Art Walk celebrates New Mexico's centennial

FARMINGTON ? Andrea Kristina's Bookstore and Kaf , in conjunction with the Summer Art Walk tonight, will host an opening for the 4th Annual Art Walk Fundraiser from 5 to 9 p.m. The fundraiser exhibit, "The Centennial Deck," will include the work of 48 area artists.

Four years ago, the Art Walk committee decided to hold a fundraiser to see if the quarterly events could be self-sustaining. "The Farmington Art Deck" was conceived and the show turned out to be a success.

"Representing cards is a popular theme for group art shows," said Elizabeth Isenberg, the city's government relations director. "At the time, we discussed printing actual playing cards but found the printing options limited and cost prohibitive. This year we researched it again and found a wider variety of options and decided that it would be a good time to revisit the "Art Deck' theme, this time using the state's Centennial as our inspiration."

"The Centennial Deck" will be on display now through Aug. 11. It comprises 54 8-by-10-inch pieces that are artists' interpretation of a specific card from a deck of cards and each piece will sell for $50.

Participating artists also were asked to include a New Mexico theme in their card design to celebrate the New Mexico Centennial.

"Forty-eight artists answered our call for art, many of them new to the Art Walks and our fundraiser," Isenberg added. "We have been very fortunate with the level of participation, and over the last few years, the talent and

generosity of our regional artists has been truly inspiring."

Liz Stannard, a local artist who also serves on the Art Walk committee, used caps from Santa Fe Brewing Company beer bottles to imitate the 4 of clubs card on her piece. Other works feature some more popular New Mexico staples such as chile peppers, Shiprock, Native American symbols, black bears, hot air balloons and even a mention of aliens in Roswell.

"Most artists who were asked to take part were very eager to participate," Stannard said. "I think they enjoy the challenge of the theme, and also, appreciate the art walks and would like to see them continue. Our committee is very grateful for their generous support."

Because of three previous fundraisers, the committee was able this year to reproduce the original pieces submitted by artists and launch "The Centennial Deck" in the form of playing cards.

The deck includes a print of each of the 48 pieces hanging at Andrea Kristina's. Decks may be purchased for $12 and the proceeds from the sales of individual pieces or a deck of cards will go toward marketing future art walks in downtown Farmington.

"If we can continue to produce funds for marketing this necessary event, we won't have to rely on other sources, which may or may not be there," Stannard said. "It gives us more room in our approach to marketing."

The Wines of the San Juan will be in-house during the reception with tasting and sales, and the crew at Andrea Kristina's will provide refreshments.

Andrea Kristina's is located at 218 W. Main St. in downtown Farmington.

This is a limited run of cards with only 300 decks being printed. If you can't make it to the Art Walk tonight, Andrea Kristina's will have a selection for sale while they last or you can call 505-599-1419 and reserve a deck.

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