The Capital Of New Mexico Isn’t Just Possessed Of A Stark, Arid, Natural Beauty And Distinctive Architectural Style;
It’s Also A Renowned Center For Creative Splendor Thanks
To The Many Artists Who Gather There To Live And Work.
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This month, a portal to that splendid city is opening right here, as the Howell Gallery presents its own gathering of those artists in “The Art of Santa Fe.”
Opening November 6, the exhibit gives those of us here in central Oklahoma an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the visual culture of one of the country’s foremost artistic enclaves, and at the same time showcases the depth and volume of creativity to be found on the Santa Fe scene.
That breadth of range is the result of combining works from seven artists: Dick Evans, Susan Stamm Evans, Aleta Pippin, Poteet Victory, Tom Perkinson, Kevin Box and Greg Reiche. Though they don’t all practice the same style or even work with similar materials, their common thread is that all seven live or work in and around Santa Fe.
“This will be the first time this entire group of artists has shown together,” says gallery director Laura Howell Tirrell. “They all have connections to the Howell Gallery; some of them are new acquaintances that we haven’t represented for very long, others have been with us for years, but now we’re excited to have the opportunity to put together a show like this.
“There’s something for multiple tastes, because their styles are so different. They all represent different mediums – acrylic, oil, watercolor, mixed media, bronze, stainless steel and stone – and different styles. New Mexico landscapes or contemporary abstracts, figurative sculptors, sculpture based on origami, even a work of knitting that was then cast in bronze. We usually don’t do shows with that many artists, but for this, it worked out really well to have a broader range of art.
“As you look from one piece to the next, you’re in a whole different place visually – but they all work together; there’s an awesome vibe.”
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A Visual Journey
Visitors’ first look at this look at Santa Fe art will be the exhibit’s free opening reception on November 6, from 5-7pm. Four of the show’s participants – Pippin, Victory and the Evanses – will be present alongside their work.
“The Art of Santa Fe” will remain on display through November 26 at The Howell Gallery, located at 6432 N. Western in Oklahoma City. For more information, visit howellgallery.com or call 840.4437.
