Thank you Silent Auction Artists

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!

OFFCenter Artists Celebrate Recyled Art and the Earth!

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!

Summerfest Latin Night Art Projects

Saturday night was the last night of Summerfest 2009, and we got lots of kudos on our Latin-inspired art projects that intrigued adults and kids alike.

She and mom rode a tandem bike to Civic Plaza, and while mom rested under the tent, daughter made her shrine.

Our nichos project was very popular. Hers is adorned with shells and other small objects we set out on the tables.

This young gal was a repeat visitor this summer. Her nicho is called "Love."

These friends made nichos for their friends.

Stay tuned for our upcoming blog post about our other Latin-inspired art project -- we did our own "intro" version of punched tin work.

Just a Few More Summerfest Photos

Our cozy tables and tent. Lots of room to create!

The hair beading table is always a hit. Margaret Lopez concentrates while big sister helps out.

We altered 45's in honor of Old Time Rock n Roll, aka "50's" Night.

We found out that you can be too young to make art.
Dad was willing, but Junior was determined to run and climb.

More Summerfest Artists

We featured some of the boys who visited our Summerfest booth on Saturday. Here are a few of the gals!

Boyz and Butterflies at Summerfest

Here are some of the fine young lads who visited our booth at Summerfest tonight, proudly sharing the projects they completed at our art tables. Our projects this week were butterflies made from fabric, glitter and clothespins; hair beading; and collaged 45 records to go with the 1950s musical Summerfest theme.

Stay tuned for more photos of this week's Summerfest.

Art Workshop with Leighanna Light

Join us as we dive into transforming the mundane into the extraordinary! We'll have a blast altering found dolls to make them look like unearthed relics.

The class is called "Resurrecting Charlotte," and we are so thrilled to have Leighanna back in the studio with us again.

Go to the OFFCenter website to download the complete, downloadable flyer with supply list and statement from the artist.

As usual, the class fee for this all-day event includes many various art supplies and materials that Leighanna will provide.

Cost is $75.00.
Class size is limited to 15 students.

Contact OFFCenter to register.

For more about Leighanna, visit her blog at www.lklight.blogspot.com

Always Unique Gifts in the Shop

We don't want to brag, but we were recycling-for-art before it was cool, bending metal, repainting canvas, reviving afghans and making stuffed animals out of cut up sweaters.

Many Albuquerque residents and visitors come to the gift shop knowing they'll get a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted item for someone special, and that our emerging artists benefit from the very high commissions they keep on sales.

Where else are you going to find a coat rack made of high heeled shoes or a wall vase of rusted nail flowers? At OFFCenter, you'll find very special work by very special people. Like this composition made from bottle caps and cans, by Jill Cooper.

Funky Found Object Canvas Village Feb. 28

Leighanna Light is back at OFFCenter with another Saturday workshop!

"In this workshop we will create our very own imaginary village using a variety of techniques to build thick deep layers on canvas. We will use paint, paper, fabric, fibers, found objects & gel to create amazing depth & dimension. Learn many new tips & tricks including how to obtain a beautiful encaustic look without using messy hot wax & crock pots. Please join us for a fun, relaxing day of inspiration & art making! This is a project oriented workshop. You should be able to leave with at least one finished canvas, three if you work fast!"

Saturday, February 28, 2009

10am - 4pm -- Cost:$70.

Reservations required – must pay in advance to reserve a seat.

• three 8 x 8 or 6 x 12 stretched canvases,with at least a 1-1/2 inch edge. An inexpensive source for this is http://www.cheapjoes.com/ - look for “Joe’s prime really good canvas,extra deep” A package of 5 is $14.49 plus shipping. You can also work over a canvas that has already been painted.
  
• At least 8 oz. of REGULAR gel medium, semi gloss or matte. This is important - you will not be able to participate without this.
  
• 4 oz.of glue, PVA is best,available at Papers! – we will have some to share if you don’t have any.
  
• Several paint brushes, a ruler & scissors or use what OFFCenter has.
  
• A small palette knife - OFFCenter has a few of these also.
  
• A heat gun or a blowdryer if you have one – several will be available.
  
• A FEW of your favorite acrylic paints (if everyone brings 2 or 3 & is willing to share, we should be fine) or use what OFFCenter has in stock.
  
• A variety of small found objects to embed into your canvas - flat game pieces, lace, fabric, metal, buttons & gears or use what OFFCenter has in stock.
  
• A variety of papers, dictionary pages, old handwriting, maps, wallpaper, decorative papers will all work well or use what OFFCenter has in stock.