Artists from both Durango, Colorado and Santa Fe, New Mexico locations to participate

DURANGO, CO and SANTA FE, NM: September 6, 2016; Sorrel Sky Gallery will be hosting an early winter small works show, Little Window with a Big View. The opening reception will be held at both galleries on December 2.  At the Durango, CO location at 828 Main Ave from 5:00-7:00pm, and at the Santa Fe, NM location at 125 W. Palace Ave from 5:00-7:30pm. All of the gallery’s fine art artists and sculptors have been invited to participate in this show and many will be present at the opening reception. The show will continue through the month of December.

Small works are the perfect way to begin or enhance an art collection. Whether an experienced collector or an emerging collector, the intimate size draws the viewer closer, creating a personal connection with the image or figure. At the same time the dynamic nature of an original piece captures the imagination and stirs emotions. The inherent power that art possess is not defined by its proportions, rather by it ability to engage the eye, the heart and the mind. That can be clearly seen at a small works show. This show will be presenting works from artists such as Star Liana York, Peggy Immel, Stephen Day, Edward Aldrich, Michael Lewis, Cynthia DeBolt, Chuck Sabatino, Gerald Balciar, as well as many others.

Gallery owner Shanan Campbell Wells is looking forward to the energy that small work shows generate. “As the gallery receives new small works from its many artists, excitement builds for the show itself. These smaller pieces have such a different power than larger works. They speak quietly but with great impact, pulling you in and telling you a story that perhaps only you can hear. Sharing those stories with family and friends makes these small works even more powerful.”

Sorrel Sky Gallery’s fresh approach to Western art presents a select collection of contemporary and traditional fine art and jewelry for the discerning collector. Sorrel Sky Gallery was founded in Durango, CO in 2002 and opened its Santa Fe, NM location in 2014. It represents over 90 painters, sculptors and jewelers including bronze artist Star Liana York and jewelry artist Ben Nighthorse, among others.

Juried exhibition of original plein air paintings by Artists and Signature Members of Plein Air Painters of New Mexico

SANTA FE, NM: August 16, 2016; Sorrel Sky Gallery is proudly hosting the 8th National Juried Members Show of the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico (PAPNM) the weekend of November 4-6, 2016 at the gallery’s downtown location, at 125 W Palace Ave. The varied events will feature the work of artists dedicated to preserving and promoting painting en plein air. The opening reception and awards ceremony will be held on Friday the 4th, from 5:00-8:00pm. On Saturday the 5th, from 12noon-3:00pm, Judge of Awards, Jeff Legg, will give a still life oil painting demonstration. There will be three additional painting demonstrations by PAPNM members on Sunday the 6th, as follows: from 10:00am-12:30pm Lee MacLeod, Oil; from 12:30pm-2:30pm Damien Gonzales, Oil; from 2:30pm-5:00pm Lee McVey, Pastel. The show will then continue through the month of November.

Plein Air painting, taken from the French expression meaning “in the open air”, has been called by some an extreme sport. Its devotees brave wind, rain, intense heat and sun, bugs and the constantly shifting light to capture their subject matter. With the desire to observe and paint directly from the source of their inspiration, these artists display a sense of determination that could easily be missed when contemplating their finished works. However, it takes a capable person with both physical and emotional strength to paint in these ever changing conditions. Plein Air artists flock to the Southwest which provides a wealth of inspirational scenery, with its clear blue skies, wide open plains, twisting canyons, stately cottonwoods and gnarled piñons. Although these challenges can be daunting, these artists experience great satisfaction in painting outdoors, meeting nature and their surroundings face to face.  

Past PAPNM shows have drawn top artists from across the country and this show will be no different. Each artist is invited to submit up to four paintings that they have produced over the last two years and a jury committee selects the paintings to exhibit. Bill Gallen, Walt Gonske, Albert Handell, Peggy Immel (represented at Sorrel Sky Gallery) and Paul Murray, the five Master Signature Artists of PAPNM, have all been invited to participate, as well as the Signature Artists. This year’s Jurors of Selection for the show are American Landscape painter Clive R. Tyler, Sorrel Sky Gallery owner Shanan Campbell Wells, and last year’s Best of Show Winner Cecilia Robertson. The Judge of Awards is Jeff Legg, Master Signature member of “Oil Painters of America.”

Gallery owner Shanan Campbell Wells sees Plein Air artists as “frontline” painters. “There is a sense of energy and excitement that can be felt when looking at works by Plein Air artists. They were right there, painting in the field as frontline artists, observing in person a scene unfold before them. That moment, that sliver of time, you don’t just see it, you can feel it.”

Sorrel Sky Gallery’s fresh approach to Western art presents a select collection of contemporary and traditional fine art and jewelry for the discerning collector. Sorrel Sky Gallery was founded in Durango, CO in 2002 and opened its Santa Fe, NM location in 2014. It represents over 90 painters, sculptors and jewelers including bronze artist Star Liana York and jewelry artist Ben Nighthorse, among others.  

Mark Swazo-Hinds, Martha Kellar, Stephanie Hartshorn and Victor Gabriel to show at Sorrel Sky Gallery Santa Fe

SANTA FE, NM: August 23, 2016; Sorrel Sky Gallery announces the representation of four new artist: Native American sculptor Mark Swazo-Hinds, Native American silversmith Victor Gabriel, contemporary western and architectural painter Stephanie Hartshorn, and still life and figurative painter Martha Kellar. Each artist brings a unique perspective, a unique talent, and unique works to the gallery’s diverse gathering of artists.

Mark Swazo-Hinds, although influenced by traditional rituals and ceremonies, specializes in creating contemporary sculptural works of art for a contemporary audience. Mark enjoys working with Indiana limestone, Italian marble, Utah alabaster among other stones. He often uses natural red earth pigment for color, and shells and ancient pottery shards bundled in exotic feathers for ornamentation.

Martha Kellar, a New Mexico resident, has worked as a professional artist since 1979. However, she made her decision to become an artist at 6 years old while at her first art exhibition. The works of Rubens and other Baroque painters seen that day have continued to influence her still lifes, figurative works and landscapes. Originally painting only in pastels, she began using oils in 1989, and has since focused on this medium to recreate the beauty of her world.

Stephanie Hartshorn, a fourth generation Colorado native, started out as an engineering student, later turned to architecture as a way to develop her creative side, and ultimately began painting full-time in 2009. She looks for the sense of history in an object, observing and appreciating all its years of service. Structural themes are often seen in her work, giving attention to the complex beauty in the lines and curves of the manmade and natural worlds.

Victor Gabriel draws from the influence of the Washoe Indian culture that his grandmother instilled in him as a youth. His artistic talent is evident by his diverse styles, ranging from stamped silver work to contemporary inlay. He uses a variety of stones, from traditional turquoise, coral, lapis and sugilite, to semi-precious gems such as Australian and Mexican fire opal, carnelian, amethyst, citrine and chalcedony to mention a few.

Gallery owner Shanan Campbell Wells is thrilled to welcome these four artists to the gallery. “Each has such a singular vision and individual voice. The tangible results occupy a specific niche for visitors, collectors and clients of Sorrel Sky.”

Sorrel Sky Gallery’s fresh approach to Western art presents a select collection of contemporary and traditional fine art and jewelry for the discerning collector. Sorrel Sky Gallery was founded in Durango, CO in 2002 and opened its Santa Fe, NM location in 2014. It represents over 90 painters, sculptors and jewelers including bronze artist Star Liana York and jewelry artist Ben Nighthorse, among others.

Renowned Santa Fe silversmith and resident, Lawrence Baca, to show at Sorrel Sky Gallery Santa Fe

SANTA FE, NM: August 18, 2016; Sorrel Sky Gallery announces the representation of renowned jewelry designer and silversmith Lawrence Baca, whose work is sought after by local, national and international collectors.

Lawrence Baca is a multi-talented, award winning jewelry designer, born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His design inspiration is defined by the strong Hispanic and Native American cultural influences. The common theme in all his work is a combination of Spanish Colonial Ecclesiastical with roots in the earliest phase of Native American ‘Old Pawn’. Baca’s use of materials range from sterling silver to 24 karat gold. He also uses a wide variety of gems and stones to create one of a kind designs. His work is unique, reflective of the local environment that provides him with daily inspiration, from the natural surroundings to the free flowing adobe architecture. Collectors and visitors alike have been captivated by his style for the last 25 years, and will continue to be.

The youngest recipient ever of the Spanish Colonial Art Society’s highest distinction, its Master’s Award for Lifetime Achievement, Baca often deflects praise by pointing to those that have inspired and guided him. He is quick to mention his wife, Maria, and other family members who have supported him on his artistic journey. The honor is not one he takes lightly but views as motivation to continue learning and stretching his creative process.

While taking a piece from a design concept to an actual finished work, Lawrence is ready to adapt and evolve. Staying open to the dynamic nature of what is in his hand, at that moment, he stays flexible and avoids rigidly following a set path. “Nothing is perfectly symmetrical, but it is all so beautiful. To have found something that I love to do … making people happy with what I make … I count it as a gift.”

Shanan Campbell Wells, owner of Sorrel Sky Gallery, expressed her excitement in welcoming Lawrence. “We are so very pleased to be representing Lawrence here at Sorrel Sky Santa Fe. His work is dynamic and free flowing, reminiscent of the warm Spanish Colonial architecture that surrounds us here in New Mexico.”

Sorrel Sky Gallery’s fresh approach to Western art presents a select collection of contemporary and traditional fine art and jewelry for the discerning collector. Sorrel Sky Gallery was founded in Durango, CO in 2002 and opened its Santa Fe, NM location in 2014. It represents over 90 painters, sculptors and jewelers including bronze artist Star Liana York, painter Kevin Red Star, and jewelry artist Ben Nighthorse, among others.