weekend in Albuquerque. If you can see the show please do!

Have a great day and a wonderful week. Find your flow. Share your Joy!

Christina

Skipping Across Streams

Convergence and conjunctions abound as I figure out how to balance my ambitions with my aspirations and inclinations. My cousin Debbie sent me this YouTube video of an amazing young pianist... watching him play inspires me.

The gallery is vibrating with Yvonne O'Brien's photography show: light, structure, space. Her work hangs through June 22nd. If you've not seen the show please come by to see these images. I know you will be glad you did.

We'll be hanging a new show next week: Facing West. Local artist Nathaniel Franklin brings his sculpture and paintings into the gallery. We're still discussing the date for his artist's reception and I'll let you know what date to put aside as soon as I can.

I'm really proud of the work I've been doing with Des Moines Schools. We're working on funding efforts and just completed an application to the NEA for Learning In the Arts funds. The grant reads well and the program samples look great. I'm impressed with how much we've progressed since our first attempt last year. The NEA is looking at receiving an increase in it's budget of $15 million which would be very helpful. Please support the arts and let your legislators know that you are making arts your priority.

I want to thank Russ Ballew and Karen Anderson for coming out to entertain us last Live @ Studio C! The theme was Compassion and we enjoyed a great show which left everyone talking about the roll of faith in their lives and also celebrating our many blessings. Thank you too to everyone who came out to hear these wonderful musicians. If you've not heard Karen play her harps you simply must plan on coming to our show in November when Karen will be our featured act.

Our June theme is Dear Dad. The date is June 28th and the show starts at 5:30. My sister Karyna Cragin is the featured act and returns with her African balafone, her marimba, and hopefully a guitar and some songs for our piano. Tim Keller is in the spotlight singing his songs and reading poetry or stories from his growing collection. Bring your stories of and for your fathers or father figures in your life and sign up for our open mike. Remember there is a piano here and we welcome all forms of creative expression. It will be a fine summer night to bring a friend with you too. I'm making some nut breads and will have great coffee freshly perked and iced-mint tea. Should be a great evening! Come on out.

Summer Art! class schedule is now available. Next week we will be working with pastel on paper.... this is one of my favorite mediums. Some of my current "in-progress" work can be seen on my Flickr site here. I like to call my pastel work painting since the chalk moves so well on paper and is easily blended. Working with the sticks of pastel usually leads to smudging with my fingers. Edges are places to explore as colors meld or bounce off of each other depending on the desired effect. Call 575-278-3517 or email to enroll or to ask questions.

Chocolate is back in stock. We've got 77% humidity and a 21% chance of rain so we are getting on our rain dancing shoes and looking forward to a prime rib dinner at our annual EMS FunFest dinner & dance tonight.

Life is Beautiful!

Christina

Rain ~ Dancing ~ Answering Prayers ~ Prayers Answered!

It is a lovely rainy sky day, thunder rolling in the distance, gray skies getting closer, and coffee freshly brewed keeping me happy. The rains have just begun falling and we are dancing with gratitude for the much needed moisture and the forecast for more!

Yvonne O'Brien's fine art photography graces the gallery now. We are getting ready for you to join us to see this new show. I'd love for you to come to the artist's reception to meet Yvonne Friday May 22nd from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Coffee will be flowing as well as iced mint tea, along with other goodies we've got to share. I hope you will make time to come celebrate with us. Purchase one of Yvonne's framed prints this weekend, May 22 - 24, and you'll receive a 10% discount.

I'm feeling really good about the way the energy is flowing in the gallery and want to thank Sasha for helping me with displays and other painterly tasks. I'm open, to remind you, Thursdays - Saturdays 10:00 am until 6:00 and Sundays noon - 4:00 pm. 

In the community news: A Community Yard Sale happens on Saturday May 23rd from 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at the corner of Clayton Hwy 87 & Folsom Hwy 325 in Des Moines. It's a great opportunity to buy, sell or trade your trash, treasures & goods. Call Jalane Osborn @ 575-278-3402 for more information. There will be a concession stand with BBQ, hot dogs, drinks & snacks so you can come out, show your wares, buy others wares and get to know your neighbors. Vital Roads is a sponsor of this event which will happen annually from now on.

The other thing you can do this Saturday is to take the Dry Cimarron Scenic Byways Tour. Sponsored by the Folsom Museum in association with the New Mexico Heritage Preservation Month. You'll meet at the Folsom Museum at 8:00 am. Bring water, good walking shoes, a light jacket, sunscreen and a hat. (Do I sound motherly?) The tour will take all day so make sure your car has a full tank of gas. Lunch will be BBQ at the Cross L Ranch.... donations are always appreciated. Call 575-278-2122 for more information.

Live @ Studio C! is next Saturday May 30th. We start at 5:30 with the open mike which now has three people signed up. Karen Anderson will be here to play her Celtic harp which leads nicely into Russ Ballew's original songs. Get out your creativity and take up this challenge: write. Write about anything... or if you prefer... draw, dance, sing, or play your instrument. If you can't think of anything to inspire your creation I have a suggestion: Share your experience with compassion. Then sign up for open mike and share it on the 30th with our audience here in Des Moines New Mexico.

So, there it is!

May the Rains fall gently and generously all across our parched lands.

Christina

Dream Time Coming

I've been inspired by the Garden Club ladies and the rows of new plantings ready to put into the ground with fresh smiling faces. As I rode my bike by the school earlier today Janet & Janice had me determined to be outside on this beautiful spring day.... now, late afternoon and I am finally here to share the news.

I'm just about to begin hanging the next featured artist's show: light, structure, space. Yvonne O'Brien's fine art photography will be featured in the gallery from May 21st through June 21st. Yvonne lives in Cimarron, New Mexico. Her work is dramatic and her connection to nature is deeply felt. Her images will be a joy to have in the gallery. Join us next Friday from 3:00 - 6:00 when we host a a reception for the artist. Come celebrate and have an opportunity to visit with Yvonne. Plan to return several times to be with her work. I hope you'll let one of her framed archival pigment prints work its way into your heart. We have made blank art gift cards for purchase... and of course we have lots of wonderful art and crafts for your shopping delight.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow because it is my mom's 75th birthday! She is such an amazing person and I am so very blessed to have her in my life. Her visit two Sunday's ago, when she came up here with my sister to attend the 3rd annual CreativiTea!, was a gift. Her faith in me keeps me buoyant as I continue to work on how to make this gallery out here in the middle of nowhere work.

Last Sunday we had a fabulous meal at the Capulin Country Store during their annual Mothers' Day brunch. The chicken alfredo was perfect. The buffet table was laden with abundant and delicious fare. We'll definitely plan to be there next year as well as holding the 4th CreativiTea! here the Sunday before.... so, for you advance planners out there May 9 & 16 are the dates to save for Studio C & Capulin Country Store. In the meantime keep your eyes peeled for great arts venues, experiences, and ideas. Share them here if you can't wait for next year's CreativiTea!

Live @ Studio C! is just up ahead. May's show features Russ Ballew, local singer & songwriter from Clayton. He's got a new cd out titled Recovery Music Vol. 3. Check him out at his website.  In the spotlight will be Karen Anderson with her celtic harp. Two friends have already signed up for the open mike list. Tom and Linda will be traveling though and will join in the fun. The date is Saturday May 30th and it all starts at 5:30. Send me an email and I'll put your name on the open mike list too.

This weekend, Saturday May 16th, is your opportunity to join the annual Folsom Archaeological Tour. Two times are available, the morning trip leaves at 8:00 a.m. from the Folsom Museum and the afternoon trip leaves at 1:00 p.m.. A free chuck-wagon lunch is available at the museum. Your donations will be gratefully accepted. All donations will support the Folsom Museum. This tour is amazing! Call 575-278-3664 or 575-278-2122 for more information.

Tim's review of the Des Moines Elementary School's spring program I wrote of two posts ago can be read here and here. (It's two pages so be sure to click both to read the full story) I'm beginning to upload photos from sessions we've had this semester at my Art Plays Its Part! photo gallery here. You can tell I'm proud and excited about working with the school to develop this program.

I'm also excited by the future. Studio C is a work in progress. There is a lot to do before I can call it "done" but I offer my artists a lovely space to show and I offer art appreciators a place to stop and visit and take home something special from the heart of an artist. Thursday, Friday and Saturdays I'm open 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sundays I'm open noon to 4:00 p.m. I am happy to open by appointment Monday - Wednesday. Call the gallery at 575-278-3517 to set up an appointment... or plan on coming by Thursday - Sunday. Let me know you read this blog with a comment and I'll give you 10% off your purchase over $10.00. I've got free wireless internet for my customers. I appreciate your business and look forward to growing into a must stop destination ArtSpace here in Des Moines, NM.

Happy Birthday Mom! 

Blessings of Health, Longevity and Prosperity to all~

Christina

Making Wings

Last Sunday Studio C was the site of nurturing and guidance during our 3rd annual CreativiTea! I'd like to thank everyone who gave of their time and heart right here for all the world to hear: Thank you very much for your kind words of support and wise ideas for growth and continued improvements. Your presence is felt as I plan out the Summer Art! calendar and the shows for the rest of the year. We all enjoyed the green chile stew that Kelly taught me to make. Thank you!

Mark your calendars for next year: May 9th which is, again, the Sunday before Mother's Day. We do that because the Capulin Country Store opens their Summer restaurant season with a Mothers' Day brunch and we want to eat there. Mothers' Day is tomorrow and we'll be at The Capulin Country Store enjoying a wonderful brunch buffet. Maybe we'll see you there!

We will be hanging our next featured artist soon! Yvonne O'Brien's photography show: light, structure, space will hang May 21 - June 21. We will be having a reception for the artist on Friday May 22 from 3:00 - 6:00. Mark your calendars and join us for a festive event. Refreshments will be served.

Classes for this year's Summer Art! season: Mask-making, Pastel on Paper, Mural Painting on Canvas, Painted T-Shirts, Papier-mache Sculpture, and something new: ShowTime! ~Putting it All Together. This class will be for the few, the brave, the proud who take more than two classes during the season. We'll be creating a show, a performance showcase, with artwork created by participants. What we come up with no one knows...... yet! Does this sound like fun to you? Let me know in the comments.... I'll be creating my brochure this week so your input may be included. Those who've participated in Summer Art! in the past know that classes are mixed. Youth and adults are equals at the art table and we all have a lot of fun learning together benefitting from the freedom of the innocent and the wisdom of experience. I'm planning on holding morning and afternoon sessions (9:00 - 11:30 in the am and 2:00 - 4:30 in the pm). Yes, I'm shortening them to two and a half hours. Each class will meet three days in a row for a total of seven and a half hours of instructed time per session. I am happy to have students enroll in both sessions if they want to have more time to explore their artwork. Tuition is based on $10.00/hour and there is no materials fee. I am excited about this year's class offerings and look forward to a great season of learning and growing together.

It was my pleasure to drive to Trinidad yesterday to see Tim Keller's photography at the A.R. Mitchell Museum. I car-pooled with Kelly who also wanted to see the show. You can take a virtual trip of the show. It is thrilling to see an artist really take off. Read Laura Brewer's preview of the show here.

Speaking of taking off, read Tim's article about the recent school clean-up (p1 & p2) sponsored by the Des Moines School Rural Revitalization Initiative. Kelly is on the steering committee and helped organize the event.

So, having taken an art break to go see Man of La Mancha at The Schuler Theatre in Raton, I can say good night with a smile on my face and a glow in my heart... I love art and the creative life!

Dream Good Things~

Christina

The Art of Conversation

Welcome to this place of sharing! Our picture this week is of Kathryn Engel during her performance at last Saturday's Live @ Studio C!

She was captivating as she portrayed Blanche DuBois, Amanda Wingfield, and a narrator in the show she has written. Read all about it at Tim Keller's website.

Tomorrow is the third annual CreativiTea! From 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. the gallery will be a place of ArtFull conversation. I am excited about the circle gathering and these last hours in preparation.... the house smells rich with the pork roast I started last night.... my friend Kelly makes a delicious green chile stew that she is teaching me how to make.... step 1: slow roast a pork shoulder roast. After the gallery closes she'll show me the rest of her technique.

Today I am enjoying a busy day here at Studio C. Abbie is here taking advantage of the high-speed connection free to all of my customers, updating her computer's software and enjoying a bottomless cup of Bolivia Caranavi coffee.

I've been up to happy ears working for Des Moines School's new curriculum-based art program Art Plays It's Part! Inge Bobek and Martin Montoya just finished mini-residencies in the high school and elementary respectively and now the whole elementary is working on their annual spring program which happens Tuesday May 5th. The show is called Spring Flowers for Skinny Horse and is a "performance showcase" bringing together dancing, singing, and performance. I invite you to come out to see the students' and teachers' great work. Show time is 7:00 but come early to see the artwork on display.

I am not able to be in Raton tonight to see the final show of the Raton Arts & Humanities Council's 2008/2009 performance season, The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra... so, if any of you local readers would like to see the show with my tickets then please do post a message and I'll give you two seats. Show time is 7:30 p.m.. Call me at 575-278-3517 if you want immediate gratification. Speaking of immediate gratification.... how about patience and persistance? Did you see the video of Susan Boyle's performance on British television? Her story is a great example of faith and patience rewarded. It also has had the effect of reminding all of us not to judge a person by their appearance. I hope that this wonderful story helps all of us to listen to what our friends, neighbors and strangers too have to share and that as a global community we strive to work together in harmony.

I've posted some pictures on my flickr site from the recent goings on which you might want to take a look at... and now that I have a camera again and am beginning to know how it works I'll be posting more. 

In the mean time I know you are all fully engaged in wonderfully diverse pursuits and offer you my wishes for your happiness.

Happy May Day!

Christina

Listening is an Art!

Live Poetry has changed to Live @ Studio C! and is getting started this weekend! 

Join us for an exciting twist of theatre as Kathryn Engel, from Raton, NM, presents her one-woman show: Two Women of Tennessee Williams right here on Broadway Avenue in Des Moines!

The show opens with our open mike where we give anyone brave enough 1-3 minutes to share their talent. I have a young sax player signed up already so don't be shy. I've invited Tim Keller to give us a short reading of some of his recent works. He's been writing almost daily for the Trinidad Chronicle as he's also writing another article for Western Horseman and preparing for his second photography exhibit at The A.R. Mitchell Museum in Trinidad, Colorado in May.

Spring has sprung here in full force... Tulips are gloriously bright harbingers of the coming green; butterflies of all sorts of colors and patterns have begun to flutter all about and one of my strawberry transplants here at the studio is already blooming!

May is almost here and that means our annual CreativiTea! is near at hand. This year it moves from Mothers' Day to the Sunday before: May 3rd. We meet in circle to brainstorm and review the state of the arts @ Studio C ~ ArtSpace & Gallery on the 3rd. I'll have green-chili stew and corn bread to nourish and sustain the idea exchange. This event is another opportunity for me to say thank you to all the wonderful people who really care about the success of Studio C. All supporters are hereby cordially invited. Please RSVP so we have plenty of stew to go around. Wear your spring hats and bring a sweater... sometimes the gallery is still a bit chilly in May. By having our CreativiTea! a week early we support the Capulin Country Store in their annual Mothers' Day Buffet which opens their summer season of delicious lunches available from 11:00 - 2:00.

Where have I been? 

I know, I've been remiss in keeping the blog current... but, like a dog on a bone and happy too, I've been working with with Des Moines Schools to develop a curriculum-based arts program. We've been working tirelessly to make several projects happen and with the end of the current school year at hand I've been "submerged" in the business of arts program management and teaching... so much so that I've let my blog suffer... even the gallery at Studio C has been feeling neglected (if galleries can feel?! :-))

It's all about art and it all ties together though: I've completed a mask-making class with the 3rd & 4th grades who have been studying a unit on "Self". Dino Cornay has been working with 5th & 6th grade classes on pencil drawings of President Lincoln. Inge Bobek is currently artist in residence and working on a mural project the 7th grade science class. They have been studying plant life and seed germination. Next week Tecolote, NM artist Martin Montoya, will be teaching K, 1st & 2nd grade students painting. They will work with spring flowers and Mothers' day pictures. We've been working with the elementary teachers on their annual Spring Program. Their students have been practicing songs, square dances and the lines for an original production which brings it all together: Spring Flowers for Skinny Horse. Parents and community members are volunteering their time and talent in support of the show which will be on Tuesday May 5th at 7:pm at Des Moines Schools.

So, there it all is... and I'll update you next week with more news.

Hope to see or hear from you soon. Leave a comment here or send me an email and let us know what is springing up in your life.

Joyfully Yours,

Christina

Aware of Many Blessings

We've had a blizzard! Our highway was closed Thursday evening at 6:pm as the blizzard blew in with a fearsome speed... stranding friends at friends and travelers here in town.

Temperatures dropped to the teens and visibility to 3 feet, no further than the hood of your car....

Now the highway is open again, traffic is flowing, and I am happy to have heat in the studio... even if it has not prevented my water pipes from freezing.

Our featured act is unable to make it tonight and with the frozen pipes to deal with I've decided to cancel tonight's Live @ Studio C! I'll miss all of your wonderful poetry and smiling faces. Thanks for calling in to check on tonight... it's been bittersweet to turn you away!

So, thanks to Mother Nature we will start our 2009 season for Live @ Studio C! on Saturday April 25th with Katherine Engel as our featured act. She will be performing her one-woman show: Two Women of Tennessee Williams. It will be an exciting night of live entertainment here. $3.00 cover charge gets you in the door. Proceeds from the door will go to support Art Plays Its Part! at Des Moines School. Show your appreciation for the entertainment when we pass the hat.

I'll let you know when we'll have Colfax Reunion here as soon as the band confirms the date... we've decided to make a Sunday afternoon event just for them so keep in touch.

In the meantime I've been working on the floor in the studio with the help of my Vital Roads friends who came over Wednesday evening and got me started with 80 minutes of concentrated effort and I'm anxious to get back to it.

My husband, Tim Keller, has been busy writing up a feature story about the travelers who ended up stranded in Des Moines, safely housed in the school while the blizzard raged on. So many wonderful people here in northeastern New Mexico taking care of strangers and keeping the roads safe even in the worst of conditions.

The snow has brought much needed moisture to our dry land and the sun shines brightly on it all now. There is so much to be grateful for.

Let's keep that strong in our hearts.

Blessed Be!

Christina

Learning About New Mexico

On Saturdays I come in and listen to NPR radio, which has been airing an amazing program about New Mexico's history, culture and land called: The Shift of Land. The project is funded in part by the New Mexico Humanities Council. It has been fascinating to listen to each weekend. It's so deep in its inquiry of New Mexico that I cannot turn it off or even down while the program airs. I wanted to share it with you all. I know you too will enjoy learning more about New Mexico and/or knowing that this information is being documented and made available to a global audience.

Today, Saturday March 14th, is my one year anniversary of opening Studio C with regular hours. Wow! I actually remember the anticipation and excitement I had on that day last year.

I can't contain my thrill at having made this mark in the work-in-progress that is Studio C and my own journey in building an arts business in this beautiful area of New Mexico. Thank you all for making this possible.

Blessings~

Christina

P.S. This is a special entry to celebrate the day so be sure to read on through the next post: One Year Anniversary. ~ Christina

One Year Anniversary!

Studio C celebrates its one year anniversary this weekend!

Last year on March 14th, I opened Studio C with regular hours. I have been blessed with wonderful customers ever since. It's so good that I've added Thursdays to the regular hours. Studio C is open Thursdays through Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sundays 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m. Thank you to everyone who supports the gallery. I really appreciate your business and your spreading the word about Studio C.

Out here in Des Moines, New Mexico, some think that opening an art gallery & artspace is a nutty idea. I have found that there are so many artisans and artists here in our quiet corner of the state that it is a brilliant idea. When you visit Studio C you will see local and regional talent as well as artists I have met in this blessed life. I'm always looking for new art, gifts and treasures.

Studio C is a dream come true. I'm amazed that it's been a year! I'm thrilled about the day and the years ahead. To share my gratefulness I invite you to come by the gallery. Receive a 10% discount on your purchases for the month of March. It's my way of saying thank you!

I've added more bookings to our Live @ Studio C! calendar and I've finalized the gallery show schedule. Scroll down to the Keeping the Faith entry to get the update for Live @ Studio C! and scroll down to the First Spring Rain entry to get the updated gallery schedule.

It helps my blog's statistics if you spend time on my blog... thanks for scrolling down to see the updated schedules. I appreciate you reading my blog, posting comments and sending email to me directly!

Under the heading of community news we find our recent efforts to bring recycling to Des Moines making steps forward. You can help our volunteer efforts by sending an email to Recycle Des Moines. Tell us that you want to recycle. Let us know what recycling you currently do. If you don't recycle now, what would you need to start recycling? Be sure to include your name and address so we can keep you informed as we make progress. Come into Studio C to sign a supporters list. We've also made a grant application for $10,000.00 with the Green Heroes Grant program. Beginning March 16th you can vote for our grant to win that money. You'll have to register your email address and I hope, for recycling in our area's sake, that you will do so. You can read more info about the grant program here. Vote for our grant to win March 16th - April 10th.

The annual Local Health Fair is coming up on April 8th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the EMS building in Des Moines. For more information or to request a screening "menu" email Tami.

Enjoy the oncoming spring weather, the new green that is poking out of the ground and your own creative pursuits! Be inspired with pictures from the blessing ceremony we held for Studio C even before we opened with regular hours. Inspire us by sharing your stories in the comments to this entry.

Don't forget that the coffee just arrived so now is the perfect time to stop by and pick up our fabulous organic fair-trade whole bean coffee. (10% discount this month... now's the time!)

See you soon!

Be Well!

Christina

First Spring Rain

We had our first rain today... the weather forecast had 0 chance of precipitation even as it first rained and then snowed. Just goes to prove that your own eyes are better than any weather prediction.

Coffee lovers come on by. I just received a new order of coffee which was roasted the morning it shipped to Studio C.

I've been out in the world searching for items to outfit the gallery and am thrilled to have found the glass display case of my dreams. Finally I can bring in wonderful things to fill the case. I'll be working on this in the coming months so be sure to stop in and see what is new. I also brought in some wonderful vintage and antique treasures... this business adventure is expanding even as I work to contain certain aspects of it.

I'm so excited about Live @ Studio C!

March 28th is our first show of 2009. Kathryn Engel shines in the spotlight and Dino Cornay is the featured act, bringing his band Colfax Reunion - Unplugged to entertain us for the evening. We start each evening off with our open mike so be sure to sign up and share your inspiration with us! Thrive in creativity, sharing and discovery.

I've booked harpist Karen Anderson to feature for our November Show of Gratitude and as a spotlight act for the upcoming May show.

2009 GALLERY SCHEDULE ~This is a work in progress so check back for updates

MAY - JUNE
Sunday May 5th: 3rd Annual CreativiTea!
May 21 - June 21: Featured in the gallery: Cimarron photographer Yvonne O'Brien.
Artist reception for Ms. O'Brien will be Friday May 22, 2:00p.m. to 6:00p.m.

JULY - AUGUST
Farmer's Market begins in July
June 25 - August 30: Featured in the gallery: Local artist Nathanial Franklin.
Artist reception for Nathanial Franklin TBA

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER
September 26th: September Fall Harvest Arts Street Fair:
Saturday 9:00 - 4:00 *sponsored by Vital Roads
October 8 - November 8: Student Artists' Show featuring the work of students in
Summer Art!, Places of Wonder & Des Moines Schools
Artists' reception will be Sunday October 11, 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
November 27 - December 27: Holiday Show: Miracles ~ Small Works/Local Flavors
Reception for the artists will be Friday November 27, 1:00p.m. to 6:00p.m.

I'm working on the Summer Art! and Places of Wonder schedules and will be posting them soon. Thanks for keeping in touch and sending me email. I love to hear from you and am looking forward to visiting with you soon.

Blessings!

Christina

Feeling New

What a lovely day today has become!

I have a free ticket to Post Comedy Theater, playing this coming Sunday afternoon at The Shuler Theatre in Raton New Mexico.

Send me a joke and be the first to make me laugh and I will give it to you. See how easy that is? Come on, make me laugh!

That said, I promised that I would give you the show schedule in this post but I've still got work to do on it... so I'll keep this entry short so I can get to it.

We have some beautiful glass jewelry in the gallery and more on the way and I am getting closer to being at the shawl factory. Thanks to Elissa for showing off some samples for us!

Tim Keller, photographer, writer, and now journalist has been expanding his horizons even further with his review of the Raton Youth Theater's latest performance. Check out his blog for the latest details.

Avery Christy, Union County Leader reporter, stopped into the gallery this afternoon looking for stories. He said that his door is "always open" for your stories. Send him an email with your news.

Are you feeling the spring in the air and seeing the green popping up from the earth? If not I encourage you to put on a jacket and go outside to peek at all the new growth beginning to show. I've noticed that there are tulips on the way.

Would you like a little inspiration? Check this out for cool, as in, "Cool as a cucumber."

Keep checking back this weekend since I'll decide the schedule and update this post rather than wait till next week.

Cheers for now,

Christina

Keeping the Faith~

Cold weather has come back to Des Moines and my gallery is chilly so wear a big fuzzy sweater when you stop in this weekend.

I've been really busy during the week working for Art Plays It's Part! at Des Moines School and am in the midst of forming an ArtsTeam to help build the program. Several people are already committed to help and we are still looking for more arts lovers to rock art! We will meet next Wednesday @ 3:30 at the school. If you want to support the arts for our students you are welcome. Send me an email and I'll give you details.

I've also been working with a group of citizens and students to bring a recycling program to our community. We've been making the rounds to our village and the school board to generate support and partnerships.

Then too, I've been thinking about Studio C's Summer Art! classes and the Places of Wonder program which partners Studio C with Rainbow Ranch in Folsom. Please send your suggestions for classes so I can know what you are interested in before the schedule gets set.

Now, last week I promised to let you know our line-up for Live! @ Studio C so here it is:

Our open mike starts each night so bring your contribution and give us an opportunity to shower you with applause. The sound in the gallery is so good we've dispensed with the microphone but I'm still calling it an "open-mike". Ideas to rename it are welcome!

March 28: Features Dino Cornay with his new acoustic group with a Spotlight: Kathryn Engel
April 25: Features Kathryn Engel & her one woman show: The Women of Tennessee Williams
May 30: Features Russ Ballew with a Spotlight: Karen Anderson
June 27: Features Karyna Cragin with a Spotlight: Tim Keller
July 25: Features Tim Keller
August 29: Features Gabrielle Louise
September 27: Feature and Spotlight TBA
October 31: Features Peter Burg
November 22: 3rd Annual Show of Gratitude: Features Karen Anderson

I'm keeping the cover charge at $3.00. We'll also be passing the hat for our featured acts. I'll ask you to consider the price of live entertainment and give generously. Let's build Live! @ Studio C into a great gig that entertainers love to come to. Think of the gas money you're saving! We can look forward to years of wonderful entertainment coming direct to downtown Des Moines, New Mexico as we show our appreciation generously.

Now do you see why I'm so exited about the upcoming Live! @ Studio C? I'm working on the Spotlights and September - November so let me know if you want to be an act or know a great act that I should know about!

Did you know: Studio C carries Western Horseman now! Stop in for a copy and a cup of coffee and I'll let you in on the gallery shows I've got planned. (I'm saving that for next week!)

Till then, or till we meet here, Walk in Joyful Song!

Christina

The Artist is In!

Welcome!

I've been away from my blog for a while so let me thank you for returning and welcome you to my new year. I appreciate all the wonderful support I have coming in for Studio C's ongoing growth.

While on winter break I was able to travel to Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado on January 25th & 26th to take a course from Allan McConnell called No More Starving Artists about the business behind being an artist. Wow! Did I get an amazing amount of useful information.... all geared towards helping artists make a good living with their art.

Now here's the thing: I've found that I'm learning how to be an artspace owner and there is a lot to learn! I opened the gallery & ArtSpace thinking I could do my art while waiting for visitors to come through the door. Naive, I know now, but this journey is one I am blessed to be on.

I've been working on the schedule of events for 2009 and see that I will have to cut some of the plans down so that I have time to work on my art. I am challenged to create a thriving ArtSpace and work on my own style and vision. Some think it cannot be done and that I have to choose. Their opinions have been duly considered and I'm committed to seeing my vision become reality. I've had this dream that both are going to happen and I intend to follow it to the end.

So, welcome to this glorious new year! I look forward to your visit. I'm working hard to create an exciting and welcoming space for lots of local, regional and friend artists to show their art, grow their style, develop their artistic voice and share their talents and to grow myself as an artist. Studio C is a perfect place for both to be happening! All are welcome to share ideas, visions and fun. Come by, see what we've got and join in the going!

Next week I'll give you a listing of the upcoming events, classes and show opportunities. In the meantime, mark your calendars for our monthly performance event now called Live! @ Studio C. We resume in March, on the 28th, at 5:30 with Dino Cornay's new acoustic group! Featured acts are booked through July and we have a GREAT line up for you. Don't forget our open mike starts the show... why not get out a pen & paper and put down some new poems, songs, stories, ideas and plan on sharing this year!

Till next week,

Walk in Grace, with Joy!

Christina

P.S. While I'm thinking about it, leave me a comment and let me know what kind of classes you would love to take this summer. Thanks! Mucho!

Happy New Year!

Quite the holiday... Tim & I went home to Mom's where we patiently waited til New Year's day to open gifts when all could be present. We all ended up loving it. Something about opening gifts on New Year's day seemed like we'd discovered ourselves in a new paradigm. We even got a little whacky while Tim took some family portrait shots.

Today I opened Studio C by appointment for my friend Sunny Hill so she could buy some of Tim's photo art cards and Sharon Niederman's book Return to Abo.

Tomorrow I'll be at my studio to work on some art! I have been looking for time to commit to making my art. Mondays will start my weeks off on a satisfying note. Tomorrow I'll be opening the gallery to sell coffee to a neighbor who called this evening. I love to open the gallery and will be happy to do so for you too. Send me an email and we can schedule an appointment.

Here's hoping you are enjoying a wonderful start to your new year too!

Cheers!

Christina