Altars of Light Exhibition Opening

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

We Art the People!

(click for a bigger image)

Valentines Art Making Gathering

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.