The Endless Strength of America – Patrick Matthews

Pat Matthews’ Tribute to the Victims of the Boston Marathon Tragedy – Proceeds from the auction of the painting go to The One Fund, Boston

The Power of Art

Art is expression, color, and movement; at its very core, it is evocative. It speaks every language and has the power to awake dormant emotion. Sometimes art is created out of a longing for beauty, and sometimes it arises from darkness – a lone, bright glow penetrating the cloak of night. It takes us away from the present reality; it brings us to a new thought, a renewed perspective; it offers us a fresh lens.

Painting for Hope

On September 11, 2001, our great nation was shaken by the unthinkable act of terror. In communal disbelief and glued to our television sets, we watched every gruesome detail unfold. We watched, prayed and waited for the gaping questions to be answered. Pat Matthews had been working on a landscape when he heard the news and was immediately moved to paint an American flag right over it. As the story unfolded, Pat continued to paint the bold emblem that represents our resilient nation. He then gave 100% of the proceeds from the sale of 1,000 Limited Edition signed and numbered lithograph prints to a special fund for the New York City fire fighters. The original painting titled, “American Pride” with 343 lithograph prints was given to Engine 4, Ladder Company 54, Battalion 9 Fire Station, located at 782 Eighth Avenue, New York City – the fire station that experienced terrible loss of life of their morning crew.

Strength in Color

Here at Waxlander Gallery and Sculpture Garden, we are honored to represent Pat Matthews. His spirit shines through in everything he paints. We were not surprised when Pat told us he was creating a tribute piece to honor the victims and their families of the recent Boston Marathon tragedy. Aptly named, “The Endless Strength of America,” Pat’s vibrant painting speaks of unity and tells the story of America – a land of unending strength. The multi-colored vertical ribbons provide a captivating background to our nation’s symbol of hope and allegiance: the American flag. Pat describes it as “strength in color”. We are thrilled to announce that this inspiring work will be auctioned off on our gallery floor the evening of May 24th, which is also the opening night of Pat’s show called, “Dynamic Color: The Freedom of Expression”. Pat and Waxlander are donating 100% of the proceeds to The One Fund in Boston, created to directly benefit those affected by the tragedy in the Northeast.

We warmly invite you to bid in person, and you will be in for a treat, as you’ll have the opportunity to meet Pat and see his newest body of work. If you are unable to make the trip to Canyon Road, we are accepting bids via telephone – call Bonnie, Waxlander Gallery Director at (505) 984-2202.

We look forward to seeing you on the 24th!

See the Creative Process In Action at the Annual Artist Quick Draw During Passport to the Arts

Saturday, May 11th | 11AM-12:30PM

Santa Fe Summer – Bernard Marks

The Passport to the Arts is quickly approaching, and with that comes the artist Quick Draw. One can peruse online photo galleries of their favorite artists any time, but it is a rare and special occasion that one can see an artist in action. We are honored to house one of the Quick Draw tents just outside our gallery door, and we are even more thrilled that Bernard Marks and Paul Cunningham will be creating live under that tent.

What Idealized Reality Will Bernard Marks Create this Saturday?

Bernard describes his work as “idealized reality”. You have the incredible opportunity to see him painting this Saturday right here on Canyon Road. Bernard lives in New Mexico and is inspired by the colors and shapes of the West. About his process he says, “I generally start each painting, whether plein air or in the studio, with a quick thumbnail sketch. Then I do a loose drawing on my support, which may be canvas, gesso board or paper. Once I start painting, I try to work very quickly and intuitively.” Bernard is sure to be working quickly this Saturday at the much-anticipated timed event.

Garden Serenata – Paul Cunningham

Embark on an Otherworldly Journey on Canyon Road with Paul Cunningham

Like Bernard, Paul Cunningham has a reverence toward the West. The many trips he took to the Southwest as a youth prompted him to create a palette of western hues, which contributes to his Contemporary Western repertoire. Paul also has a knack for the abstract, taking the viewer on an otherworldly journey. His hummingbird series is full of rich color and almost tangible motion. Who knows what he’ll be moved to create this Saturday during the Quick Draw – we can’t wait to find out.

 If purchasing a piece off the blog, mention that you found the piece on the blog and get a special discount!

Early Fog – Rick Reinert

Highly Accoladed Artist, Who Appeared on the Cover of Time Magazine, Meet Rick Reinert

Rick Reinert studied art formally in the 1970’s at Western Kentucky University. His education propelled him toward single-man shows abroad, where he exhibited grand impressionistic works. “What began as an intense desire for painting has evolved into a life-long passion,” says Reinert. Although his desire to paint never faded, Reinert took some time away from the canvas. He established two successful businesses while raising a family and became an authority on the topic of campaign finance reform, which landed him a cover story in Time Magazine.

The Artist’s Re-Awakening

During his business success, Reinert was pulled back toward his first love: painting. Remembering his passion for creating, which began when he was a child, Reinert began painting after work. His days were filled with “regular work” and painting in the evenings. After four years of this pattern, Reinert saw that his passion could actually become his career – so he took a leap. He now finds himself in front of the canvas seven days a week and says deciding to paint full-time was the best decision he ever made. Reinert is inspired by two ever-present surroundings stating, “Nature and sunlight have provided me with the ultimate reference library. Every day offers unique and exciting opportunities for the artist who follows the light.”

Afternoon Glow – Rick Reinert

A Journey Southwest

And follow the light he has. Waxlander is thrilled to welcome Reinert’s evocative works to the sunny southwest. Reinert’s ability to catch the viewer’s eye with vivid color and bold strokes of the brush, and simultaneously deliver an undercurrent of softened edges is uniquely his. “Afternoon Glow” and “Early Fog” are just a taste of the pieces that are soon to grace our walls.

Rick Reinert lives near Charleston, South Carolina, and his days are devoted to expanding his stunning repertoire. His dedication has certainly paid off, as he has been the recipient of countless accolades. He has won several “Best in Show” and “People’s Choice” titles, was the subject of a cover story for Sunshine Artist magazine, and has been featured six times in American Art Collector magazine to name just a few. Reinert’s works are hanging in private and corporate collections throughout the U.S. and abroad.

If purchasing a piece off the blog, mention that you found the piece on the blog and get a special discount!

Santa Fe is arguably the most artistic city in the United States, and maintaining that standing takes dedication from the surrounding arts community. Art appreciation and encouragement of the next generation of artisans is something that Waxlander Gallery takes seriously. Therefore it is always with great excitement that we participate in programs that aid in the development of the great artists of the future.

One of the newer events to support the youth of Santa Fe is Passport to the Arts. In its sophomore year, it has already become a treasured occasion with an expanded three-day weekend itinerary of artistic delight. Supporting the students of the Santa Fe Public Schools Music Education Program, it is a treat for the eyes and ears.

While there is plenty to keep visitors engaged, we are looking forward to several events in particular:

Artist Quick Draw

Much like the name implies, the Artist Quick Draw is a timed event. Beginning at 11 AM, participants will have 90 minutes to complete an original work of art, with paintbrushes to cease their strokes promptly at 12:30. The works created will then be auctioned in the afternoon – once the paint has had a chance to dry.

Here at Waxlander Gallery we are pleased to announce that our artists Paul Cunningham and Bernard Marks will be participating. In addition, we are sponsoring two other artists, and all 4 can be seen at Quick Draw Location 3, which happens to be right outside our front door.

Student Musical Performances

As the painters, sculptors and experts in their various media put away their tools, young musicians of Santa Fe will grace us with a performance. We are proud to be hosting one of the student ensembles from the Santa Fe Public Schools Music Education Program as they sing and play for the public from 1-3 PM.

Silent Auction

Waxlander Gallery is also one of the locations where you can bid on valuable items as part of the silent auction that will take place along the road. Check back in before the close of bidding to make sure that you take home the pieces you want. Your participation will help support the Santa Fe Public Schools Music Education program.

All Along the Road

In addition to the events here at Waxlander, there are performances, receptions, auctions, painting and more all along Canyon Road. Many galleries will have special openings and artist receptions on Friday May 10th, and others will have additional ways to support the Santa Fe Public Schools Music Education Program all day Saturday. Finally, many boutiques and galleries will be open on Sunday the 12th at 11 AM so you can take your mom shopping before Mother’s Day brunch.

“Nara”

Ann Fleming spent most of her adult life making things with a very clear function. As a professional potter with a Bachelor’s degree from Portland State University and a Master’s from Lewis and Clark College, she crafted colorful functional ware for collectors across the country for more than 25 years. After a quarter century of the physically demanding work, she was considering a switch to bronze sculpture but had one hesitation.

The artist had spent so much time making functional objects—tiles, lighting and the like—that it seemed strange to be creating art for art’s sake. She soon realized that her new sculptural work did have a function: it told stories.

“Haven”

Ann lives in White Salmon, Washington, but she started her career as a sculptor and raised her son Casey in Oregon. She sculpted her first figurative piece in clay in 2004 and had her first five pieces cast in bronze two years later. In 2012, she designed a helped build a house in White Salmon, where she draws inspiration from the dramatic landscape of the Columbia River Gorge and the animals that live in the forest surrounding her.

“On the Brink”

Almost all of Ann’s sculptures tell stories of humans interacting with nature. “Nara” shelters a deer in her long cloak, a woman gently cradles two birds in “Holding Innocence” and “Perfect Balance” shows a joyful lady gulping down grapes. The women live in a utopia where all beings coexist peacefully and where guardian angels are always there to watch over them.

When Ann started sculpting, she learned that stories could possess powerful utility. Her hopeful tales spread a message of peace.

You can see more work by Ann Fleming here, and get updates on the artist on our Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest profiles.