The Twelve Loves Exhibition hosted by Gallery Chaco turned out to be the greatest show yet! Featuring many fantastic artists, the show explored different facets of love through visual interpretations. Each artist created work relating to their views and understanding of what love is. The artists included Autumn Borts-Medlock, Althea Cajero, Joe Cajero, Tammy Garcia, Ira Lujan, Rhett Lynch, Patricia Michaels, Mateo Romero, Penny Singer, and Adrian Wall. Love was felt throughout the night as the artists, their families, close friends, and art enthusiasts alike came together.
Adrian Wall and his family proudly posing in front of his work.
Adrian Wall, a well-known sculptor and jeweler from Jemez Pueblo, poses with his love Shondinii and their three beautiful daughters Maria, Kiowa and Skye. The sensational limestone sculpture in this photo titled "Awake And Dreaming" truly showcases Adrian's talent working in stone. The eagle feather hanging above is carefully crafted out of glass. Combining his talent in glass and jewelry, Adrian also creates original earrings that are prominently known. Adrian Wall's many talents brings a unique variety of work to Gallery Chaco.
Ira Lujan and his mom Jan look at each other lovingly.
Ira Lujan of Taos/Onkay Owingeh Pueblo is a talented glassblower who puts a contemporary spin on Native themes. Creating works from glass antlers to astoundingly crafted canteens, every piece is fashioned with impeccable attention to detail. Along with many family members, Ira's mother was present at the show. The pride was evident on Jan's face, as she celebrated her birthday at her son's show. The family celebrated at Hotel Chaco following the exhibition.
Designer Penny Singer and artist Tammy Garcia.
Penny Singer and Tammy Garcia catch up at the show. Penny's garments are created with the Native American Spirit in mind. Some of her most recent work includes a fun line of bow ties that have a contemporary, fun flare that will brighten up any outfit. Tammy has recently started an exciting new chapter in her career by beginning to paint. Already a master of bronze and clay, this new medium provides new opportunities and a fresh creative space. Penny Singer and Tammy Garcia are just two of Gallery Chaco's artists who have been friends for years. The nurturing friendships between so many of the artists is just one of the many types of love felt at the show.
Mateo Romero and wife Melissa pose affectionately.
Mateo Romero is a contemporary Pueblo painter and award-winning artist. Some distinctive themes of his paintings include landscapes and ceremony regalia. Mateo's wife, Melissa, has been his biggest supporter. The couple live in Pojoaque with their three beautiful children and continue to be active voices for Native Peoples. For the Twelve Loves Exhibition Mateo created the "Heartwork Series" of oil and clay heart paintings on canvas.
Althea Cajero explains the process of cuttefish bone casting.
Althea Cajero of Santo Domingo and Acoma Pueblos creates her stunning jewelry with cuttlefish bone casting, which creates the distinctive design that she is known for. Althea became a jeweler after meeting her husband, talented artist Joe Cajero. The two are a wonderful couple who support each other's art endeavors with love.
In the above photo, Althea explains her process for creating jewelry. This exhibition was a wonderful opportunity for artists to share their processes and people to learn more about the world of art. Gallery Chaco aims to put on art shows that make everyone feel welcome and encourage learning and growth about not only art, but Native cultures. The Twelve Loves Exhibition was a night full of laughter, friendship, learning, and love. Thank you to everyone who came and made the event such a success. We hope to see you at the next show!
Below are more pictures from the show.
Patricia Michaels showcasing her beautiful hand crafted designs.
Artist Autumn Borts-Medlock stands with her mother Linda Cain.
Artist Joe Cajero speaks with attendants of the show.