Cristina Clarimon Art Gallery

Another exhibit to benefit the Harwood Art Center is opening on December 4th. The Harwood is located at 1114 7th Street NW in Downtown Albuquerque. It promises to be an array of interesting, small format artwork from many different local artists. You are bound to find something that you like…or just something that really, really matches your sofa…In any case, you should swing by if you are in the area because it is a treasure trove for the aspiring collector. Three pieces that I completed last year are part of the show. Two of them are collages and the most recent one is a mixed media piece. The mixed media work is a precursor to the larger, more painterly pieces I am currently working on…It has the blues and cool tones that originated the pieces that I will exhibit at the N4th gallery in January. Do check it out and leave with some fabulous gifts for the holidays…

The sudden but overdue wave of wintery weather did keep some people at home but some very brave and nice people made it to the opening.

I got to finally meet the artist. Eileen is an acquaintance of my husband’s since high school and the evening turned into an interesting exchange of anecdotes and stories. It was very funny at times…I enjoyed seeing these 20 something kids (quite a bit younger than myself) talk about their high school years as if they had one foot in their grave…It was making me feel like I should retire to a nursing home where I can be fed, changed and cared for for the remainder of my days…Ouch!

I understand that Eileen was feeling a bit ambivalent about her new work because it is such a departure from her previous art. I think that going out on a limb regarding ideas, materials and style always deserves the highest praise, if simply because it is not an easy thing to do. It is not for the faint of heart…The pen sketches are delightful and, even if this is just transitional work, I am glad that she showed it with us. I wish for her all the luck in arriving at where these pieces are going… I only wish we could have sold all of them…but we are doing OK.

Thank you to all who came by despite the bitter cold. You know who you are. To those who would not even consider showing their turned up noses around the gallery in the warmest, most comfortable of New Mexico evenings…well, you know who you are too! No loss there…We are still meeting the most delightful, uncomplicated and honest people. Artists and art lovers who are truly interested and interesting. Their feedback is very much appreciated as is their presence. Thank you.

 Eileen’s clay animation video titled “What have I done?” was the highlight of the evening. Twelve minutes long. It is beautiful and poignant.