OFFCenter Community Arts Project

Shoe Seance

2012-01-03T17:02:00.001-07:00

The shoe seance was a success! Ayren Valerie taught the workshop, encouraging the attendees to paint and otherwise embellish their lifeless shoes. The end results were very exciting, including several pairs of funky boots and a pair of updated golf sneakers. The workshop was part of the ReEnVision project, a series of workshops emphasizing finding creative uses for discarded materials. The ReEnVision workshops are culminating in an exhibit of recycled art called Dumpsite Grotto.

Media Arts Students Participate in Printmaking Workshop

2011-12-15T18:25:00.002-07:00

Adabel Allen, an art educator at OFFCenter, facilitated a printmaking workshop several weeks ago. An art class from the Media Arts Collaborative Charter School came into the studio and used recycled milk cartons as a tool to create prints. Students were asked to bring in a sketch and converted it into a plate for printmaking. It was the first printmaking experience for many of the students, who demonstrated a natural talent, as shown above. This workshop was part of a series of workshops made possible, in part, thanks to a grant from the Wolf Kahn & Emily Mason Foundation.

2011-09-13T10:00:00.004-06:00

The WE ART THE PEOPLE FOLK FESTIVAL 2011 was terrific!!!!! I had several people, both vendors and attendees tell me that this was the best organized year ever for the festival. Also heard some folks say this is their favorite Abq. festival!! This is a great mid September tradition for OFFCenter and hopefully will be for years to come. The kids area was hopping all day long with beautiful hats and pin wheels emerging from the art making tent, children having fun with hula hoops, and being thoroughly entertained by Pink Elephant and Clan Tynker! The group paper tube sculpture and giant coloring book/painting canvases were great.... can't wait to see the new OFFBags made from the canvas. Come shop for one in the OFFCenter retail shop in the studio! I got a fantastic henae design on my entire arm and enjoyed seeing lots of lovely painted faces walking all around the park. Thanks to all the dancers and musicians too for creating such a festive day. It's a gift to see all the art vendors and witness the enormous variety of creativity in our community. Yea for Chami and all the other folks who worked so hard to make the 2011 We Art the People Folk Festival happen so wonderfully! Better and better each year :) Hope to see lots of fun 2011 Folk Fest pictures here and on the website soon!

OFFCenter Fun at RT66Summerfest

2011-07-26T19:23:00.000-06:00

Ron and D'Ana helping families make art together

Thanks to all those who helped make the RT66Summerfest Community Art Project fun for all the families who participated! Art Educator Topher House volunteered to manage the project and helped families build and decorate paper towers out of old newspapers. (Thank you Jo Tabacchi for coming up with the activity!) OFFCenter's Executive Director, Ron Breen and Board President Margaret Lopez and Board Member D'Ana Alderate were there to make it a success on the streets!

Topher House guiding kids on the construction

Thanks also to the volunteers and interns who helped prepare for the project. This was truly an event where art making = community. Unfortunately the weather cancelled the second half of building -- but now we have leftovers to keep building art together in the Community Art section (alongside the Giant Coloring Books) at the 9th Annual "We Art the People!" Folk Art Festival this Sept. 11th!

OFFCenter's "Nature of Happiness" Exhibit Opens at Main Public Library

2011-07-01T15:17:00.000-06:00

OFFCenter's "Nature of Happiness" Printmaking/Book Arts Exhibit at the Main Public Library is now open!

Congratulations to all those who submitted art made during the Nature of Happiness Workshops -- the exhibit is in the display cases on the first and second floors of the Main Public Library.
We will have another 6 months of workshops coming your way, as well as another exhibit in November at OFFCenter Community Arts...so stay tuned to your emails and call/email to sign up for a workshop you want to attend, because they fill up fast. Priority seating will be given to newcomers, however, so that as many people as possible can reap the benefits of learning printmaking/book arts.

July 2 - July 29th
Main Public Library - 5th & Copper
Hours: Mon, Thu-Sat, 10am-6pm; Tues & Wed 10am-7pm

Parking:
Free parking for up to 2 hours in the Very Special Arts Garage at 5th and Copper. Bring your parking stub to the circulation desk for validation. There is also on street metered parking.
As a reminder, once you take a Nature of Happiness workshop, your allowed to come into the studio and check out inks/presses during open studio time on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 - 7 pm. Master Printmaker Adabel Allen will be on hand during those days/times to assist you with press setup and any other further technical questions.

KUDOS to OFFCenter Promoters and Supporters and Workers!

2011-03-30T00:10:00.003-06:00

Thanks to both Rick and Roy (Sumner & Dene Gallery) for your excellent promotion of OFFCenter's 2011 Albuquirky House Tour. Recently we had a couple of people come into OFFCenter because of the great recommendation they received at Sumner & Dene about OFFCenter and the 2011 House Tour (and they bought house tour tickets!). They loved OFFCenter, and were also impressed with the wonderful tour they received while visiting the OFFCenter studio. Way to go everyone! Here Comes the 2011 Albuquirky House Tour!

Margaret Lopez

OFFCenter Board President and Volunteer

OFFCenter Artists Haul in State Fair Ribbons

2010-10-27T16:47:00.018-06:00

This year three OFFCenter artists entered work into Expo New Mexico State Fair art exhibitions. Gloria Hajduk won First Place and Best of Show for her entry in the Stamped Book catagory. Koffi Mbairamadji's acrylic paintings picked up a Best of Show, a Second and two Thirds. Henry Kennison won two Second place awards for his mixed media compositions. All three of artists are extraordinarily dedicated and talented. Congratulations from everyone at OFFCenter and our extended community! Koffi and Henry also brought along a few ribbons from previous State Fairs to brighten up their photos.

Sharie's Studio Journal

2010-09-10T18:00:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone!! It has been a while since I have been able to "blog" You know the old saying when it rains it pours?? Well it certainly has in my life this year so I have not been in the studio as much as I would like to but the Saturday hours have helped. On one such Saturday last month I was talking with my friend, artist and former board member Juanita Sanchez. Since her retirement from Sandia Labs she has done several things to stay busy and most recently she has been driving a group of Senior Citezens to various places to preform musically. This summer they traveled to Las Cruces to compete in Senior Olympics. Wel-l-l-l-l Juanita competed too and came home with two Gold Medals. One medal was for reading an original poem that she wrote (she is a published poet). The other medal was for her musical talent she played an original composition on a Native American flute. Juanita is a multi talented person witty and funny and I consider myself priveledged to know her and to be able to call her friend. Congratulations!!! Juanita, on your two Gold Medals.

Call for Submissions!

2010-09-10T15:50:00.000-06:00

Craft Punk 3 Raises $3000 for OFFCenter! OMG!

2010-08-28T20:21:00.005-06:00

After hearing that OFFCenter Arts was going to be the beneficiary of Craft Punk 3 for the second time this year we felt a little numb from the remarkable generosity and support shown towards OFFCenter and the many artists who use and benefit from our free community studio. We were fascinated by the passion and creativity of the Craft Punk artists and send our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the event at the Launch Pad on Friday, August 13th. Our special thanks goes out to Crystal Sims of Evolution Body Piercing and her capable team whose vision and dedication made this year's Craft Punk event a smashing success!!
http://www.evolutionpiercing.com/

A Shout Out toTerry Begay

2010-08-18T21:30:00.009-06:00

Terry epitomizes the spirit of OFFCenter's community art studio. Passionate and capable, friendly and funny, Terry alternates as a teacher and student who constantly experiments in his work blending traditional and modern into his unique artistic expressions. Hungry to learn and eager to share his knowledge, Terry is a positive influence on every artist in the studio. Today we honor Terry's acceptance into the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe where Terry will pursue his artistic development through higher education.

Reminder: OFFCenter Closed July 1-3

2010-06-24T12:39:00.004-06:00

OFFCenter will be closed Thursday July 1, Friday July 2, and Saturday July 3. Have a happy and safe July 4 holiday weekend and we'll see you again on Tuesday July 6!

Summer fun at OFFCenter and Downtown Grower's Market :)

2010-06-24T12:33:00.006-06:00

Summer is in full swing at OFFCenter with our new Saturday 10am- 2pm hours, coinciding with the dates of the Downtown Grower's Market. You can find great OFFCenter art and support your local artists at the OFFCenter table at the Downtown Grower's Market at Robinson Park (just across the street from OFFCenter) every Saturday morning from 7 - 11 am this summer. Then after 10 am you can come across the street to create your own art too! OFFCenter... Make Art, Buy Art, Meet New Friends!

Ninos y mayores, Children and elders final exhibit

2010-06-14T22:39:00.003-06:00

exhibit - Children and Elders intergenerational workshop

runs through June 18th

This exhibit features a series of collaborative art works produced by neighborhood children and elders over the last several months.

The project brought children and elders together to interact, share and explore each other’s lives in a variety of exercises facilitated by educator Roberta Marquez at the Barelas Senior Center .

This project was made possible, in part, by a grant from New Mexico Arts, Department of Cultural Affairs for the State of New Mexico .

Call for Art: Things in the Air

2010-06-04T07:16:00.003-06:00

Things in the Air
Entries due July 9th and 10th.
Exhibit Opens Friday, July 16th 5pm –8pm

Is it a bird? a plane? a UFO? a kite?

Unleash your imagination and let it soar using this year’s theme for the “We ART the People” folk festival!

A call for art in any medium for a non-juried community art show.
Entries limited 2 pieces per person please.
All work should be dropped off by Saturday, July 10th . no entry fee.
For further information call 247-1172.

OFFCenter Proud to Host Senior Project Art Exhibit!

2010-06-04T01:24:00.000-06:00

Sandia Prep Senior Project

Daisy Santistevan

Traditional & Digital Photography Exhibit

Exhibit Opens June 9th, 5 - 8pm

Up through June 12th

Daisy told OFFCenter:

"Daisy Santistevan is a recent graduate of Sandia Preparatory School committed to bringing her artwork to life. This photo show is a portrait project meant to show different sides of a person in black and white film versus color digital. She did all the work by hand in a photo lab at her school for A Senior Project in order to help her graduate. The senior project is something all the seniors do; the senior class takes the last month off of school to work for 30 hrs/week for no pay in order to prep themselves for the work world they are going to enter right after high school if they're not already in the world of work. "I anticipated a lot of work," recent graduate says, "but i definitely didn't anticipate THIS much." Daisy Santistevan is going to go to the University of New Mexico this fall and is looking forward to many art classes, including: ceramics, photography and illustration. Anyone and everyone is invited to enjoy her show, Opening June 9th at 5pm and up through Sat. June 12th at 2 pm.

Special "thank you"s go out to Michael Hudock, Ellen Santistevan (*mom), Artisan art supplies, Sandia Prep, Cody Rixse, Joshua Chappell, Mark Santistevan jr, Chelsea Huff, Corey Norman, Jeremy Maloy, and Joseph Gonda."

Congratulations Daisy! We're proud of your hard work in art and photography and wish you a long, creative and productive future! OFFCenter is proud to host this event.

Marci's Cuttin' it Up! Albuquerque the Magazine!

2010-06-01T16:51:00.004-06:00

Kudos to Marci!

OFFCenter shop manager and artist-extra-ordinaire Marcia Sednek keeps finding new audiences with increasing popularity and interest in her unique "RE"creations.

Ashley M. Biggers of Albuquerque the Magazine recently interviewed Marci for an article as Albuquerque's "Creatives" highlight (photos by Liz Lopez) for the June 2010 issue.

Get your copy now!

http://www.abqthemag.com/current/7.php

OFFCenter at the Downtown Grower's Market

2010-05-29T07:45:00.001-06:00

Yeehaw! OFFCenter will have a booth this year, every Saturday, at the Downtown Grower's Market.

We'll be selling our great one-of-a-kind quirky handmade crafts, recycled and repurposed goodies for your home, and gifts for your loved ones. As usual, a huge chunk of the selling price goes right back to our artists, so you know you are supporting our mission -- which is to provide economic development opportunities for emerging community artists.

Stop by and say hello when you go the market.

Here's the where and when of it all:

2010 Opening Day entertainment by Joe Daddy & the Fat Cats/ Higher Ground Bluegrass.
Jun 5, 2010 (and every Saturday through October!)
7:00 to 11:00am

Robinson Park 8th & Central S.W.Albuquerque, NM 87102

(right across from OFFCenter!)

Folk Art Festival 2010 -- CALL FOR ARTIST VENDORS

2010-05-27T13:28:00.004-06:00

We ART The People Folk Art Festival and Giant Puppet Parade
September 12, 2010 (Sunday)
10am - 5pm
Robinson Park - 8th and Central SW

Heads up Fellow Artist and Crafters – OFFCenter’s upcoming "We ART the People" Folk Art Festival will be accepting applications for booths starting on JUNE 1st, 2010.

Please note: Only handcrafted work made by the booth artist will be accepted and displayed in our annual Folk Art Festival.

We heard your suggestions last year and we are assigning booth space this year. Booth reservations are on a first come, first served basis. So if you know the spot you want you will need to do the following:

Come to OFF Center starting on Tuesday, JUNE 1st. (No early applications will be accepted.)
Ask for Marcie.
Please bring a sample(s) or photo(s) of your handcrafted work that you will be displaying.
Fill out the application in person.
Choose you booth location(s)
Pay via cash, check or credit card -- booth fee is $30.00

We have a large map at OffCenter that has the park divided in 117 booth spaces. There is a perfect one for each and every one of you!

We look forward to your participation. If you have any questions please call Marci for more information at 505-274-1172.

Beeswax Painting & Collage Workshop

2010-05-25T16:21:00.005-06:00

Art workshop with Lindy Hurst

Sunday, June 13, 1-4pm

Have fun painting & collaging with pigmented encaustic. The results are very exciting and beautiful even if you have never drawn or painted before!

Just bring some small sketches, drawings, and/or pictures and favorite embellishments and collage materials.

Cost: $35

Space is limited to 12 people, so call 505-247-1172 now!

Registration & pre-payment required.

Lindy has an MFA from UNM. She has been teaching all ages and levels in New Mexico -- from little kids up through college level and beyond for more than 20 years.

The most common blessing, a poem by Tani Arness

2010-05-23T10:29:00.002-06:00

Albuquerque poet Tani Arness, who read at OFFCenter a few months back, sent us this excellent poem today:

The most common blessing

I.
The long-tailed birds are calling to me.
They are calling me into the coppery
brambles of winter. They keep promising
a pretty treat, a shree, a pretty treat, a feat. . .

II.
I have wrapped the sun under one arm
and the moon under the other
and I am prepared to carry them
as far as necessary—

III.
Reflections of yesterday and tomorrow shadow
the smalls of my eyes—
photos of birds on a wire,
songbirds balancing ecosystems in their beaks.
Birds are the most common blessing—
we forget to etch with ink their eyes—deep black.
I want to find, in art, my healing. . .
the first etching—a bird on a pole,
the last etching—a war song of sparrows.
Each moment the crows call to each other.
Each moment we listen or we don’t listen.

IV.
The ripple, jagged with affection,
is not right or wrong,
it simply loves us.
Can you understand
such a thing?
The mountains surrender their form to horizon,
The wind whispers over flickering black stones.
When will we let the world love us?

V.
All our relations,
each crane, each goose,
restores
a piece of the living.
I Feel it in the hollow of my bones,
the blue dusk. . .
Nothing more is necessary.
The stars fold the sky
into my direction.

VI.
I race with black-tipped wings
and white face into the curve
of canyon. The sky a path of rivers—

June First Friday Coffeehouse with Jasper!

2010-05-22T11:17:00.005-06:00

Friday, June 4

Come listen and dance to the popular eclectic rock and roots band trio JASPER.

JASPER features Frank McCullough III on electric guitar and banjo, Terry Bluhm on stand-up bass, and Jefferson Voorhees on drums and percussion. All three members contribute vocals.

Special guest: Singer/songwriter George Page

~Singer-songwriter Bonnie Bluhm hosts.
~Doors open at 5 pm. Music starts 6 pm and ends about 8:30pm.
~Ongoing art exhibit is SHELTER.
~Admission is free and coffee and refreshments will be available.
~The OFFCenter Art Shop will be open featuring the work of over 100 local folk artists.

All ages welcome! A community art making table will be set up for you and your family to make art throughout the evening. See you there! Big Fun Tonight!!

A Pass The Hat Production.

Susan Zimmerman's Silent Auction House

2010-05-12T23:02:00.003-06:00

A subtle rendering by Susan Zimmerman.

Visit Susan's website: http://www.szimmerman.com

SHELTER Exhibit Opening -- Friday May 7

2010-05-06T22:57:00.006-06:00

FIRST FRIDAY EXHIBIT opening:

“SHELTER: A Refuge for Mind, Body and Soul”
Friday night, May 7th, 2010 5-8pm free

Whether in a tent, in a friend’s company, or by reading a good book, everyone seeks refuge from the world’s stresses and dangers. Once sheltered, we begin the process of restoration.

An open community exhibit running through June 8th.

iCreate guitar class graduates will provide music.

A Message from the Board

2010-05-03T17:29:00.003-06:00

Dear OFFCenter Community,

WOW! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone who helped make OFFCenter's 5th Annual Albuquirky House Tour such an amazing success.

We had TWICE the number of attendees this year compared to last year, largely thanks to the exposure we received in last weekend's Albuquerque Journal article. Volunteers (planners, house volunteers, musicians) did a fantastic job!! KUNM and Whole Foods helped out a ton also with promotion and refreshments!!!

A great success that helps OFFCenter to be able to continue to provide all the wonderful things OFFCenter does! We look forward to seeing all of you and more again next year.

Margaret Lopez, OFFCenter Board of Directors President

Photo by Deanna Nichols. Visit Deanna's website.

Thank you Silent Auction Artists

2010-05-02T14:31:00.009-06:00

Your creativity inspired our new friends and community members. Your contributions of "little houses" helped us double our target goal for the 2010 Albuquirky House tour.
THANK YOU!

Visit our website for a complete list of Silent Auction artists. Stay tuned to this blog for more images and accolades.

We're still here -- thanks to you!

Sneak Peek Photo of another Albuquirky House

2010-04-29T08:30:00.000-06:00

Here's a sneak peek, courtesy of Deanna Sauceda and crew at KRQE News 13, at another of the three homes ticket purchasers will get to tour on the 2010 Albuquirky House Tour fundraiser for OFFCenter.

Click the photo above to see the video that aired on KRQE. Click the Albuquirky House Tour links for details and tickets purchasing infor.

Thanks in advance for helping OFFCenter keep on serving up free art studio space for the good citizens of Albuquirky.

Tickets, by the way, are available right up to the Tour -- which begins at 1:00 this Saturday! (OFFCenter opens at 12:00).

Thanks, Stephanie Lerma

2010-04-25T21:53:00.002-06:00

Let's add Stephanie Lerma to the list of local artists who have donated a "house" to our Silent Auction, to be held on Saturday, May 1, in conjunction with our annual Albuquirky House Tour.

Here's a bit of info about Stephanie, courtesy of OFFCenter friend Bethany (Buffy) Nelson's House of Figs:

http://www.house-of-figs.com/artists/stephanie-lerma/index.htm

OFFCenter Artists Celebrate Recyled Art and the Earth!

2010-04-23T22:25:00.003-06:00

Visit the OFFCenter booths as we celebrate this year's Co-op Earth-Fest theme: "Making Change" at:

The Co-op’s Annual
Celebrate the Earth Festival
Sunday, April 25,
10am-6pm
BEHIND THE NOB HILL CO-OP, ON SILVER STREET BETWEEN CARLISLE AND TULANE
For a schedule of events, artists, musicians and more visit www.lamontanita.coop

Then venture across Central to see OFFCenter Artists Marcia Sednek and Susan Tische at
The 4th Annual Nob Hill Recycled
ART SHOW
SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 10-5PM SPONSORED BY MASKS Y MAS FURNITURE,
OUTSIDE AT 111 CARLISLE NE, AT COPPER
more info at http://www.dukecityfix.com/events/4th-annual-nob-hill-recycle

Thanks to the Co-op, Kenny Chavez & Kiko Torres for inviting OFFCenter artists who reuse materials in innovative ways!

OFFCenter will be on the Radio - 4/24 & 4/25

2010-04-23T17:45:00.002-06:00

Thank you, Art Ortega of "Weekly Edition," for taking time - 15 MINUTES OF AIRTIME - to let listeners across 8 radio stations hear about OFFCenter Community Arts Project. We're very grateful to have had the opportunity this morning to let you know about some of the goings-on at OFFCenter.

The whole OFFCenter Community and the rest of Albuquerque can tune in at the following times and stations to hear Art's interview with OFFCenter's Ron Breen and Adabel Allen.

Time Station Dial Position

8:30am (Sat) KNML-AM 610 AM

5:30pm (Sat) KTBL-AM 1050 AM

6:00am (Sun) KDRF-FM 103.3 FM

Magic 99.5 99.5 FM

KKOB-FM 93.3 FM

KBZU-FM 96.3 FM

10:30am (Sun) KTBL-AM 1050 AM

5:30pm (Sun) KKOB-AM 770 AM

10:30pm (Sun) KRST-FM 92.3 FM

Altars of Light Exhibit

2010-04-21T17:45:00.015-06:00

On Saturday, April 10th over 25 community artists exhibited work in the Altars of Light show to raise awareness and promote healing from the aftermath of sexual violence. 125 people attended the opening night. The following day 28 members of the community gathered in a circle to speak their truth, hear the truth of others, mourn, strengthen and renew. Following the panel discussion a smaller group returned to process and share through art making. Thank you to all involved for sharing your powerful imagery and wisdom.

Now House Tour Tickets at BOOKWORKS, too

2010-04-17T11:11:00.005-06:00

Many thanks to Bookworks for helping us out with 2010 Albuquirky House Tour ticket sales. Bookworks is on Rio Grande north of Griegos next door to Flying Star. They are accepting cash only, $1 service charge. Hours are 9 to 9 M-Sat and 9 to 7 on Sun.

You can, of course, also purchase your tickets from our website, via Paypal, or by phone (credit card) or of course in person (check, cash, credit card, MO).

Yikes! Only a couple of weeks until the grand quirky fundraiser for OFFCenter on MAY 1! Find out more on our website -- where you can even get a VIDEO sneek peek at two of our quirky tour homes, thanks to Deanna Sauceda and KRQE:

http://www.offcenterarts.org/housetour.htm

We're still here -- thanks to you!

Victor Stands His Ground

2010-04-09T17:52:00.005-06:00

Victor has been working steadily in the studio to perfect his Iron Man suit prototype with plans to make millions producing custom suits for would-be buyers once they get wind that he is in production. In this photo he dons his suit to brush aside a challenge from a studio broomsman.

Rick's B-Day Celebration

2010-04-09T17:40:00.009-06:00

Longtime OFFCenter artist and volunteer Rick Hughart has his cake and eats it too along with a few friends who stopped by from the 19th Century to celebrate. You never know who will be making art in the studio so stop in when you get a chance and join the fun. Make art, buy art and meet new friends at OFFCenter!! By the way, that is a bottle of non-alchoholic sparkling cider on the table....

Mosaic Mirror Workshop with Lindy Hurst

2010-04-09T07:45:00.003-06:00

Sunday, April 18th, 2010 1-4pm

Cost $35

All materials provided. (must pay and register in advance with OFFCenter -- 247-1172).

Embellish a small wall-hung mirror with ceramic mosaic and found objects.

Learn how to cut, set and grout mosaic.

Learn skills you can use on small planters, small murals, or walls at home!

All materials will be provided (tiles, grout, mirrors, all tools, etc) -- but if you would like to bring some favorite small trinkets, beads, etc to add to your piece, please do so!

Lindy has an MFA from UNM and has been teaching Folk Art workshops for more than 20 years in our community.

Call for Entries: "Shelter: A Refuge..."

2010-04-07T11:51:00.005-06:00

“SHELTER: A Refuge for Mind, Body and Soul”

Whether in a tent, in a friend’s company, or by reading a good book, everyone seeks refuge from the world’s stresses and dangers. Once sheltered, we begin the process of restoration.

Calling for artwork in any medium exploring how we find shelter and restoration in our lives.

No fee.
Non-juried community exhibit.
Limit 2 entries per artist subject to space available.
Artists are encouraged to provide statements about their art work.

Accepting work on Friday, April 23rd and Tuesday, April 27th at OFFCenter between noon and 6pm.

Exhibit Opens on Friday, May 7th 5-8pm.

Sat. Altars of Light Panel Discussion & Art Making

2010-04-06T23:19:00.007-06:00

Saturday, Apr. 10
Co-sponsored by the New Mexico Art Therapy Association

Pre-registration is required separately for the panel discussion and art making sessions. CEU credits are available for Art Therapists and Counselors. For more information and to register contact Sahnta at 505.264.3933.

PANEL DISCUSSION 10am-12pm
The panelists will use the images within the “Altars of Light” exhibit to focus on raising awareness, healing and making visible what has been lost as a result of sexual violence.

Panelists

ROSEMARY IMHOF, Panel Facilitator – Art and Family Therapist at UNMH

CYNTHIA COOK – Artist and Chicana Feminist

DEBORAH GAVEL - Painter, Educator and Art Activist. Co-coordinator for site installations “Honoring Women”, “Women of Juarez’, and “Women of the West Mesa ”

DOREENA TORRES - Detective with the Sheriff's Office of Sexual Violence.

GWEN PACKARD - Native Americian Activist - issues of sexual violence.

BEVERLY WILKINS – Director for Peaceful Nations Consulting, former Director ABQ Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence

NANCY MANCE – Counselor with the Albuquerque Rape Crisis Center

ART MAKING WORKSHOP
Art and Family Therapist Rosemary Imhof will lead an art making session in response to the panel discussion and “Altars of Light” exhibit utilizing her training and experience to create an environment for participants to process through visual imagery, writing and sculpture.

Workshop runs from 1:30 to 3:30

Sharie"s Studio Journal

2010-04-03T04:43:00.004-06:00

Happy Easter Everyone WEll we kicked off the Easter weekend with a well attended opening of the current show Altars of Light. It is a very impressive and moving collection of artwork. I want to say I thnk it is great to see OFFCenter Board of Directors in attendance at these events and we had eight in the house Friday night. I want to say thank you to all of you who attended and to those of you who "popped in " I think it is important for others to see board members there supporting the community. Thanks to you all for being a part of OFFCenter and keeping it going.

If you were not able to attend the opening please drop in during the week and have a look it is a great show.

Don't forget to get your tickets for the upcoming House Tour you can get them online or go by the studio and pick them up The date of the tour is May 1 (May Day)

Have a great weekend----Sharie

Purchase your House Tour tickets online

2010-04-01T09:51:00.005-06:00

This year you have one more option for purchasing your Albuquirky House Tour tickets -- you can buy them right online at our website, via Paypal. Paypal is very secure, and you don't even need a Paypal account. You can use a credit card or bank transfer, or your good old Paypal account.

If this is an easier way for you to get your tickets, just click the link or image below to go to our House Tour page, then click on the Add to Cart button. We can mail them out to you until about a week before the event on May 1 (see the web page for more details).

OFFCenter's 2010 Albuquirky House Tour

Of course, you can still call 505-247-1172 to order your tickets (you'll need to give your credit card info), or stop in and pick them up.

We're still here -- thanks you YOU. We appreciate your support.

Altars of Light Exhibition Opening

2010-03-31T08:00:00.000-06:00

Part 1 of a 3-event series, co-sponsored by the New Mexico Art Therapy Association and OFFCenter.

The NMATA will host a 3 part series of events at OFFCenter in April to raise awareness of the aftermath of sexual violence – an issue that touches every person in our society in often untold ways.

The series includes this public art exhibit, a panel discussion and a guided art making session.

Exhibit curators: Rose Buffalo and a selected group of art therapists who work with those harmed by sexual violence.

The “Altars of Light” project was started in 2008 by Rose Buffalo in response to the widespread occurrence of sexual abuse in the military. This show is the 5th in a series of events inspired by Rose’s work to promote healing, raise awareness and end the violence of sexual assault in our society.

Exhibit opens on Friday, April 2, from 5-8pm

Many thanks to Winning Coffee Co. and Roma Bakery & Deli for donating refreshments.

OFFCenter in the News:KRQE's Offbeat Homes story

2010-03-30T21:08:00.008-06:00

Many thanks to Deanna Sauceda and crew at KRQE for their piece this morning about our upcoming annual fundraiser, the Albuquirky House Tour.

To read the story and see the video, which previews two of our three quirky homes, visit KRQE's website story below:

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/krqe_mornings/offbeat-homes-more-than-living-space

The video is AWESOME and we're sure you'll want to pick up your tickets early for this wonderful event (tune in over the next few days for more info, or visit our House Tour page on our website NOW):

http://www.offcenterarts.org/housetour.htm

Thanks again to KRQE, and thanks to you for supporting OFFCenter's free programs.

Sharie's Studio Journal

2010-03-27T19:32:00.006-06:00

Hello everyone I do appologize for my extended absence but the winter hours for the studio have not been good for me to have the time in the studio but hopefully soon I will be back in the studio. I do want to remind you all to watch Breaking Bad a series on the AMC channel (65) this Sunday night at 8 pm I think. Now please I am not promoting the program because I cannot condon making and selling drugs for any reason. I am reminding everyone who can to watch and look at the props used because last summer a member of their production crew a set director came into OFFCenter and purchased some art to use as props in this seasons program and she told me the story line when I told her I had never watched the show. I still cannot "get into the story line" but I will watch because she purchased a few of the Albuquirky House Tour "Little Houses" and some other pieces as well and so I will be looking for those (smile) Remember the 2010 House Tour is coming up May First May Day get your tickets you can buy online just go to the OFFCenter website of to the studio. If you have started a collection of "Little Houses" there will be new ones in the studio and if you don't have a collection it is not too late to start one.
See you around. Watch Breaking Bad Sunday 8p.m. ?? Get your house tour tickets before they are gone. Sharie

2010-03-23T16:45:00.008-06:00

From the Ninos y Mayores Art Making Playshops OFFCenter's outreach program with seniors and children at Barelas Community Center, these photos represent the collaging activities around the questions:
"Who am I?"
"Who are you?" and
"Who are we?"
The players will continue this project this Wednesday.

Dual Exhibit at OFFCenter

2010-03-23T13:29:00.005-06:00

DUAL EXHIBIT - MARCH 16 - 26
Dave Blecha's Drawing & Painting Class
with Tres Amigos

The Drawing & Painting Class lead by Dave Blecha that meets every Tuesday from 1 - 3 pm at OFFCenter, and Tres Amigos (an art collaborative that gathers and makes art at OFFCenter) are exhibiting together for a brief show in the OFFCenter Gallery.

2 members (from several regular attendees) of
Dave Blecha's Drawing & Painting Class:
Eva Casey & Diane Moody with Dave Blecha

Tres Amigos is a group of three special people and their avid supporters. Their show has a special tribute to Stephanie Anderson, an artist whose kindness was appreciated and who is sorely missed.

Tres Amigos Exhibit

Koffi Earns His Strings!

2010-03-17T15:07:00.007-06:00

Today, Kay graduated Koffi after he completed 12 weeks of guitar instruction. Koffi cruised through his 5 song recital and received a new guitar for his efforts. Anyone can join iCreates Beginning Guitar class which is held weekly on Wednesday's between 3:30 and 4:15pm in the studio. Congratulations Koffi! Please keep the music coming...

Thank you, Rooster's Downtown

2010-02-28T10:21:00.001-07:00

Special thanks to Rooster's Downtown, just down the road from us at 320 Central Ave. Rooster's will donate coffee and snacks for our upcoming First Friday Coffeehouse on Mar. 5

Which...
in case you haven't heard us shouting about it already...
will feature...

WAGOGO!

There, we said it Again!

Come on by from 5 to 8 for our First Friday (Artscrawl) Coffeehouse. Wagogo will play starting at 6:00. Gift shop and gallery, open of course.

FREE, but we won't turn down your donation when we pass the hat.

OFFCenter Board Elects 2010 Officers

2010-02-23T09:14:00.001-07:00

The Officers of the Board of Directors for 2010 are:

Margaret Lopez, President

Venae Warner, Vice President

Laura Farris, Treasurer

Louise Kahn, Secretary

And we elected new board members Ayren Valery (lower left, in the cap) and Chami MacPherson (middle, in the red jacket). Rashan Omari Jones was elected at the January board meeting.

You may be able to tell from this photo how many board members like to doodle and make things during our meetings!

A very, very special thank you to the dedicated board members, OFFCenter staff, and generous community who hung in there, through an economically tough 2008, into a creative but demanding 2009. Here's to a prosperous 2010!

Silk Painting Class Photos

2010-02-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Claudia Fluegge taught basic silk painting using a variety of materials to a completely full class on Saturday. Here are a few photos of her "happy campers."

Storage Space Needed for Parade Puppets

2010-02-17T21:31:00.003-07:00

OFFCenter is looking for year-round, clean, dry storage space approximately 10' x 15' to store our "We Art the People" parade puppets and paraphernalia. Please contact Ron at 247-1172 if you think you can help us out.

WAGOGO is coming March 5!

2010-02-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

First Friday Coffeehouse, Mar. 5th, 5 to 8pm

FREE!

Join us for a rollicking return visit from Wagogo, to celebrate the tail end of our Art of Devotion exhibit, and to celebrate just being here in general!

Last year there was room to dance, shop, meet new friends, and enjoy free coffee and snacks.

Our gift shop will be open, and art will also be available for sale in our gallery.

Live performance by Wagogo beings at 6pm

(We will pass the hat for the band, and for donations to OFFCenter)

Intro. to Silk Painting with Claudia Fluegge

2010-02-14T08:00:00.001-07:00

Saturday, Feb 20th, 1-4pm

Painting on silk is a playful and colorful adventure. If you have never tried it, this is your change to take an excellent class with the accomplished instructor and artist Claudia Fluegge. Claudia has won numerous national awards for her silk painting work and currently exhibits at Weyrich Gallery in albuquerque.

Class participants will start by stretching a white piece of silk over a fraeme. Then Claudia will lead you through an exploration of basic silk painting techniques such as salting, outlining (in addition to the gutta resist we will be working with soy wax) and applying dyes with a paintbrush.

Usually there is enough time to make two pieces. Finished pieces must be steamed to fix the dyes. Claudia will charge $2 per piece if you would like her to do the steaning for you.

If you have previously taken tis class, she would love to have you back to do more painting.

Art Making Playshops: Ninos y Mayores

2010-02-12T16:26:00.013-07:00

Join us at Barelas Senior Center for a new program for elders and school age children.

Classes begin this spring at Barelas and culminate in a show at OFFCenter.

Contact Ron at OFFCenter (247-1172) or Roberta Marquez (269-0829).

This project made possible in part by a grant from the New Mexico Arts, Dept. of Cultural Affairs, State of New Mexico.

Just click anywhere on the image above about the Children and Elder Art Making Playshops to see the info larger...

Photo Montage

2010-02-10T22:22:00.004-07:00

We Art the People!

(click for a bigger image)

Valentines Art Making Gathering

2010-02-09T18:00:00.003-07:00

Wednesday, February 10^th, 2010 5-7pm Free

Come join in an evening of art making with others from the OFFCenter community of artists!

This Wednesday night from 5-7pm.

Choose from a variety of materials to create cards, gifts and other unique Valentine gifts. Bring along your friends and family.

Friends and Dragons

2010-02-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

Our 2010 occasional Wednesday night workshops are proving to be popular and fruitful this year! Last Wednesday was a Chinese paper dragons intensive, in celebration of Chinese New year, led by longtime OFFCenter friend and art teacher Ann Dunbar.

Next Wednesday evening, it will be Valentine Gifts. Stay tuned for more info here, or check our OFFCenter Calendar on our main website. Come on by! All ages are welcome.

Hunger, a poem by Sari Krosinsky

2010-02-06T13:48:00.003-07:00

More poetry sent to us by one of the poets who read at last night's Art of Devotion opening:

HUNGER

I cook like my grandmother, whipping up a badass stew
from spare parts. Hers, variations on leached chicken
swimming in grease. Mine, resurrecting potatoes-on-the-edge
with a couple cans green chilé. I mince garlic as you read
to me, baritone against the percussion of popping oil.
Looking at you, I reach for the pot, char my finger.
I thrust my hand under the tap; you go on reading
as cold water seals the burn in a scar.

Like my grandmother, I cook to feed armies. She rallied
relatives, friends, strangers to divide the booty.
I have you. Like her, will I never learn
to cook for one? Or like Orpheus, would I follow you
to Hades and, failing, survive still? When you’re gone,
I’ll play your cd, seal my hunger in your voice.

--Sari Krosinsky

Poetry from the Art of Devotion Opening

2010-02-05T20:07:00.004-07:00

An excellent roster of poets read to us on the theme of devotion. Here are a couple of "gifts" from Dale Harris and Bob Reeves.

THE POETS MARRY

This man came careless to my life,
not meaning to,
was bound for somewhere else
and lost his way but stayed.

This man came light, brought only a few mementos,
some photos of old loves.
He didn't need much room.

This man came strong into my life,
cutting through the lies I called love,
rolling away the stone
from my living, breathing tomb.

This man came brittle,
feared that he would break upon my secrets
but learned instead to bend.

This man came thirsty
for truths he thought I knew --
although I never said I did
he thought it anyway.

This man came late,
came when I was tired
and would need him most.

This man came quiet to my life
until a song sang us both --
it sings us still.

--Dale Harris, 2006
-------------------------------------------------

SEEING YOU

We breathe into the air in front of our heads
facing the same way, two ends of a table,
a trace awkward, a trace killed by anything.
How did we stack up these unreachable lives
of changing adult dispers? singing in subways?
work, play, grief, our double names
hardly ever present? How can it feel like
my gaze is so heavy I have to lift it with both hands
to turn it on you? Can love really include
this much distance and waste? Of course, but
I'm sorry it does. I'm sorry. I'm in need.
Something in you finds me, a straight dart
through my dark mist, always. Something
in me wants to find you just as surely.
But I'm the older one. The sides of my paths are higher.
Show me how. Come, let's do this again.

--Bob Reeves

(printed with permissio of the authors, copyright remains with them)

Wednesday Night Workshop -- Chinese Paper Dragons

2010-02-01T14:44:00.006-07:00

Wednesday, Feb. 3, 5-7pm

Get ready for this year’s Chinese New Year!

Join Ann Dunbar who will lead this structured workshop to create your very own Chinese Paper Dragon!

It will be a concentrated two hours of cutting, folding and gluing resulting in a delightful paper dragon that you will cherish.

Children under eight may need adult help to finish on time. All ages welcome!

$5 donation requested per dragon

OFFBags at Form & Function - 516 Arts

2010-01-29T14:19:00.007-07:00

The OFFCenter artists and designers, who created and continue to make OFFBags, are being recognized for their work for exploring sustainability, reuse, decoration and innovation in designs and production of these one-of-a-kind, unique creations at 516 Arts' Form & Function exhibit.

OFFCenter will be at 516 Arts with about a dozen other artists and designers showing work in this vein. There will be a selection of OFFBags (made from recycled materials, lovingly gathered by OFFCenter artists) available for purchase at FORM & FUNCTION. Also at the exhibit, the new satchel models will be unveiled and available for purchase. Proceeds from sales will mostly benefit OFFCenter with a small amount to benefit 516 Arts, a non-profit whose vision "is to be an active partner in developing Albuquerque's cultural landscape...and offers programs that inspire curiosity, dialogue, risk-taking and creative experimentation, showcasing a mix of established, emerging, local, national and international artists from a variety of cultural backgrounds." We're proud that 516 Arts has chosen OFFCenter as one of their many collaborative partners toward achieving these goals.

FORM & FUNCTION
Exhibit at 516 Arts, 516 Central, SW
Public Opening Reception: Saturday, February 6, 6-8pm 516 Arts Member Preview: 5-6, Music by Soul Calypso
Artists: AREAWARE, Eliana Arenas, Angelo Arnold, ART GENS, Roger Atkins, Julia Barello, Sonya Cramer, Roberto Gallegos, Welmoed Laanstra, Cal Lane, Maria Michails, OFFCenter, Beth Rekow, Joan Weissman

A Heart Day's Night -- Valentine Art Sale

2010-01-27T22:59:00.003-07:00

MAKE ART ~ BUY ART ~ MEET NEW FRIENDS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday, February 7
10am -- 2pm

Come visit OFFCenter's
Annual Valentine's Day Gift Sale
featuing a dozen of OFFCenter's studio artists.

Stop by and pick out some special artwork for that special someone!

Experimental Art Klub begins Wednesday Jan. 20th

2010-01-18T09:13:00.005-07:00

Experimental Art Klub begins Wednesday, January 20th, from 5-7pm

Continues every third Wednesday of the month until June!

Free!

A collaborative project led by Mary Lambert and Micaela Seidel.

Learn about new artists, try new materials and techniques, and within the time limit bring a work of art to completion. Every month Micaela and Mary will choose a new artist or type of art for inspiration to create a work of art for the month.

Participants will have a monthly “show” to share what they have done and exchange some of the challenges/rewards from that month’s experiment.

Join the experiment! Just drop in.

The January artist is Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Check out the following web sites for more info.

Call for Entries: The Art of Devotion

2010-01-17T10:19:00.004-07:00

Artists reveal through their art their devotion: people, places, things, ideas...

What's your devotion? Art you devoted to -- your lover? Family? Spiritual guides? Landscape? Animals? The artistic process? Squiggles? Lines, circles or squares?

Share your devotion with the world and specifically the OFFCenter community for the St. Valentine's month show "The Art of Devotion."

Please submit your artwork in any medium to OFFCenter by Jan. 29th. Show opens Feb. 5th.

This show is open to everyone, but please, one entry per artist.

Last Call for Holiday Gift Shopping!

2009-12-20T09:34:00.004-07:00

OFFCenter studio and gift shop will remain open on Tuesday, Dec. 22 and Wednesday, Dec. 23. After that, the studio will close for a two-week holiday break, opening again on Tuesday, Jan. 5.

Did you know that 80% of your purchase price goes right back to the artist who produced it? Yes, it does. Did you know that the 20% retained by OFFCenter goes right back into open studio opportunities for other emerging artists? Yep. So your purchase helps the OFFCenter community sustain our mission of providing economic development opportunities for local emerging artists, some of whom could really use that 80% commission at this time of year!

Now is your almost-last chance to purchase holiday gifts for the unique, edgy, cozy, community-loving, quirky, fan of handmade and recycled art and craft person in your life. (Maybe that person is you!)

Our gift shop features original paintings, assemblage, tin work, beadwork, brooches, earrings, purses, altered and recycled household items, along with brilliant and quirky creations by emerging artists from all around our community. We also sell lots and lots of handmade greeting cards in a variety of styles.

Lots of wonderful artists are represented in our shop, including the highly collectible work of Mark Garcia, Marcia Sednek, and Joey Goss. We still have a couple of small paintings on wood by Jesse Reno and of course we have a variety of our studio-produced OFFBags, our sturdy & stylish market bags made of recycled plastic.

Won't you find some time to stop by this Tuesday or Wednesday? And thank for all of your support throughout the year, too.

Another OFFCenter event for Girl Scouts

2009-12-16T18:00:00.006-07:00

OFFCenter is an ideal place for special event art workshops or birthday parties. On Saturday, December 12th, 26 young girls earned their Girl Scout Jeweler badges at the OFFCenter Community Art studio. Pictured above, instructor and former scout leader, Beverly Lazar presents one of the badges. Check the Trails of Fun calendar for more upcoming badge events in 2010 at OFFCenter. If you are interested in scheduling a special event call 247.1172 for more information.

RANA Float wins Neighborhood Cup in Twinkle Light Parade!

2009-12-03T10:32:00.006-07:00

THANK YOU AGAIN to OFFCenter for making the RANA Twinkle Light Parade float banners.... and Guess What? - THE RANA FLOAT WON The Neighborhood Cup!!! (the first prize for neighborhood association floats)

Thank you, Craft Punk Fashion Show vol 2

2009-12-01T08:08:00.003-07:00

Many thanks to Evolution Body Piercing, Crystal Sims and all the volunteers behind the Craft Punk 2 Fashion Show, held at the Launchpad on November 13th, for donating the proceeds of their event to OFFCenter.

Your wonderful generosity helps us to continue our work in providing a creative, supportive and safe environment for the whole community to make art, to attend workshops, and for our artists to sell their work in the Shop, and participate in gallery shows.

In total, the Fashion Show donated a whopping $2,800 to OFFCenter. Thank you so much!

Red or Green? RANA Twinkle Light Parade Float

2009-11-30T20:23:00.008-07:00

WoW- the RANA (Raynolds Addition Neighborhood Association) Twinkle Light Parade Float looked great thanks in large part to the great banners created at OFFCenter. Thankyou OFFCenter for contributing to our neighborhood association float!! Washington Middle School kids (dancers, choir singers, and mariachi players) had a blast on the float during the parade. Check out these pictures...

Take OFF! with your OFFBag (c)

2009-11-30T09:46:00.004-07:00

Shopping ~ Travelling ~ For Work or Play~

Every OFFBag is totally unique, made with recycled materials,
lovingly gathered by OFFCenter artists.

You can get your unique OFFBag in Albuquerque and Santa Fe:

OFFCenter Shop 505-247-1172

808 Park Ave SW ~ 8th & Central SW Downtown ABQ

Mama's Minerals 505-266-8443

1100 San Mateo NE at Lomas ~ Ace Courtyard, ABQ

Earthprints

100 E. San Francisco at La Fonda Hotel, Santa Fe

Visit OFFCenter for edgy, cool, handmade & affordable gifts

First Friday Coffeehouse and Bonnie's Birthday Bash

2009-11-30T08:10:00.007-07:00

COME TO THE PARTY!!

Have you been to a First Friday at OFFCenter lately? There is a big one coming up... This Friday, December 4, 2009 come celebrate OFFCenter's Anniversary and Bonnie Bluhm's birthday bash and the Holiday Gift Show at our December First Friday Coffeehouse. OFFCenter's unique gift shop is chock full of locally made art and you never know what handmade treasure you'll find there! There will also be great music and some fun snacks to enjoy - Join the party from 5-8:30 pm!

Free Holiday Arts Nights in December

2009-11-28T21:44:00.002-07:00

Free Holiday Art Nights in December

2009-11-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

FREE Holiday Art Nights on Wednesdays in December
5 to 7:30 pm (open late for these special event nights)

Free and open to anyone.
Bring your family!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gift cards and RECYCLED PLASTIC PLACEMATS
Wednesday, December 2nd

Roberta Delgado will demonstrate a simple printing technique to your produce beautiful personalized cards.
Marci Sednek will also demonstrate how to produce laminated recycled plastic placemats using the same process used for our signature OFFBAGs.

Both products are great ideas for the holidays.
Bring your recycled plastic to use and share.
Free and open to anyone.
Bring your family.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ornaments and GIFT CLOTHING AND SCARVES
Wednesday, December 9th

Susan Tische will be on hand to show how to turn recycled fabrics into the coolest attire.

Also we will be producing pass-around ornaments. What is this? Small groups of artists will sit around a table of materials and work for 5 minutes on an ornament design and then pass it to the next artist. The ornament is passed around the group until it returns to the originator in its finished glory! Great spontaneous fun!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Holiday gift bags and paper
Wednesday, December 16th

Our last Holiday art night this year will feature decorating paper and folding gift bags using stamps, paints, markers, glitter and anything else you can find in the studio that touches your spirit!

Sharie's Studio Journal: Twinklelight Parade

2009-11-23T13:15:00.003-07:00

Greetings: Well the holiday season is upon us again--The stores have all their Christmas decor out, everyone is shopping or planning their shopping trips and lists and just generally getting ready for Thanksgiving and the Friday Sales in all the malls etc. OFFCenter is preparing to help out in this area. We have work shops coming up to help relieve the stress and pressure so watch the calendar and join our family friendly gift making workshops and wrapping paper and gift bag making workshops in the coming weeks. Again watch the calendar for the dates and c'mon down and join in the fun and spirit of the season.

An OFFCenter potluck Thanksgiving meal will be shared with and by artists and friends of OFFCenter this coming Wednesday November 25 from 1 til 6 PM. Join us with your favorite dish and what you are thankful for this year.

I am thankful for the opportunity to have been involved in the creation of OFFCenter and to still be an active participating artist. I cannot even think of how different my life would be without this organization and the many opportunities to explore my creative side. Today was one such opportunity--Several of us created canvas banners to be displayed on the sides of a float for RANA (Raynolds Addition Neighborhood Association) in the upcoming TwinkleLight Parade. The Parade will be this coming Saturday November 28 at 5:15pm traveling from Central and 3rd St. to the Botanical Gardens. Washington Middle School students are participating by playing mariachi music and singing carols on the float and a WMS dance troupe will even follow the float along with other RANA neighbors. This is one more way that we at OFFCenter build our community involvement and get support from and give support to the neighborhood. Those of us that worked on these banners had a great time together getting better acquainted with each other as well as meeting new friends as they joined us in the creation of the banners (see photos)

I look forward to seeing you in the studio in the coming days and weeks as the holidays approach. Happy and safe Thanksgiving to you all---Sharie

Sharie's Studio Journal: Girl Scouts revisit OFFCenter

2009-11-23T00:44:00.004-07:00

Hi everyone: Last weekend I was privileged to be a part of a couple of workshops held at OFFCenter for Girl Scouts working toward earning badges. I watched as these talented young ladies moved from one activity to the next as they participated. I was impressed as they helped each other by explaining the next project and how to use the materials provided. It also brought back some very fond memories of my own years as a Girl Scout.

There were two sessions and two different age groups for the day. Yes the girls had fun and made some beautiful art and jewelery to take home with them as well as earning their badge; but OFFCenter made some new friends as parents who attended with their daughters and granddaughters found a new resource for family activities and maybe a new way to study art for some who home school. One of those memories was of the "Friendship Circle" at the close of a troop meeting we joined hands and sang a song entitled "Make New Friends" I have to admit it warmed my heart when at the end of the day the girls and their parents and leaders joined hands and sang that same song.

There will be more such workshops and I hope to be a part of them. It is another great way for the community to be a part of OFFCenter and vica versa.---TTFN Sharie

Thanksgiving Potluck Wed. Nov. 25

2009-11-22T10:17:00.004-07:00

Everyone is invited to our annual Thanksgiving potluck feast.

Bring your family and a side dish to share.

We will be making art as usual throughout the day!

Please note: We will be CLOSED for the THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
on Thursday and Friday, November 26th and 27th

WANTED: Your web links

2009-11-11T20:35:00.005-07:00

IF you are an OFFCenter artist who has a website, blog, or online shop where you sell your art, won't you please send us a link? We want to add you to our OFFCenter artists on the web column here on our blog.

C'mon now, don't be shy. If you're wondering "Are they talkin' to me?" -- well, do you sell your work in the gift shop? Play music at OFFCenter? Participate in one of our ongoing classes? Submit your work to our exhibits? Well, then, we are talkin' to you!

Just post a comment to this post, or send an email message to info@offcenterarts.org that says "OFFCenter Artist Links" in the subject line.

Sharie's Studio Journal

2009-11-10T07:40:00.003-07:00

Greetings to all I've been out of the studio for a week and will be for another week but I know things don't stop because I am otherwise committed. The ongoing classes/workshops like the drawing classes and guitar lessons continue and the writing group happens so please check out the calendar for dates and times. There are upcoming new workshops there too so keep looking at the schedule and for announcements for these. If there is something you think would be a great media or thechnique to learn or teach in a work shop contact Ron in the studio and tell him what your idea is.

Last weeks First Friday Coffee House was a lot of fun with great snacks and good music. Watch the calendar for the next one in December. TTFN Sharie

First Friday Coffeehouse with Norm Everett Fri. Nov. 6!

2009-11-03T22:00:00.004-07:00

First Friday Coffeehouse is November 6, 2009, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
and He's Back!
The yodelling, throat singing, wild & wacky one & only...

NORM EVERETT
and his band Namronth

opening with singer/songwriter Bonnie Bluhm

Coffee! Snacks! Gift Shop Open!

plus, the Dia de los Muertos exhibit "Threads from the Dead: Who Are You From?" continues.

Come join us -- it's Free and we welcome you to our Community Arts studio!

Sharie's Studio Journal

2009-10-22T01:23:00.004-06:00

Greetings Everyone: I grew up in a home where books were sacred--you did not turn the corner of the page down to mark your place, you did not lay a book open face down as that would break the spine, and many other don'ts about books. I had a difficult time thinking of participating in a recent workshop held in the studio---Altered Books--- Once I got past all thatI signed up and the day of was very interesting we met new people--sponsors of the event participants and the facilitators. This was part of the BIG Read the campaign to encourage people to read more.

There were books of all description----old text books, prime readers, how to books, childrens nursery rhymes, big books, medium and small in terms of thickness and dimension. The facilitator had several examples of the many ways you can alter a book. Supplies to use in the altering of these books--paper, beads, baubles, photos and threads or yarn. I have to admit it was a lot of fun to take a book and alter it and make it my own.

Play It Again John...

2009-10-14T19:33:00.005-06:00

John Ortiz completed his recital today at the OFFCenter Studio and earned his new guitar after his 12th lesson. He is planning to continue taking classes so he can work on reading. He currently plays only by ear. Congratulations John! May you have great enjoyment from your playing..

iCreate offers ongoing beginning and intermediate guitar instruction Wednesday afternoons throughout the year at 3:30pm at OFFCenter and throughout the week at other locations around town. New students and instructors are always welcome.

Sharie's Studio Journal

2009-10-14T17:00:00.003-06:00

There is so much that happens in the studio. There is something for everyone. If you want to learn or improve your drawing skill there is a class with David Blecha on Tuesdays. Thought of writing there is a writers group on Thursdays with Amanda Gardner. Would you rather be a musician and learn to play the guitar check out the class on Wednesday afternoons with iCreate.

If these don't strike your fancy and maybe you have wanted to learn to sew or do embroidery I am available for teaching the basics for either of these skills. We also have peole who can help those who might want to learn to crochet or knit.

There is always the opportunity to learn a new skill or technique from an artist sitting at the table next to you. If you have an idea of a skill to share or want to learn come to the Emerging Artist meetings on Thursday at 5:30 P M this is where these things get on the calander.

Don't forget if you would like to support OFFCenter thru financial donations to United Way you can do so thru your employer sponsored campaign by selecting OFFCenter as a designated program for your contribution to go to. IF your employer is not involved with a payroll deduction campaign and you would like to donate thru United Way that is avaliable too.

More from the Studio later. Have a great week. There will be workshops to get ready for the upcoming show "Threads from the Dead--Who are you from?" Keep checking the calendar.

Sharie

Thank you, Ron and Marcy

2009-10-11T16:15:00.005-06:00

Do you come to the studio during open hours and find what you are looking for to work on your projects? Do you have art for sale in the shop? Were you a vendor or attendee at We Art The People Folk Art Festival? Have you enjoyed music, art and food at a First Friday Coffeehouse? Do you make OFFCenter one of your places? Then remember to say THANK YOU to Marcy and Ron, our two steady eddy staff people ever present in the studio.

Recently staff evaluations were completed for both Ron and Marcy and it was easy to see how much they do all the time to keep OFFCenter running smoothly and to make it a welcoming space for all. How many places in Albuquerque provide that?!

Thank you to Ron and Marcy, we all appreciate the hard work you do!

The OFFBag

2009-10-11T16:10:00.007-06:00

Hello all OFFCenter folks! Yesterday I was OFF to do errands on my bike wearing my handy dandy OFFbag! It was perfect to hold whatever I was hauling OFF to the post office, etc. - and its diagonal strap keeps it from falling OFF my shoulder! Are you OFF to town with your OFFbag? I hope so! See all the new available OFFbags at OFFCenter, new sizes too!

Call for Artists: Threads from the Dead -- Who are you from?

2009-10-11T10:42:00.002-06:00

Entries Accepted October 21st through 23rd.

Exhibit Opening Friday, October 30th 5pm –8pm

OFFCenter’s Annual Day of the Dead show open to all artists and mediums. All work should be dropped off by Oct 23rd and there is no entry fee.

Sponsored by NMATA ( New Mexico Art Therapist Association).

For further information call Marci at 247-1172.

Repujado Workshop Oct. 24

2009-10-09T14:07:00.005-06:00

Repujado is an old European metalworking technique -- called "repousse" in French, where special tools are used to add dimention and texture to metal. This technique can add a beautiful lustre and antique finish to metal.

Come join us on October 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The $60 course fee includes all materials. Please call OFFCenter at 505-247-1172 for more information -- your payment must be received at time of registration to confirm your spot in the class.

Jolanta Feliciano is a local repujado expert, who we're happy to have back at OFFCenter for another workshop.

Sharie's Studio Journal

2009-10-05T11:04:00.010-06:00

Last week in the studio was busy in preparation for the opening of the Paper or Plastic Show and Thank you to our wonderful volunteers. There were not so many artists in the studio but there were new visitors coming in to check it out. Some said they had missed the Folk Art Festival due to being out of town others said a friend had attended the fest and told them about it so they wanted to see who we are and what we do. It ws nice to have the opportunity to share with new friends about OFFCenter and what we do and what a great place OFFCenter is.

Some are looking for a place to make art others want to donate materials and others their time and talents.

The photo of "roses in a box" these were made by several artists in the studio to be given to our valued volunteers we could not function without the great individuals (just a few shown here).

The Letters Home Project continues to meet at OFFCenter on Sunday afternoons to create cards and letter writing materials for military personnel overseas to have so they can write to their families and loved ones. (see photos)

Sharie's Studio Journal

2009-10-04T22:38:00.004-06:00

Friday night and the Paper or Plastic Show opening is over---but the art is still on the wall and for sell so come in next week and see how artful trash can be. The music was great everyone looked like they were have a great time. There were artist making more art from the trash. New friends and old friends were there and it was fun to present the tissue roses to the many volunteers that gave time, energy and talent to help at OFFCenter before during and after the Folk Art Festival. We also really appreciate the staff and steadfast volunteers that are in the studio everyday. Ron. Marcia, Molly, Ayren, Adabelle, Georgia, Beverly, Rick, Theron, Tammy, Chami, Karen T., Clancy and all of you that I either didn't see you or know your name but you were there and helping or just making art-----T H A N K Y O U ! ! ! ! ! ! ! we could not do what we do with out all of you.

By the way remember that if your employer participates in the annual United Way Fund Raising Campaign you can designate that you contribution to go specifically to OFFCenter Community Art Project. So please consider us when you get your campaign pledge form. Thank you for your support.

Till next week see ya in the studio Sharie

Is OFFCenter your muse?

2009-09-30T13:45:00.004-06:00

Here's an interesting perspective from one of Dave Blecha's talented drawing class students:

"Often we think of a person when we think of a muse ...and very often a person is. But this center has been a "muse" for me. A creative energy infuses this place. The intentions of so many people who have passed through here has fed the positive energy here. So much so that the creative energy has become an entity in and of itself......available to anyone who wants to tap into it."

--Eva

Thank you, Eva, for allowing us to share your insights here.

Dave's free drawing and painting classes are on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The Rogue Bindis

2009-09-20T18:03:00.000-06:00

The Rogue Bindis performed at this year's Folk Art Festival, dancing in the grass to happy crowds. This lovely photo is by Elaine Russell, one of the vendors at the show.

Sharie's Studio Journal

2009-09-19T12:10:00.002-06:00

Well the Folk Art Festival is over and as others have posted it was a success. Lots of art making, good food, great music and entertainment through out the park. I have not heard any negative comments. The studio has been quite this week and busy at the same time for those who have the energy to come in because all the supplies that were in the park for the festival now have to be sorted and put away. Today it looks more like the "studio". The puppets and masks remain but partly due to the rain making it impractical to transport them at this time.

If you missed this years festival I am sorry it was overall a great day and we did not get rained out as the forecast threatened.

Come on in to the studio as we are getting ready for the next in house show and fund raiser for OFFCenter. We are gathering and recycling trash left in the park after the festival. It will be fun to see what everyone creates from trash.

Read the Sept/Oct Gleaners newsletter

2009-09-19T11:22:00.008-06:00

The latest issue of our OFFCenter newsletter, The Gleaners, is on newsstands now! Ok, not newsstands, just our website. Click the link above or the picture below to launch the September-October issue, pulled together again by our awesome resident volunteer graphic designer, Mary Lambert.

In this issue:

Profile of OFFCenter's Creative Writing Group, mentored by Mandy Gardner
First Friday Coffeehouse Oct. 2 with Katie Gill & Friends,
PLUS
Paper or Plastic? Community art made from recycled litter freshly gleaned from the Folk Art Festival, all proceeds go to OFFCenter.
Call for Entries: Threads from the Dead
Annual Day of the Dead show
Entries accepted Oct. 21 thru 23.
Calendar of upcoming classes & events
Folk Art Festival and general Thank You's
Art on Park Ave art market announcement.

"Art on Park Av" Support OFFCenter Artists

2009-09-15T22:26:00.002-06:00

Every Saturday Morning, 8:00 am to 11:00 am
in the OFFCenter parking lot
8th & Central
across from Robinson Park and the Grower's Market

FINE ART CRAFTS JEWELRY CLAY

TEXTILES GLASS WATERCOLORS

PHOTOGRAPHY MORE

OFFCenter artists sell their original creations every Saturday, now through the end of October.

Giant Newspaper Hats

2009-09-13T22:22:00.007-06:00

Where do we begin to describe the Folk Art Festival today? How can we possibly thank our community of sponsors (Mama's Minerals, RANA, and more to be fully acknowledged very soon), our loyal new and returning artists/vendors, our troops of volunteers, musicians, dancers, and tribe of mentors at the artmaking tents?

It may take several days. For now . . . enjoy the hats.

Sharie's Studio Journal: Hours and counting

2009-09-12T06:19:00.003-06:00

Well there is one day left till the folk art festival. This week in the studio has been busy busy busy with last minute details getting taken care of and you know oh we forgot to do this or that. There are new signs to help you find all the must see things at the festival. A few changes but still planning to have a lot of fun. There is still time to pick a puppet or mask to carry and be a part of the parade so come by. Also if you have baked goods to contribute to the bake sale please bring them to the studio so we can get things priced and ready for tomorrow. Hope to see you there. The event opens at 10 am and the parade will start at 11 am come early so you can get a good place to watch the parade.

Sharie

Folk Art Festival Welcomes Volunteers Sept. 13

2009-09-11T06:44:00.007-06:00

WE ART THE PEOPLE
Folk Art Festival
7th annual giant puppet parade!
Live music, 100+ arts & crafts booths.
This Sunday!! September 13th , 2009 from 10am to 5pm. Free at Robinson Park in Downtown Albuquerque

Featuring over one hundred folk art vendors, music, dance, food, and public art making activities.

Volunteers are needed to help prepare, set-up tents and vendor booths, to march in the giant puppet samba parade, lead art activities, and haul everything back and forth to OFFCenter at the beginning and end of the day. If you are interested please call 247.1172 for more information.

Entertainment includes:

11:00 am - The Giant Puppet Samba Parade
noon to 1:00pm - Guitarist and singer-songwriter Chuy Martinez & harpist, singer and violinist Oti Ruiz will be playing a selection of wonderful traditional Latin American music.
1pm to 2pm – Rouge Bindis, local tribal style belly dancer troupe.
1:15pm to 2:00pm - Cerrillos Islanders, with Dennis Overman lead singer and songwriter, daughter Gretchen Overman vocals, son Ian Overman vocals, banjo, guitars, percussion play an old-timey alternative folk style.
2:15pm to 3:30pm - Jasper, eclectic danceable music that includes jazz, rock, folk, country, blues with their own wild arrangements of cover tunes. Terry Bluhm is on bass, and guest artist and singer-songwriter Bonnie Bluhm.
3:45pm to 5:00pm - Wagogo, fabulous popular world music band rocks your socks off!

Funding in part by the Urban Enhancement
Trust Fund of the City of Albuquerque

Sharie's Studio Journal

2009-09-09T12:59:00.001-06:00

We never know who we will meet on any given day whether on the streets of the city or in the studio here at OFFCenter. It may be an old friend we have not seen in a while or a new friend we just met and with more and more movies and tv series being filmed in New Mexico and some right here in Albuquerque. That being said you just never know who might come thru the door at OFFCenter. Last week I had the priviledge of being there when the set director of the TV Series Breaking Bad came in looking for art work to be used as props in an upcoming episode of the 3rd season. I have been told these pieces of art work will be used in the second episode airing in the Spring. I think it is exciting that this company knows about OFFCenter and recognizes that our art it unique and great. I hope there are others in the film industry that learn of us and find their way to our door and get more art whether for use in their movie or tv series and even for their personal collection of art. I will keep you posted .

Sharie

Sharie"s Studio Journal

2009-09-08T00:17:00.006-06:00

Days and counting here are some photos of kids and parents and grandparents making masks this past Saturday. Clare Gonzales provided samples and instruction for making paper masks. The kids had a great time and I'm pretty sure I saw parents laughing and trying on masks as they assisted their children in the creation of masks. Don't dispair there are a few days left so come on in to the studio there are puppets to be repaired and made ready for the "Big Day", labels to be put on bottles of water and signs to be made and given fresh paint. You can still do your own art too. Come on and join the fun and there is one more night to learn the steps for the Samba Dancers to lead the Parade.

We also had a family here for the weekend from out of town join in the mask making.

Sharie's Studio Journal: One week til the Folk Art Festival

2009-09-06T00:00:00.004-06:00

This week will go too fast as did this past week but time waits for no one. The studio continues to be a buzz with activity getting ready for the Folk Art Festival. And other regular activities continue to happen in the midst of all this prep. David's art/drawing class found a corner table among the puppets and other stuff going on to get their lesson this week. The Thursday Writing group found a niche to write and read their prose to one another inspite of the repair work happening to the puppets in order for them to be ready for the parade next Sunday (9/13). People are dropping in to secure their space to sell their art at the Festival. One table is busy with volunteers putting labels on water bottles for the festival and today every one was making room for the First Friday Coffee House.

If you didn't make it in for the coffee house you missed a really good band Tortuga. There were kids dancing and playing with the band (drums and tamborine) , frinds visiting with friends they had not seen in a while new friends being met and new people to OFFCenter. Art being bought and some really good food. All in all I think everyone enjoyed themselves. I know I did and liked the band too.

Congratulations to Sky sorry I missed your debut.

Congratulations Sky!

2009-09-03T19:03:00.005-06:00

Sky performed in recital on Wednesday for the studio artists and has the honor of being the most accomplished finger picker to earn an iCreate guitar. She took lessons when she was 13 and learned finger patterns and chords. She now can play and read melody and is a singer and writer.

All iCreate guitar class students are eligible to earn an instrument by completing the program requirements which are:
1) attend at least 12 classes
2) learn 5 songs by heart
3) perform the 5 songs to others

Puppet Invasion

2009-09-03T10:35:00.017-06:00

Greetings Everyone:

I goofed I tried to reorganize the photos I had posted and it deleted every thing . The puppets have come out of storage and are back in the studio. Some just need to be dusted off and some need a "face lift " and a few are getting an overhaul but they look great and are getting ready for their annual parade for the kickoff of the Folk Art Festival. There was a workshop (funshop) with Sunny Burkland and we have some new Puppets for the parade. It was great to watch brothers work side by side each creating their own winged creature to carry in the parade. Families seemed to be having a great time working on their own creatures. Mother and daughter worked together and Dad took care of the baby and all looked happy. Individuals and couples helping each other and comments and suggestions offered from other participants as well as a lot of That is sooooo coool and awesome or I would not of thought of doing that. Adabelle Allen, our new intern got assistance with the sewing part of her project and has so pretty cool wings for her Magpie.

If you missed this one or want to carry a puppet or mask in the parade there will be another opportunity this Saturday check our OFFCenter calendar for the times. Hope to see you there.

Sharie

Bake Sale Items Needed -- for Sept. 12 delivery

2009-09-01T20:34:00.002-06:00

Please bake us some cookies, muffins, cupcakes, coffe cakes, layer cakes, breads, scones, or anything your culinary heart desires.

We need them for our annual bake sale to be held during our Folk Art Festival on Sunday, Sept. 13th from 10am to 4pm at Robinson Park.

The bake sale is a big hit each year! There is a big demand for gluten-free, wheat-free and sugar-free items, but everything is welcome!

Please drop off your baked goods at OFFCenter on SATURDAY Sept. 12, 8 to 11 am.

For more info or special drop off arrangements, contact us to get the Bake Sale Committee's contact info.