Tijeras Open-Air Arts Market

For the next few weeks, we’ll be having a guest blogger, Sophia Bernal, writing some commentary. She’ll be offering her views of the market from the perspective of a young, aspiring artist. Here is what the intelligent young lady had to say about last week’s fair:

In the foothills of the enchanting Sandia and Manzano mountains, the Tijeras Open Air Arts Market has every thing we come to expect from a crafts market. Surrounded by trees and flowers, seeing animal wild life is not uncommon. The fair is open on the two most convenient days of the week, Saturday and Sunday.
The Market also has two sets of very talented musicians who come to play for everyone on both days. Many customers report that they feel as if they are at a concert. But don’t worry, the patio has plenty of space for music lovers. The assortment of artists includes glass blowers, painters, sculpturists, seamstresses, jewelers, and barbwire sculpturists. All of this is outdoors, except for the coffee shop and gallery, which has beautiful clothing, soaps, candles, and other marvelous items.

With a newly built wheelchair accessible ramp, anyone can attend the fair. Everyone who has been questioned says that the Tijeras Open-Air Arts Market is getting better every weekend.

Booth #19 Branching Out Studios

Branching Out Studios is owned and operated by Jennifer Ferriday and Gabe Nemiroff, who make paintings, drawings, mixed media, and glass art. Gabe has been blowing glass for over 3 years and Jennifer has been painting for over 10 years. They have been at the fair since the first weekend.

They found out about the fair from Anna, an old friend of theirs, who suggested that they enter their art at the fair.

They enjoy the beautiful setting under the trees and report that there is very unique art at this market. They love the location of their booth and say they will never move. They both have fun with their art.

Booth #10 NorWal Creations

Norma and Wally Plemons own NorWal Creations together and make band saw boxes and wind chimes. They have been creating art for 5 years.

They started coming to the Tijeras Arts Market in June. 2007. They found out about the fair from Paul Sugar, another artist at the Tijeras Open-Air Arts Market. Wally says that he loves the beautiful setting and thinks there are many great artists at the fair.

This weekend we have a really exciting group of fine artists and crafts people. Among them are three very special potters, Steve Goldman, Iris McDowell, and Fred Wilson.

Steve will be demonstrating his pot throwing techniques on an old style kick wheel. Be sure to check out his web page, www.laughinggoatpottery.com. Many of his pieces are not only beautiful, but can be used on the stove as well.

Iris McDowell is not only a glass and ceramic artist, but an accomplished violist and violinist. Her work is gorgeous and unique. Because of her performance schedule, you need to catch up with her now, so don’t miss out on seeing her lovely collection.

Fred Wilson will be displaying his multi-media clay sculptures that he has been known for throughout not only New Mexico, but also internationally. He is a wood and stone carver, painter, potter, sculptor, and writer. For more information go to his web site, www.kfwilson.com.

When you go to his web page, you will also learn more about jeweler Kristen Wilson. Kristen creates jewelry designs using rare antique and new beads, manipulated and hammered mixed metals, found objects, and carved pieces by her husband Fred Wilson. She designs earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and hair ornaments. Be sure to visit with them in booth #1.

Of course Jenn Ferriday, Gabe Nemiroff, and Bryan Kitson, will return this week. Be sure to check out the article written about these fine up and coming artists in this week’s Independent. Jenn and Gabe are back from camping. Jenn got the job she wanted teaching art in the Moriarty school system. Gabe is back hard at work replacing the glass sculptures he has sold. Bryan Kitson has just received an award for the best up and coming glass artist in New Mexico. You’ll want to visit with these very nice people.

Lindsay Ferreira will be here from her Dancing Sun Studio. She creates larger architectural glass pieces for the home or office. Her pieces have a southwestern tilt, and exotic colors. Visit www.dancingsunstudio.com for more information.

Charles Michael Salazar will also be exhibiting his fine photography. Having just returned from a trip to Maui, we are looking forward to some spectacular shots. He is best known to date for his aspen trees, and other nature compositions.

Tanya Lowry makes the most wonderful chairs that she will have on display for immediate delivery at the market. She is a metal artist, furniture maker, beader, she crochets, and sews, and is a great friend to many as well. I personally treasure her friendship, and her talent.

Addie Draper, a fine painter, will be in booth 9. She will be selling her organic garlic, and Mojave Rose Garden lotions, soaps, lavender bundles and wands. I purchased several of her products last time she exhibited, and must say they are wonderful. The fragrance is soft yet lasting, and my skin feels less dry. I also got a lovely garlic weaving for my kitchen.

Her booth mate, Susan Aulde creates spectacular glass pieces in a variety of price points. She is also a blacksmith, who mixes her metal work with her glass to create tables, as well as smaller table top items. She has a great and affordable selection of wine stoppers that make great gifts.

Dorothy Finkelstein is a painter who recently moved to New Mexico along with her husband. Her paintings encompass a varied theme and are extremely well executed. Dorothy’s extensive sellection of work is also available at Kokopelli’s Kantina in Sandia Park.

Annie Hooten will be exhibiting her vast collection of polymer clay jewelry. Her use of color is whimsical at times, and elegant at others. She makes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and other useful items. Her prices are extremely reasonable, and her quality is excellent.

Wesley Owen will be returning with a new collection of cut stones. Choose a stone for that special piece of jewelry, and he will have it set for you. He also carries fine quality Native American jewelry.

Regina and Tillery of SpiritWare will be showing their exquisite inlay boxes this weekend. The boxes are handcrafted from a variety of woods, and have accents of inlayed stones too. The designs are very new and exciting.

Walley Plemons will return this week with his melodic and beautiful handmade chimes. He has produced some outrageous colors on some of the copper rods, and the wood portion of the chimes are also very special. His wife Norma, creates burned wood designs, and interesting shapes, which they incorporate together.

Laura Crew will be on hand for on site portraits. Get a sketch done while you wait, or order a portrait of that special person or pet.

Eric Brown will come on Sunday with his collector’s edition of Native American jewelry. He’s knowledgeable and easy to talk to. So get all the information you need about the artists he works with.

Gail Yovanovich will be showing some new work from her recent magazine shoot. Visit her web site, GDYCreations.com for details. Her cards are also great. Pick one up to send to a special someone.

Dave Umpleby is a jeweler you want to meet. He’s knowledgeable, friendly, and reasonable with his prices. He has his own original work, or fairy art by his wife, and also imported metal work from Mexico, and Native American jewelry. He has a huge sellection of cut stones to choose from for the next special pendant you’d like him to make for you.

Wes and Alice Thompson, painters, sculptors, furniture makers, multi-media artists, will be changing out their exhibit this week and we are all waiting to see what it is. They also give lessons on sculpting during the show.

Paul and Kim Sugar have a permanent booth, Mountain Beads, and if you are the least bit interested in strands, fossils, or stones, you will want to know them. Their prices are exceptional, they are trustworthy, and their quality is great. They have a fill in person this week as they finish up at the New Orleans show, so visit with “Duck”, an interesting fellow form Louisiana. Their booth is open Friday – Sunday.

There are a few more artists, but I am too tired to write more tonight. Come to the market and discover for yourself all these wonderful and talented people. Also remember to patronize Just Imagine Gallery & Coffeehouse, so we can keep all this going for the community.
<>Thank you,

<>Anna King

This weekend we have a great group of exhibitors. Carey McDonald is returning with her beaded belly dancer necklace bags, and wonderful bracelets. Carey’s work is not only original and lovely to wear, but very affordable. When she isn’t busy with her artwork, she works as a psychologist.

Karen Neissany is returning with her sterling silver wire wrapped turquoise necklaces. Her work is delightful, as is her beautiful display. Each time she comes to the market, we delight in her new and delicate creations.
Paul Sugar, one of New Mexico’s foremost and knowledgeable turquoise and semi-precious strand dealers will have his booth manned this weekend by “Duck”, an interesting and unusual fellow from Louisiana. Paul & Kim are at a show in New Orleans, but they have a huge, varied, quality, yet affordable selection of strands available this weekend for beaders.

David Umpleby is on hand with his original sterling silver pendants. He offers you the chance to select your own stone to be set, or purchase one of his creations. Again, he is a very knowledgeable stone merchant, as well as a skilled silversmith.

Visit Wes and Alice Thompson while at the market. Wes teaches carving to several students on site. Together, Alice & Wes sculpt, paint, do woodworking, and forging. They have a tremendous collection of work including original repousse, cast scuptures, and paintings. They rotate their exhibit every two weeks.

Amari Magdelena will be on hand showing her beaded Medicine Wear. Her work is elegant, timeless, and spiritual, mostly comprised of treasured pendants, and semi-precious stone strands.

Be sure to check out the latest work by one of our favorite groups of up and coming artists, Gabe Nemiroff, Jenn Ferriday (his lovely and gracious wife), and Bryan Kitson, a family friend. Both conventionally educated, and talented are these three artists sharing a space at the market.

Gabe specializes in sculptural glass, creating flowers and other natural and senusal forms, along with functional formed glass ornaments, and wearable pieces.

Jenn creates multi-media wall art using paints, pen and ink. Her style is distinctive, recognizable, and bold. She has just received a master’s degree in art, and will be teaching soon.

Bryan has mastered the art of embedding Gilson’s opal in glass and making pendants, paper weights, and other objects of great interest. The opal inside the glass appears to float, and produces a magical rainbow affect when touched by bright light.

This weekend you can meet Tom Honea who has a great collection of barbed wire jewelry. His metal has been treated to prevent rusting, and is sure to please any cowgirl.

Katie Simmons will be back with her sterling silver bracelets and rings with bezel set stones. Her pieces are great for stacking together, so you will want more than one!Yvette Bernal and her daughter Sofia will be at the market. Her young daughter creates angel and other fimo pins, and is an up and coming artist. Yvette makes lovely purses using a great selection of fabrics.

Paula Manning-Lewis will be showing and selling her brightly colored paintings. Each piece has her original style, yet is unique and different from the next. Her images of peace are timely and appropriate, along with her vast use of floral and amorphic shapes.

One of my favorite artists this weekend is Mel Dayringer. His folding handmade furniture flys out of his booth so you better visit him early. His quality is excellent, and his prices are even better. He designs and handcrafts tables, chairs, stools, and so much more. You have to meet Mel to appreciate him. His son will also be on hand with his original paintings!

Eric Brown and Wesley Owen display Native American jewelry. Both specialize in a different tribe of work. Eric has a great selection of higher end inlay and crosses, signed by the artist. He can tell you lots about the sterling silver designer jewelry he shows. Wesley has cut stones and strands, along with Native American made jewelry. He also carries inlay and set stone pieces.

Gail Yovanovich will be returning after a few weeks off to do a photo shoot. Visit with her and you’ll find out which magazine she was photographing for. Her shots of hummingbirds frozen in the moment are some of her best sellers. She also has a grand collection of flowers, some of which were photographed in our garden here at Just Imagine Gallery. Many of her images are available as cards, so if you can’t go home with a wall piece, pick-up a card to drop in the mail to someone special.

Laura Crew, massage therapist and artist, will be on hand on Saturday to do on-site portraits. Remember going to Disneyland, or to the State Fair and having a portrait done while you waited. Well, that’s what Laura does.I can’t wait to get a portrait done of my son. She also can do a portrait of your pet.
Gosh, I have to tell you about Wally Plemon’s chimes. I love them! I had to have one the first time I saw them. He has created several sounds and looks by varying his materials and finishes. I especially appreciate his chimes with heat treated copper rods. Norma his wife, does the woodworking. She creates boxes with a variety of woods, along with doing woodburning for Wally’s chimes.

Look for Mary Ann Leroy for handpainted ceramic or glass pieces. She is a painter who prefers to work on platters, and other functional objects. She also paints great mailboxes for all of us out here in the country. Some of her pieces have a traditional Southwestern look, but she can take special orders.

And, of course, be sure to visit our store, Just Imagine Gallery and Coffee House. Help support the arts market and keep us going, so that we can provide this affordable venue for artists each weekend throughout the summer. We have live musical performances both Saturday and Sunday, and it’s all free to the public. Please help us continue to create this space of tranquility and beauty by supporting us, and our artists!

Thank you,
Anna King