Visitor Notes from Trust the Hand that Makes it Round

Wow! Over 300 people attended last night's opening at OFFCenter. The show, Trust the Hand that Makes it Round, called for art in all media that fit the unifying theme -- we saw suns, moons, mandalas, and more in paintings, sculptures, assemblages, silk, beadwork, ceramic, photography, and everything in between. There were even decorated cookies!

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Patti Littlefield, Mark Weaver, and Bonnie Bluhm and friends provided soulful, jazzy musical entertainment all evening.

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Sales were brisk (a real boon to emerging artists, who retain a 70% commission on gallery sales), and the food was plentiful!

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We were also thrilled to welcome art therapist Janis Timm-Bottos, founder of OFFCenter, who was visiting Albuquerque from her new home in British Columbia.

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Tough economic times have hit OFFCenter hard this year, but oddly enough, shrinking grant funding has galvanized the community. Judging by the awesome attendance and positive energy last night, the revitalized OFFCenter community of emerging artists, devoted board, hardworking staff, and generous donors can steer the Project toward a new model of sustainability.

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(By the way, are you interested in showing your work at OFFCenter? When you see the next call, bring something down to the studio...)

Jesse Reno is Coming to Albuquerque!

We are so excited to have nationally known outsider artist Jesse Reno come to OFFCenter for three days of teaching in March! Jesse will share his techniques for layering media to create spontaneous and amazing personal imagery.


The workshops are filling fast, so contact Leighanna Light at lklight@copper.net if you're interested in joining us. She's handling the registration details. Workshop dates are Saturday, March 21 (one-day workshop), and Sunday-Monday, March 22-23 (two-day workshop). There are only a few slots left.

Twisted Wire Jewelry Workshop, Saturday Jan 31

MARY TAFOYA PRESENTS TWISTED WIRE JEWELRY, SAT. JAN 31

Learn the foundation steps of a twisted wire jewelry project. In this class, we'll make at least two pairs of earrings using beads, charms and fine wire. A fun and satisfying project for teens to adults.We'll go through each step together, with tips for making variations, and each student will receive a handout with step-by-step instructions. Once you get the hang of these basic steps, you can use extra long lengths of wire and lots of different kinds of beads to create not just earrings, but other jewelry projects and art embellishments.This project is great for using up leftover beads.

Cost: $35. Scholarships are available.

Please call early to reserve. Space is limited. 505-247-1172

SUPPLY LIST

• A few small beads or charms, or use what's available at OFFCenter.
• You'll need about 10 beads for each pair of earrings. Leaves,
  flowers, and colorful round beads work great.
• At least two pairs of earring wires, or use what's available in the class
• Very fine craft wire (26 to 28 gauge) (some wire will be provided until we run out!)
• Scissors, if you have them
• Jewelry pliers, if you have them
• Jewelry wire cutters, if you have them

Collaborative Workshop, "Trust the Hand that Makes it Round"

Workshop: hursday/Friday, January 22^nd/23^rd , 5-8pm, Collaborative Community Art Process, free

The New Mexico Art Therapy Association will host two nights of collaborative community art making to produce new works for entry in the “Trust The Hand That Makes It Round” exhibit which opens on February 6^th. Join the group process or just come by to work on your individual piece and share in the creative energy.

WORKSHOP: Saturday, January 24^th, 10am to noon - Chinese Paper Dragons, $6 per person, families of 3 or more $4 per person

Join Ann Dunbar at the OFFCenter studio this Saturday, January 24^th for a kids friendly workshop. Ann will provide step-by-step instructions to cut, fold and decorate traditional Chinese paper dragons just in time for the Chinese New Year. All materials will be provided. All proceeds will benefit OFFCenter.

Call for Entries: "Trust the Hand that Makes it Round"

CALL FOR ART:
"Trust the Hand that Makes It Round" - a show at OFFCenter Arts Studio Opening Feb. 6 and running through Feb. 27, 2009. From mandalas to wheels of fortune, to suns, moons, our own mother earth, and everything round and spinning, this exhibit will celebrate our humanness, our vital energy and our ability to create the round world together. No fee. Entry deadline Jan. 23, art delivery deadline Jan. 27.

OFFCenter Arts is at 808 Park Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102.

For more info phone: 505-247-1172.

Holiday Gift Making Night at OFFCenter

Photo by Krisdecurtis

Holiday Gift Making Night

Wednesday, December 17th

5-8pm

OFFCenter Arts Studio

808 Park Ave. SW

Our traditional night of coming together and creating unique holiday gifts and decorations

Several artists will demonstrate projects. Bring your family and help generate some holiday warmth

This event is "free." call for more information 505.247.1172

Upcoming December 2008 OFFCenter Arts Events

Opening of “OFF & ONyx – an INTROSPECTIVE” Friday Night, December 5^th, 5-10pm OffCenter fundraiser and birthday celebration $5 donation requested

OFFCenter Community Arts announces our 7^th anniversary celebration, showing new work by over 40 of OFFCenter’s participating artists. The Dec. 5 opening will feature music by Bonnie Bluhm, who will host her annual Birthday Bash with the band Jasper at OFFCenter tonight for the benefit. After 6pm a $5 donation per person is requested. This donation includes a ticket for the raffle of art prizes throughout the night! The show runs through January 9^th.

Poetry and Shrine Making, Saturday, December 6^th, 1-4pm cost: $35 with scholarships available - please call for details

Instructor Karin Bradberry is an award-winning poet and teacher of English, Creative Writing, and Spanish whose passion is creating art that incorporates her poetry. Learn how to give embodiment to your favorite poem or other piece of writing in this workshop. Bringing a poem with you will make the process easier; if you don't, we will start you off with a writing exercise and then move on to the visual art. If you already have pictures that relate to your poem, bring these too! All other materials will be provided. Call to Register Now!

All events will be held at the OFFCenter studioTo register: call us at: 505-247-1172 or email info@offcenterarts.org

Two Off Center Art Workshops offered in November

Two Great Upcoming Workshops:

Monoprint Printmaking Saturday November 8th, Noon-3pm, cost: $35 with scholarships available

Local Artist moving into nation wide fame will be teaching a Monoprint Printmaking workshop at Off Center Arts. Cathy Wysocki who was recently highlighted in 516 Arts show titled "Cautionary Tales" will be bringing this intriguing form of printmaking to YOU!

Monoprinting is a fascinating way to create layers combining drawing, painting, collage and other mixed media materials! Come use our brand new professional quality press and learn about a new way to create a beautiful image. Register today!

Creative Collage Next Saturday, November 15th, 1-4pm, cost: $35 with scholarships available

Corinne Schuman will introduce a variety of techniques to boost your collage art work and make some art to share. This class will cover many ideas for making art to match any special occcasion that calls for a great card. Materials included.

To register call us at: 505-247-1172 or email info@offcenterarts.org

Day of the Dead Inspired Art Show Dead Ahead III

Third Annual "Day of the Dead" inspired Art Exhibit

Dead Ahead III
opens October 24th, 2008
5:00 to 8:00 PM

Host Artist: Jude Pacheco

Mary Dubois Tie Dye Workshop, Sat. Aug. 30

Make beautiful art with silk paints using sun, salt,
leaves, feathers, and cardboard.  Bring a white T-Shirt
and create tye-dye designs using vibrant colors. The sun
sets the dyes and prevents fading and bleeding. No more mess
and cost withthis new silk and muslin painting technique.
It's easy and fun!

Mary Dubois has 33 years experience selling and teaching art in many mediums. Mary is currently
teaching silk painting, ceramics, and beading at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). Mary is published in Artist
USA and Surrealism in the 21st Century. Mary's work can
be seen at websites http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.surrealismnow.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEtj7_iTWEdI7greeieBydh5f_ufg
and http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rainbowartists.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFZbcKYpPkQ2z4UWHwB63dPN8Du5A.

Workshop fee: $45.00

"We Art the People" August 9, 2008

"We Art the People" Folk Festival" - Saturday, August 9th Running from 11am -4pm the day begins with a giant puppet samba parade followed by ongoing musical and dance entertainment. Around 100 folk art vendors will be featured selling their wares in booths throughout Robinson Park, conveniently located across the street from OFFCenter. Art making activities, free to everyone, will be offered in several Art Tents. Food and drinks will be available for purchase along with baked goods and a "White Elephant" sale sponsored by our Board of Directors. This event is the highlight of our art making year so please come out and join the festivities and help build our community by making art together.

Volunteers are needed so if you want to help out please give us a call at 247-1172.

Create a Character for Albuquesrque's Folk Art Fest

PARADE WORKSHOPS

Everyone is invited to come to OFFCenter between 12-4 PM and "Create a Character" for the Folk Fest Parade! (no fee, it is free) Help make a festival by getting your costume ready for the big day. Find a mask and make it your own, or create a new one, design noise makers and fancy capes - anything that gets the spirit of the Folk Art Festival moving.

Dates:
July 26th 2008, (12:00 to 4:00 PM)
August 2nd 2008, (12:00 to 4:00 PM)
and August 6th 2008 (3:00 to 6:00 PM)

Albuquerque's 6th Annual Folk Art Festival

The Folk Art Festival returns!!

Saturday August 9, 2008
11am to 4pm

Located in Robinson Park, 8th & Central NW
after the Growers’ market

• The day begins with a giant puppet samba parade followed by ongoing musical and dance entertainment.
• Around 100 folk art vendors will be featured selling their wares in booths throughout Robinson Park, conveniently located across the street from OFFCenter.
• Art making activities, free to everyone, will be offered in several Art Tents.
• Food and drinks will be available for purchase along with baked goods and a “White Elephant” sale sponsored by our Board of Directors.
• This event is the highlight of our art making year so please come out and join the festivities and help build our community by making art together. Volunteers are needed so if you want to help out please give us a call.

Help us recreate the festival!!!
Contact us at 247-1172

Become a sponsor - just donate $25 or more.

Kids and Adults Parade Workshop - Saturday’s July 26^th and August 2^nd

Everyone is invited to come to OFFCenter between 12-4pm and “create a character” for the Folk Fest Parade! Help make a festival by getting your costume ready for the big day. Find a mask and make it your own, or create a new one, make noise makers and capes - anything that gets the spirit of the Folk Fest moving. 12-4pm in the studio - Free

You can participate in the “We Art the People” Parade at 11 AM. Come to OFFCenter on the 9th at 10am or contact OFFCenter Arts at: 505-247-1172 for more details.

Batik and Tye-Dye Workshop

Join Gasali Adeyemo at Off Center Art on July 5th & 6th for a Batik and Tye-Dye workshop.

Gasali hails from Nigeria and more recently from Santa Fe and is back at OFFCenter to present another two day workshop on Batik and Tie Dye. The workshop will be held from 10:00 to 4:00 PM both days in the OFFCenter Art Studio with a break taken for lunch.

The fee is $25.00 for both days. Sign up soon for this wonderful opportunity.

Albuquirky House Tour Tickets Still Available

Last call for tickets to today's (May 03, 2008) Albuquirky House Tour.

Tickets are $30.00

Call (505) 247-1172

808 Park Ave SW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102