And then--Convergence!

Yes, finally we reach Convergence--the granddaddy of all fiber conferences--even though the mother organization name says 'handweavers guild of America', this conference is for all fiber enthusiasts. We are there to assist with vendor set-up, hanging of exhibits, leader assistants, tour agenda and other sundry events that take place during the nine day long conference. And along the way other organizations 'piggy back' their conferences-- Complex Weavers meet before and American Tapestry Association meets on the last day. So much going on during the conference--so many great leaders filling our heads with their expertise, on site exhibits that put us into overload. Sorry, but there will be only photos of the yardage exhibit, which was hanging in the outer area. This wonderful exhibit hangs from the second level to the overlook above the entrance to the vendor hall. You can't help but notice all these fabrics decorating the nake walls. At the top of the exhibit are sample pieces of the fabric for that 'weavers handshake' touch.









Outside the convention center, students, ages 16-24, were busily working away on the mosiac for their summer project. These students are selected by their interest and grades from area high schools and colleges to work. During the summer, they plan the design, make the tiles and install the mosiacs. What a treat to see their vision come to life on the plain walls of the ACC.
A view of their working area and the section that was completed last summer.
A portion of their design area.
Tarps and ground cover went up each morning at 9 AM as they worked till 3 PM when they took everything down for the day.
There are about four more sections to be mosiaced and then the ACC will definitely be showing off the work and hertiage art of their culture.

Last Gallery Visit Before Convergence

We spent our last free day before the start of Convergence visiting Sumner Dene Gallery with artworks from Connie Enzmann-Forneris and Jennifer Moore . Connie creaates tapestry weavings for the wall, table and floor while Jennifer is known for her lovely doubleweave wall pieces and wearable art.






After a hot day we stopped in the coffee shop next door to the gallery where we feasted our eyes on the photography of Bill Tondreau who is an Oscar winning artist. Bill was there when we walked through the back room display and he elaborated on his process of capturing these fabulous shots of the surrounding area.

Galleries! Galleries! and More Galleries!

Oh My Gosh! Has it been a week since the last post?! It was a long busy week with Convergence--busy all day long and into the evening with dinners along with other meetings, then we collapsed in bed only to rise @ 5:30 AM the next morning to continue on the same path again. But, it was a fabulous week! Before we began the conference, we visited other galleries in Albuquerque and two in Corrales, which is just a short drive north of the city. A Fiber Arts Show at the Old San Ysidro Church was sponsored by local artists of Las Aranas Spinners and Weavers Guild who wanted to exhibit their work and the old church was the perfect setting. Members included the work of Deborah Jarchow , Connie Lippert , Liesel Orend , Sheila O'Hara , Linda Lugenbill, Nicki Bair , Phoebe McAfee, Yoriko Oki, Beverly Weaver, Cozy Swickard, Susan Bowman and Rosalie Nelson.













We stopped in Galeria de Corrales to view a few work from the hands of Pat Spark . We also ran into this little guy as he made his way across the landscape coolness. Next door to the galleria was a quilt shop Quilts Ole and it was necessary to pop in and see what was going on. Several of the gals were in the back room working on their double wedding ring fabric. The shop has a cutting machine--how great is that?!!

Albuquerque

Continuing on our gallery tours of the Southwest, we took in Albuquerque's Open Space Visitor Center--a wonderful site for exhibits. In the courtyard, a yoga class was mediating under the cool shade trees. Inside, we viewed several permanent exhibits from area artists--great woven baskets and other nature occurring materials. Looking through gallery window out into the shade alcove.
This was called Robyn's nest.
Wonderful twisted and woven basket materials.
Grouds and cholla cactus intertwined. In the back gallery space, we visited the tapestries of James Koehler, Rebecca Mezoff and Cornelia Theimer Gardella : "The Bauhaus Tradition". The Bauhaus style came from Germany. Quoting from Klaus Labuttis: "The aim of Bauhaus was to produce work that unified intellectual, practical and aesthetic concerns through artistic endeavor and the exploitation of new technologies." These tapestry pieces continues that tradition.
James Koehler's work is impressive--looking simple but color blending is an art in his hands.
These panels definitely highlight his intriguing way to weave.
Other works by his 'students', who are in their own element with this technique.

Okay, feast your eyes on these works of art!

Santa Fe Galleries

A few of the Santa Fe galleries are featuring textile exhibits in cooperation with Handweavers Guild of America's biennial conference, Convergence. This conference is held in different regions around the country and 2010 was the year for Southwest. As we visited the Santa Fe area, we found the gallery guide from Convergence to be very helpful in planning our gallery stops. Our first gallery was Santa Fe Weaving Gallery which is located in the plaza area. The exhbit is a trunk show of Diane Prekup and her work. Not weaving but a clever way to make your own fabric using water soluble fiber. We visited for quite some time as she explained her technique. Then we ventured down Canyon road to visit two other galleries that were within walking distance--only you can't find a parking space! Luckily, the driver was happy to circle the block a few times. Chiaroscuro Contemporary Art hosted several artists with their exhibit of "Materials Matter". Down the road a short distance is the William and Joseph Gallery which is featuring Enchanted Pathways sponsored by American Tapestry Alliance These are all small format tapestries.



A nice collection of small tapestry works. Victoria Price Art & Design features the work of Sarah Hewitt and Nancy Hidding Pollack with "Lost and Found". Then onto William Siegel gallery where we feasted our eyes on silk ikat resist work of Polly Barton . There were other wonderful textiles from Andes--one a checkboard cotton woven piece that dated 500 years. Our last stop for Sante Fe was Wheelwright Museum which is hosting a fabulous exhibit "Nizhoni Shima': Master Weavers of the Toadlena/Two Grey Hills Region". These were wonderful natural color Navajo rugs of historic importance dating from 1920's till contemporary times. We were disappointed when we drove to Madrid to Johnsons of Madrid and the gallery wasn't open even though we were there much after opening times as stated. Too bad as the exhibit was 'Wearables and Wallables by 5 Wonderful Weavers" and other interesting pieces. Most likely we will not drive that way again.

Long Way to Santa Fe

We were driving the regular route to Sante Fe from Shiprock--four lane highway; more less in good shape, but if you know New Mexico roadways, you know that they aren't always in the greatest shape at anytime. We spied a sign to Ponderosa Winery, which up route 4--about 8 miles off the beaten path. Okay--here we go! We travel through the Jemez reservation, down another small road to the winery. Here is Mary, the owner. She is holding down the fort as her hubby is off fishing in Alaska.
Mary is a delightful lady--her smiles bring out the dimples in her cheeks. She has great stories to tell. And she can pour a mean glass of wine too!
The grapes are small, round and ripening for more fermentation in the barrel come this fall.
We had to laugh at the flower planter--an old fertilizer wagon--what a good use for a long forgotten and neglected implement. Mary learns that we are heading into Santa Fe and suggests we go the back way--up route 4 and through Jemez mountains--we are game. Besides, she recommends three cafes in Jemez Springs--one she prefers over the others because they use cloth napkins. Why not? The countryside is awesome!
We pull into Laughing Lizard Cafe, find a table on the screened in porch in order to catch a slight breeze during this hot summer day. This area contains apricot orchards but due to a bad spring, the crops didn't fare too well, but in the window sill are three small apricots just waiting to turn that lovely ripe color. Around one of the many curves we come upon a congested area sign and pull off to observe soda dam
A natural wonder and sight! Another wonder is the Bandelier National Monument --just short drive off the route. Good thing for that senior pass! A two mile hike around the loop takes you to see a huge pueblo and kiva that dates back to 12th century. Back on the road after that brief stop we are headed into LA.
Mary has told us about a distillery located in Los Alamos and we set our GPS for the location, which is in a neighborhood--interesting--maybe, we have the wrong address--nope, GPS got us to the driveway of Don Quixote Distillery & Winery Home of the World Famous Blue Corn Vodka. You can taste but you can't buy! They also make flavored vanillas--delicious! In order to purchase the vodka you must buy from liquor store. Okay, that's on the to do list for Santa Fe.