OFFBags at Form & Function - 516 Arts

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

art X change with 516 Arts June 13, 2009

Gallery Talk, Slides & Art Demos

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Here & There: Seeing New Ground artists Cheryl Dietz & Tim Horn discuss their creative process at 516 ARTS, followed by a reception/ art demos at OFFCenter Community Arts Project.Please call 247-1172 to expressyour interest.Thanks! Open and freeto the community.

10 am Artist Talk at @ 516ARTS,516 Central Ave,SW

11:30 am Reception/Art Making at OFFCenter @theOFFCenter studio,down the street at 808 Park Ave SW

building community through artmaking

516 Art X Change

Sharie's Studio Journal

Greetings Everyone: I attended the the demonstration by John Garrett that was a part of the 516 Art Exchange. People, I work with wire (just one of many things I make art with) I was amazed. I had used the same technique to twist yarn using a hand mixer and one beater but I never thought to do the same thing with wire. There are some differences i.e. tools and safety issues, but I am so ready to try this method and can see how different my wire pieces will be with this new technique.

Just goes to show you never know what you will learn or miss out on so come on by and make art with us. Who knows there might be a workshop going on or a demonstration of some method to make art.

Til later Sharie

John Garrett Demonstration during May artXchange

John Garrett and other artists from the latest 516 Arts show -- an exchange of sculptors from Los Angeles and Albuquerque, visited OFFCenter to mentor our Emerging Artists group and other guests. In these photos, John demonstrates his technique for twisting wire. Learn more about John and his work at the Collector's Guide.

art X change with 516 Arts May 14, 2009

Gallery Talk & ArtMaking
Thursday, May 14, 2009

Three sculptors in the West Southwest: ABQ-LA Exchange show at 516 Arts will discuss their creative process at 516 Arts, followed by a reception/art making session at OFFCenter Community Arts Project.

Please call 505-247-1172 to express your interest. Open and free to the community!

Meet and discuss with Lea Denise Anderson, John Garrett, and George Kalmar.

4-5pm Artist Talk @ 516 Arts, 516 Central Ave NW

5-6:30pm Reception / Art Making at OFFCenter, just down the street.

"Vital Slices" by Lea Denise Anderson

One More Artist Reflects on the 516 Art X Change

This Art X Change post is from Mary Lambert, OFFCenter studio artist:

Many thanks to Bryan and Suzanne at 516 ARTS for connecting OFFCenter with Delilah Montoya, curator and artist of the current exhibit, Chicana Badgirls at 516. It was fascinating to learn a little about some of her process in curating the show and the thinking and mythology that went into her large digital print of La Llorona and Lilith.

Here are a couple of things I remember Delilah mentioning about entry into the public art arena as an artist:

• Do the body of work. You have to do the work. You can then decide on and promote your best pieces.


• Enter National Call for Entries. This is how you get your work known on a large scale. Plus, why not? It takes just as much effort to enter on a regional scale as on a national one.


• Participate in as many local Art Fairs as you can. This is how you can gain experience showing your work.
  ~and~


• Don't burn your bridges. Even tho the art world many times seems unfair and unjust, hold your tongue. It is a small town and people love to tell stories.

Words of wisdom from the mouth of a "Badgirl".

Another artist's reflections on the first ArtXChange

Here's what OFFCenter studio artist Jude Pacheco shared with us about the first OFFCenter ArtXChange event with 516 Arts, just down the street:

My experience at the 516 Arts / OFFCenter Art X Change on Thursday, March 12, 2009 was an exceptionally wonderful time. Our 516 Arts gallery tour guide walked us through the exhibition space describing in good detail the works as well as answering and asking through provoking questions. 516 artist Delilah Montoya is an absolutely delightful personality. Her warm and comforting approach to the audience worked well as some guests felt it easy to describe their own heart-breaking personal stories in relation to the art. Then, back at the OFFCenter I was personally honored and humbled to treat my one-minute performance art piece titled "Stare Into the Mirror." Delilah commented that she "like the piece" and I was overwhelmed with joy. The 516 Arts / OFFCenter Art X Change was an experience I'll not soon forget. We laughed, cried, and hopefully looked again at ourselves. I could never have expected the Art X Change to have been such a surprise -- thank you to Delilah Montoya and Mary Lambert -- the OFFCenter Community Arts Studio & the 516 Arts.

Artists comment on first ArtXchange

OFFCenter's emerging artists recently participated in an artXchange with 516 Arts, just a couple of blocks away from the studio. Word is that we'll do this again in the future, perhaps several times a year, and/or whenever 516 launches a new show. It's good for the artists, good for the organizations, and good for the neighborhood. We'll be posting feedback from the event. Here's what Venae Warner had to say:

"When I received the notice that the 516 gallery was inviting us to an "Art X Change," I imagined trading my paltry work for some of their current and seasoned artist's work. I couldn't imagine it. But after reading further I realized that this event was a talk from the artist and curator Delilah Montoya, I was on board.

The show was aptly titled Chicana Bad Girls. When we arrived we were guided by a knowledgeable staff member from 516, where he illuminated the philosophies, motivations and techniques of most of the artists. After that Delilah Montoya discussed her vision for the show, her beautiful manipulated wall size photograph, and answered our various questions. Since most of us were artists, we were able to discuss the show from the artist's perspective.

This was free, entertaining, stimulating and educational. How fortunate for us that 516 has created this new venue. I definitely look forward to the next show."

Gallery Talk with Delilah Montoya Thurs. Mar. 12

Building Community Through Artmaking

Delilah Montoya, artist and curator of the show Chicana Badgirls, will give a gallery talk at 516 ARTS for all OFFCenter Artists. OFFCenter will then host a reception and tour of the OFFCenter studio for Delilah. This is a wonderful change to exchange ideas, knowledge and experiences with each other.

Sponsored by OFFCenter and 516 ARTS

Thursday, March 12, 2009

• 3:00 p.m. Guided Tour @ 516 Arts, 516 Central Ave SW
• 3:30 p.m. Gallery Talk
• 4:15 p.m. Reception @ OFFCenter Studio, down the street at 808 Park Ave SW

Please call 505-247-1172 to express your interest. Open and FREE to the community.