Gratefulness and Optimism

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We are on edge here in Silver City due to a wildfire northeast of town. June is a predictably dry and hot month. The winds make it difficult for the hardworking firefighters and other rescue personnel to perform their jobs. We are grateful for their efforts. The fire is still quite a distance from town, but many smaller communities are on alert, and some are under evacuation. Nigel and I live in Arenas Valley, which is currently in a ready zone, so we are prepared to leave if needed. We remain optimistic and look forward to the rain on Tuesday.

We are very grateful to all of you who joined our new membership program and donated to the building maintenance fund. Thank you.
Here are the links for those who missed it:
https://lightartspace.com/annual-membership/

Donate to our Building Maintenance Fund

 

Call for Alternative Process Photography!
The deadline has been extended to June 24th.

Submit at: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=15321

Juror Annie Lopez (https://annielopezartist.com/).
The deadline to submit has been EXTENDED TO June 24th.
Submit at:

https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=15321

Congratulations to the following artists who were accepted into the Perception exhibition:

Mary Angell, Caitlin Benson, Jasmine Beul, Sally Brogden, Marie Brown, Vincent Burke, Rachel Estrada, Jasper Eyrich-Bingham, Carolyn Fisch, Ashley Gauntt, Drew Harrington, Colleen Hench, Karina Knutzen, Justin Leavitt, Stephanie Lebaudour, Susan Mach, Amy Maule, Mercy Neumark, Tori Nicoletti, Dina Perlasca, Amber Ransom, Amber Riordan, Jenna Ritter, Cirrelda Snider-Bryan, Mathew Wheeler, Mary Clare Wilkinson, Betsy Williams.

Two clay exhibitions open on July 3rd. Perception and It’s a Fine Line
Join us for the opening reception on July 4th from 5 to 7 p.m.

 

Join us for the CLAY festival from July 14th to 20th.

We will feature a retrospective, “Transformed: The Visionary Art of Joel Armstrong,” from July 24th to August 16th.

Joel has been a Light Art Space artist for 6 years and an essential member of the Silver City art community. Although his illness saddens us, we are so grateful to have him in our lives.

“Transformed: The Visionary Art of Joel Armstrong” celebrates the extraordinary artistic legacy of a prolific multi-media artist through his three children’s loving eyes as they honor his life’s work and his final rite of passage. Spanning decades of creation—from masterful colored pencil portraits and figure studies to transcendent wire installations—Joel’s pieces reveal an artistic master who understood art’s power to transform materials and human experience. Joel’s work reflects his deep commitment to authentic expression and radical acceptance, even while courageously navigating his journey with bipolar disorder. This intensely personal retrospective presents his art not as a commercial product, but as the transformative vision of a true master—work that celebrates the full complexity of being human and marks the sacred transition of an artist whose creative legacy will endure.

7 Year Itch…

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Wow, Light Art Space (LAS) has been open for almost seven years!
It has been a wonderfully rewarding journey full of ups and downs and daily discoveries.
Now we are at a transition point and need your help.

A brief recap: I (Karen Hymer) moved to Silver City after retiring from a teaching career in Tucson. In Silver City I saw a need for a professional gallery space to exhibit high quality art from local and national artists, and I was seeking a smaller art community where I could exhibit my artwork, teach workshops and build community.

After renovating the historic building at 209 West Broadway, LAS opened on September 1st, 2018. We have been home to the work of 10 —13 local artists and held group exhibitions for over 60 other local artists. Of 85 exhibitions, many included artworks from outside the United States. Over 45 workshops have been attended by locals and others from across the US.

LAS differs from the other galleries in Silver City; we are a bit of a hybrid.  We currently represent 11 local artists and also host curated juried exhibitions featuring work from national and international artists. Exhibitions change out every 4 – 8 weeks, providing our community with exciting new work in a museum-like setting. Our focus is on providing a welcoming environment where people of all ages can step away from daily life and immerse themselves in an inspirational visual experience. Making sales, while important, is secondary to our mission.

An important part of our Vision Statement includes interfacing with local organizations and events. LAS produces annual juried exhibitions as part of the Silver City CLAY Festival and The Print Fiesta. We have held poetry and book readings as part of the Southwest Festival of the Written Word, exhibited the work of WNMU students, hosted LGBTQ Grant County 2024 Silver City Pride Festival art show, and exhibited Latinx artists during the Fiesta Latina.  Our annual Grant County Photography exhibition features work by 20 – 30 photographers from across the county.

In the last 7 years I have felt supported and appreciated by the community.  I love Silver City and thank all of you who attend our exhibitions, participate in workshops, and purchase art. I truly believe that the world is a better place when the creative spirit is fostered.

I want to continue providing this kind of programing. We rely on our artist/volunteers to staff the gallery, and juried exhibition entry fees, workshop fees, and general sales to cover expenses. However, since the pandemic, tourism has been down, so for the past two years our income has no longer covered our operating expenses. I work 20 – 30 hours a week at the gallery with no financial compensation for my time, and I do not charge the gallery rent. This has become unsustainable, which is why I am asking for your help.

Here’s how you can help to ensure our community continues to have access to the inspirational art viewing and professional programing we provide:

  1. Become an annual Member of Light Art Space.  Visit lightartspace.com to join the Light Art Space family. There are four levels to choose from, with many benefits.
  2. Donate to our “Building Maintenance Fund”. Some upcoming projects include replacing our main heater, adding a cooling system, roof repair, plumbing and gallery lights.
  3. Participate in our “7 Year Itch Auction Fundraiser” on display at LAS September 25th – October 5th, 2025. The finale party of the silent auction will be held on Sunday, October 5th from 4 – 6 pm. Bid on the variety of artwork, gift certificates, and other wonderful items.
  4. Post a review on Google and keep bringing your family and friends to the gallery!

With your help we can continue to provide inspiration and creative growth in Silver City.

Thank you!

Karen (and Nigel)

 

 

Closing Reception with Artist talks and Call For Work

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Join us for a gallery Artist Talk through the exhibitions:

Dialogue: Art and Poetry Speak of Spring, and Earth Matters

Saturday May 31st
4 pm – 6 pm

Schedule:
4:30 Delia deVer
4:45 Kit West
5:00 Karen Hymer
5:15 Alice Fujita
5:30 Renee Maderazo
5:45 Donna Cosentino, Director of the Photographer’s Eye, Escondido

Earth Matters, photographs by The Photographer’s Eye: A Creative Collective.
The Photographer’s Eye Collective is located in Escondido, California, and is made up of 16 artists from all over San Diego County.  Each artist has a unique way of seeing and hopes to inspire you with their image-making. Their commitment is led by the concept that photography not only enriches lives but can change them.

Featured in Light Art Space’s Flash Gallery is  Dialogue: Art and Poetry Speak of Spring, moving through the difficult present, will feature a conversation between visual arts and poetry.  Both art forms, created separately and later matched in either theme, image or emotion, will explore the contradictions of this very unusual spring, one filled with the joy of life renewing itself after a long winter and tension at the challenges presented by domestic and global upheaval.  By way of this expansive conversation, the work looks to discover new ways to express the old truth that life is ultimately and stubbornly about beauty and renewal.

 

Poets: Cindy “Renee” Provencio, Leonore Hildebrandt, Beate Sigriddaughter, Lara Lawrence, Elise Stuart, Katherine (Kit) West, Michelle Otero
Visual artists: Renee Maderazo, Alice Fujita, Karen Hymer, Kit West, Delia deVer

Both exhibitions will run from May 1st to June 1st.

CALL FOR WORK!

 

Juror Bianka Graves (https://www.instagram.com/bianka_groves/).
The deadline to submit is May 31st.
Submit at:

https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=14856

Juror Annie Lopez (https://annielopezartist.com/).
The deadline to submit is June 21st.
Submit at:

https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=15321

Regular gallery hours are Thursday 11- 4, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 5 pm, Sunday 11 am to 3 pm, and by appointment.
Closed Monday – Wednesday. Light Art Space will be closed the month of June.

Exhibitions, Call for Work, Workshop, and more!

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Light Art Space is thrilled to welcome Julie Enos to the gallery!
Julie is a former Tourism and Arts Marketing Director, with a background in Journalism and Grantwriting. She currently promotes towns in NM, including Silver City! Her photography background has landed her in tourism ads, national magazines, book covers and exhibitions. Julie’s most recent work is in Encaustic, a process that consists of the layering of beeswax and damar resin with pigments, fusing each layer together with a torch.

Our spring winds have died down so this is a good time to venture out to view the final week of two wonderful exhibitions:

Of Mind & Matter, a self-juried member exhibition of The New Mexico Potters and Clay Artists (formerly New Mexico Potters Association). This is a statewide exhibition of NMPCA members representing an uncommon breadth of vision in both functional and sculptural ceramic art. The work is unique and well-priced.

The Flash Gallery features Channeling The Wild, artwork by Silver City artist Carlene Roters. Roters is influenced by dreams, and taken with images that she have seen and find striking. She also channels images of what she needs or sees missing in the environment through her painting.  Various media are on display including wood carvings, monotypes, and paintings.  It is a beautiful display of Carlene’s work.

Carlene Roters

 

Workshop!

A Slot Canyon Photographic Adventure
With Silver City photographer George Austin

Friday, May 9th, 6pm – 7:30pm & Saturday, May 10th, 8am – 4pm.

The group will photograph in Purgatory Slot Canyon and Skates Canyon in the Lake Roberts area.

Special rate of $95 plus tax. $15 off  for PPANew Mexico members .

Register at https://lightartspace.com/product/a-slot-canyon-photographic-adventure/ or stop in the gallery

Save the Date!
Friday, May 2nd (5 – 7 pm) is the opening reception of two dynamic exhibitions.

Earth Matters, photographs by The Photographer’s Eye: A Creative Collective.
The Photographer’s Eye Collective is located in Escondido, California, and is made up of 16 artists from all over San Diego County.  Each artist has a unique way of seeing and hopes to inspire you with their image-making. Their commitment is led by the concept that photography not only enriches lives but can change them.

Featured in Light Art Space’s Flash Gallery is  Dialogue: Art and Poetry Speak of Spring, moving through the difficult present, will feature a conversation between visual arts and poetry.  Both art forms, created separately and later matched in either theme, image or emotion, will explore the contradictions of this very unusual spring, one filled with the joy of life renewing itself after a long winter and tension at the challenges presented by domestic and global upheaval.  By way of this expansive conversation, the work looks to discover new ways to express the old truth that life is ultimately and stubbornly about beauty and renewal.

 

The opening reception for both exhibitions will be held on Friday, May 2nd from 5-7pm as part of the First Friday event in Silver City.  A poetry reading by the authors will begin at 6:00pm.  Books by the participating poets will be available for sale.

Poets: Cindy “Renee” Provencio, Leonore Hildebrandt, Beate Sigriddaughter, Lara Lawrence, Elise Stuart, Katherine (Kit) West, Michelle Otero
Visual artists: Renee Maderazo, Alice Fujita, Karen Hymer, Kit West, Delia deVer

Both exhibitions will run from May 1st to June 1st.

CALL FOR WORK!

 

Juror Bianka Graves (https://www.instagram.com/bianka_groves/).
The deadline to submit is May 31st.
Submit at:

https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=14856

Juror Annie Lopez (https://annielopezartist.com/).
The deadline to submit is June 21st.
Submit at:

https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=15321

Regular gallery hours are Thursday 11- 4, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 5 pm, Sunday 11 am to 3 pm, and by appointment.
Closed Monday – Wednesday. Light Art Space will be closed the month of June.

1 year together!

April Happenings!

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April has arrived!  As I write this newsletter, we are installing two new exhibitions. Opening this Friday evening (April 4th) from 5 – 7 pm is Of Mind & Matter: Celebration of Clay 2025 AND Channeling The Wild, work by Silver City artist Carlene Roters. Also, we have a Call out for Clay work:  Perceptions is a juried exhibition as part of the 2025 Clay Festival. See below for information. Submit now! Plus, a photography workshop in the field…

Light Art Space is pleased to present Of Mind & Matter, a self-juried member exhibition of The New Mexico Potters and Clay Artists (formerly New Mexico Potters Association).

This is a statewide exhibition of NMPCA members representing an uncommon breadth of vision in ceramic art, both functional and sculptural.

Public reception on Friday, April 4th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Awards announced at 5:30 pm.

The Flash Gallery features Channeling The Wild, artwork by Silver City artist Carlene Roters. Roters is influenced by dreams and taken with images that she has seen and finds striking. She also channels images of what she needs or sees missing in the environment through her paintings.

Various media are on display, including wood carvings, monotypes, and paintings.

Exhibition dates: April 4th to April 27th, 2025, with a free public reception on Friday, April 4th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.  209 West Broadway, Silver City, NM 88061.

Regular gallery hours are Thursday 11- 4, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 5 pm, Sunday 11 am to 3 pm, and by appointment.  Closed Monday – Wednesday.

Call for Clay Work!

This exhibition is a call for ceramic artwork that explores the concept of Perception—how we see, interpret, and interact with the world around us.

All types of ceramic work are welcome.
The exhibition will be juried anonymously through the submission of digital images.

Submission deadline May 31st, 2025,11:59 PM MST.
Submit here:
https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=14856

Juror: Bianka Groves

As we navigate an increasingly complex world, our perception shapes our understanding, influences our actions, and defines our relationship with the world around us. Through perception, we interpret and interact with our surroundings, experiences, and emotions—constantly shaping and reshaping our understanding of reality. How does ceramic art capture these moments of insight and connection?

Exhibition dates: July 1 – 20th, 2025


https://clayfestival.com/

Workshop!

A Slot Canyon Photographic Adventure

With Silver City photographer George Austin

Friday, May 9th, 6pm – 7:30 pm & Saturday, May 10th, 8 am – 4 pm.

The group will photograph in Purgatory Slot Canyon and Skates Canyon in the Lake Roberts area.
$125 plus tax. $15 off for PPANew Mexico members.
Register at lightartspace.com or stop in the gallery.
https://lightartspace.com/product/a-slot-canyon-photographic-adventure/

March Exhibitions

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The March winds have arrived here in Silver City and we welcome what little rain and snow may still come. Light Art Space is bustling with two new exhibitions that we are excited to share with you.

In the North Gallery, we are honored to present Louis Carlos Bernal: Rerospectivita.
This month-long pop-up exhibition is a smaller version of the retrospective exhibition on view at the Center for Creative Photography (CCP) in Tucson that will travel across Arizona and New Mexico through March 2025, visiting communities with personal or professional connections to Bernal. Louis Carlos Bernal (1941–1993), was a trailblazing photographer and the first photography instructor at Pima Community College, Tucson, AZ. He dedicated his career to developing Pima’s photography program. Bernal’s photography captures the essence of barrio life, depicting everyday scenes with deep spiritual and cultural significance. His work highlighted the strength, spiritual and cultural values, and prolonged family ties that marked the lives of Mexican-Americans in Southern Arizona and beyond. Bernal made images in Silver City, a famous one was taken in the Buffalo Bar. Stop by and take a look – see if you recognize yourself or any relatives in the exhibition or book!

March 6 – 29th

Opening reception Friday, March 7, from 5-7 pm

Image Credit: Louis Carlos Bernal, Dos
Mujeres, Douglas, Arizona, 1978, Center for
Creative Photography, the University of
Arizona: Louis Carlos Bernal Archive. © Lisa
Bernal Brethour and Katrina Ann Bernal.

Installation views. Elizabeth (Guevara) Golden

Becky Senf, Axel Golden, and Elizabeth (Guevara) Golden

Featured in Light Art Space’s Flash Gallery is work by Alvaro Enciso, an artist living and working in Tucson, AZ, and the Southwestern borderlands. The Art of Alvaro Enciso: Ghosts from the Desert features found wood and metal constructions from his explorations across the borderlands. The work speaks of the immigrant’s journey crossing the southwest border, and their cultural identity as an outsider, all in pursuit of the illusive American Dream.

March 6 – March 29, 2025
Free public reception Friday, March 7th, 5 – 7 pm.
Alvaro will talk about his work at 5:30

Gallery Hours: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 11 am – 5 pm, Sunday 10 – 2, First Fridays 11 am – 7 pm, and by appointment.

Workshops

There is still space in this fun, creative workshop.
Sail Away: build your own dream boat, with Kathleen Koopman.

March 21st and 22nd
Register at lightartspace.com or stop in the gallery.

 

Upcoming workshops:

***Stayed tuned for information about an upcoming adventure***
A Slot Canyon Photographic Adventure with George Austin, May 9 and 10!  

**Cyanotype printing in June with Karen Hymer**

*Photopolymer gravure in July with Karen Hymer*

These will be on the website soon!


George Austin


Wet Cyanotype, Karen Hymer

Photopolyner Gravure, Karen Hymer

Karen’s news:

I am excited to have artwork in the 46th Annual Paper in Particular exhibition in the Sydney Larson Gallery at Columbia College, Columbia Missouri.  Also, in August I return to Otis, Oregon to teach two workshops (August 8 – 12 photopolymer gravure and cyanotype & lumens) at Sitka Center for Art and Ecology. Registration opens today. https://sitkacenter.org/workshops/

 

 

February News…

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Greetings!

After a sleepy January, Light Art Space is gearing up for a busy spring.
We are pleased to present On The Road, photographic work by Grant County photographers. Work by twenty-three artists is on display.  Join us this Friday from 5-7 for the opening reception.

We have wonderful gift options for your sweetie for Valentine’s Day. Here are a few ideas: exquisite scarves, shawls, and table runners hand-designed, dyed, and woven by Susan H. Porter; bracelets, earrings, and necklaces of unique design featuring rubies, pearls, and other gems by Rhonda Munzinger; Stephan Höglund’s stunning bolo ties, brooches, and rings make a creative statement when worn or displayed on the wall; new colorful clay vases by Zoe Wolfe; plus wall art, wood tables, and sculptures…We are happy to assist with selection and shipping.

Call For Clay!

Deadline February 15th

Workshops

Register at www.lightartspace.com

 

 

 

 

2025

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2025!

Nigel and I wish you a joyful and safe new year!

Light Art Space will have reduced hours in January. We will be open on Fridays and Saturdays 11 – 5 pm.

Join us this Friday as we celebrate the First Friday Gallery Walk from 5 – 7 pm. At 5:30 I will demonstrate printing a photogravure plate. Prints will be offered at a discounted price. Plus, the gallery features Local Light, an exhibition of the 12 artists represented by LAS. Local Light will be on view through February 1st.

Current Exhibition:

Local Light: Art by the Twelve Light Art Space Artists.

December 5th, 2024 – February 1st, 2025

Upcoming Exhibitions:

Online Phishing: Staying Safe in the Digital Age

A mixed media installation in the Flash Gallery
February 6 – March 1st.

Opening reception on Friday, February 7th, 5 – 7 pm during the First Friday Gallery walk

Call For Photographs!

Grant County, NM photographers are encouraged to submit to On the Road.

Exhibition dates: February 6 – March 1.

Reception Friday, February 7, 5-7 pm.
Each Grant County artist is invited to display one or two works 16” x 20” or smaller OR one larger piece.

The Deadline to commit is January 27th.

Email karenhymer@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Classes

Regarding the Abstract: Drawing from Within

Three evenings devoted to the better understanding and execution of abstract art.

Wed. Jan. 29th, Feb. 5th and Feb. 12th, 6 – 8 pm

$20 per session or $50 when paid in advance.
Register at the gallery. Hosted by Joe Huebner

Figure Drawing

Starting up again on February 13th.

Thursdays, 6 – 8 pm. Pay as you go, $20 a session.
Hosted by Joel Armstrong.

Trading Card Exchange

Trading Card sessions have openings; trades are on January 18th and February 15th. Contact Joel Armstrong jart56@gmail.com for more information.

 

 

 

 

December news! First Friday Reception, workshops and more…

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The low light of winter is upon us. The leaves have fallen, and the morning frost on the wild grasses glisten brilliantly. For our final exhibition of 2024, we are pleased to present Local Light, which features the twelve wonderful artists Light Art Space represents.

Join us this First Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. for the opening reception. On display is a variety of new works including drawing, painting, woodwork, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, assemblage, and ceramic sculpture.

Art Peterson, Rhonda Munzinger, Joe Huebner, Kathleen Koopman, Nancy Spencer, Karen Hymer, Stephan Hoglund, Zoe Wolfe, Joel Armstrong, Susan H. Porter, Juan Velasco and Eric Renner.

December 5th, 2024 – February 1st, 2025.  Opening reception Friday, December 6th, 5 – 7 pm.

 

Workshop

Holiday Flower Arrangement and Basket Weaving

There is still space in the Holiday Flower Arrangement and Basket Weaving with Alice Fujita.

Ages 10 and over welcome!

Alice Fujita is a basketmaker and a Sangetsu Ikebana Instructor. She started learning Ikebana in Japan just for fun but fell in love with the philosophy and the therapeutic effects. She started learning Ikebana in Japan and has been teaching Ikebana (Japanese Art of flower arranging) in the US since 2018.

December 21st from 1 to 4 PM. $120 plus tax. All supplies included

Please sign up by Dec. 8th

Register at www.ligthartspace.com or stop in the gallery

Gallery hours: Thursday 11 – 4, Friday and Saturday 11- 5, Sunday 10- 2, First Fridays 11 – 7 pm and by appointment.

Create your own holiday Star!

In this free public interactive event, you can create a 3-D holiday star window decoration with upcycled paper bags with artist Kathleen Koopman.

Make and take this beautiful paper star decoration for your holiday decorating. All ages and families are welcome!!

Saturday, December 14, at Light Art Space Gallery 

Ongoing from 12 noon to 3. The finished project takes about 30-45 minutes. All materials provided.

 

Late Fall News

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As fall advances and the light lessens, it is a time to remember those who have left us and to celebrate our love for them. In the Ofrenda at Light Art Space we honor Juan Velasco, Ken Slade, Tim Aldrich, and Gene Lefebvre. In downtown Silver City we celebrate Dia de los Muertos with a procession and a blessing of the Ofrendas on November 1st from 5 – 7pm. On November 2nd there will be a parade starting at 3:30 and the Silver City Museum will hold a celebration in the courtyard from 11 – 4 pm. We hope you will take time to visit our Ofrenda and to celebrate with gratitude those you love.

NEWS:

First Friday Art Walk

Friday, November 1st, 5 pm – 7 pm

We are pleased to present Enchanted Flowers, a showing of the Japanese art of Ikebana and baskets. Work by Alice Fujita, Bill Nolde, Naomi Laffinghans, and David Schwarz are featured. Work on display through November 3rd.

You can learn this art and create your own thanksgiving center piece in a workshop November 24th.

Ikebana and Basket making with Alice Fujita. register at the gallery or at www.lightartspace.com.

 

CALL FOR WORK!

The Mindful Landscape

I am a pleased to be a juror for an on-line exhibition through LA Photo Curator which is run by Laurie Freitag. Laurie is a respected photographer and facilitator of magical things including this series of juried shows. My partner for this is Donna Cosentino, director of The Photographer’s Eye in Escondido, California.

Deadline is Nov 30th

I know it is easy to put off entering juried shows but then it becomes too late, so please consider entering now!

We have designated the Mono Lake Committee to receive 5% of the fees collected.

I’m sharing the link here:

https://laphotocurator.com/call-for-entry-the-mindful-landscape-juried-by-donna-cosentino-karen-hymer

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

Two printmaking exhibitions continue through November 9th.

Uncertain Boundaries features the work of 32 printmakers from across the country.

Carbon / Element by Tyler Green. This exhibition aims to build connections between human-caused global warming and increased wildfire intensity. Photographs of the New Mexico landscape impacted by wildfire are presented as intaglio prints made from carbon-based ink.

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS