World Art Day celebration

• The art community of Carrizozo will join in the worldly celebration on April 13-14.

Every year, around the world, art and artists are celebrated bringing the communities together for World Art Day. The community of Carrizozo will join in the celebration on April 13-14. 

Local galleries in Carrizozo will open their doors to the public with receptions, local music performances, one-on-one discussions with artists and gallery owners and a tour of the Lyric ComplexU.

World Art Day was established by the International Association of Art (IAA) in 2012 honoring and celebrating the birth and life of Leonardo da Vinci.

"We will have more participation this year, and we have more participation in our art community," said owner of Luminia Gallery Cynthia Johnson.

Last year, Carrizozo installed a sculpture garden of old ranch poles that were painted and designed by local artists representing countries from around the world. It was dedicated to the world of art and is available for public viewing as it remains on the corner of 12th street as a permanent display.

Art Day was declared by the IAA to promote awareness of creative activity worldwide. As a symbol of world peace, freedom of expression, tolerance and unity, it has become a testament to the world of Fine Arts. In the United States, is was officially held for the first time in 2015, and the celebrations continue each year with colorful display and pride, as describe by members of the Carrizozo art community.

The event is hosted by Cynthia Johnson, owner of Limina Gallery, as well as other artists and galleries from the Carrizozo art district.

"It is exciting to be inviting people here for this celebration," said Johnson.

Limina Gallery, Malkerson Gallery 408 and the Tularosa Basin Gallery of Photography hosted the creation and installation of a multinational inspired sculpture which was installed on 12th Street in Carrizozo.

Events on April 13 will be held throughout the art district, on 12th street at the Galleries and buildings near the district.

Judy Pekelsma from Heart of the Raven Gallery and her students will demonstrate Raku Firing.

Raku generally refers to a type of low-firing process that was inspired by traditional Japanese raku firing. Western-style raku usually involves removing pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat and placing it into containers with combustible materials. Once the materials ignite, the containers are closed, according to Wikipedia. 

Award winning classical guitarist William Feasly will be performing a multimedia presentation, Echos of Goya (Carrizozo Music, Inc.) on the life of the famous painter and the impact he had on several of generations of composers. His renditions will be performed at the Carrizozo school ‘old’ gym at 4 p.m.

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Following the event, there will be a celebration of World Art Day at the Limina Gallery.

"I loved all the wonderful art work displayed last year in Carrizozo in celebration of World Art Day and I’m looking forward to seeing the new work shown in 2019," said Glo Smith, visiting the area from Bernalillo.

On April 14, the celebration will continue with more music, libations and art exhibits.

Artists and events

Grace Clark and Faith Purvey will host a meet and greet of the Carrizozo Air current artists at Air Studios, while a tour of the Lyric Complex present by MoMaZoZo will take place at the Lyric U Complex in downtown, which includes the historic Lyric Theater, MoMaZozo and the studio spaces of artists Mike Lagg and Paula Wilson.

"World Art Day is another great art event that shows Carrizozo’s commitment to art and culture and we’re proud to represent Lincoln County and the State of New Mexico on this world stage celebrating around Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday," said owner of the Tularosa Basin Gallery of Photography  Warren Malkerson.

Photographer Nancy Gregory will be on hand for a meet and greet at the Tularosa Basin Gallery of Photography, which is the largest photography gallery in all of New Mexico. The Carrizozo Rock and Roll Hall of fame has been recently added to the collection of art installations that are on display at the Gallery.

Every year, the Gallery is host to the New Mexico Magazine photography contest winners. Many of the pieces inside the gallery depict nature, culture and wildlife that brings visitors from all over the Land of Enchantment.

Limina Gallery will be open for their special celebration and appearance of photographer John Courtney.

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The exhibits continue

A special collection of new artwork honors the influence of visual artists and photographers on cultures through album covers — ‘Muse as Muse’ — as well as sketchbooks by local art students on display.

"It is exciting to open our small Town to the world and the idea of producing art for the world," said owner of Heart of the Raven Gallery and Co-Chair of Carrizozo Arts Council Judy Pekelsma.

The Malkerson Gallery 408 will exhibit ‘Women of the Dance’ —  an installation of the new works by Joan Malkerson as well as multiple local artists.

Last year’s celebration for World Art Day included an artists march down 12th street, singing and chanting positive words in celebration of all that makes up the art world.

After the installation of the poles, the artists gathered at Limina Galle to discuss their work and the works of others. 

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"I’m so happy to welcome friends and neighbors, artists and art lovers to celebrate World Art Day with us in Carrizozo," Johnson said.

The celebration will run on April 13-14 in the Zozo Art District on 12th street. The event is free and it offers the opportunity to meet local artists that celebrates life through visual renditions and personal perspectives.

For more information about the event, contact Cynthia Johnson at 213-330-6337 or Cynthia@liminagallery.com.

Pamela L. Bonner can be reached at 575-202-5555, Pbonner@Ruidosonews.com or at 575-257-4001 ext. 4102.