Grant County Art Guild Gallery
Artists
Artists
(Frank) "Andy" Anderson
Marsha Banas
Luanne Brooten
Mark Cantrell
Greg "Hands" Collins
Diane Cornelius
Franky DeAngelis
Stephanie Demme
Sandy Feutz & Tom Vaughan (FeVa Fotos)
Donna Foley
Elizabeth Ford
Vicki Gadberry
Dawn Gray
Kelly Hart
Ruth Hamby
Hilary Klein
Don Lawyer
Hiram, Lewis
Anita McDaniel
Judy Menefee
Paul Meyers
Julia Miller
Nan Chalat Noaker
Wendi Kitting Oliveira
Carolyn Paez
Susan Rice
Arlene Sarkela
Donna Schmidt
Gay Scheibl
Lizzie Slegeir
Miranda, of Mtn + Pine
Mary Margaret Soulé
Jo Thomas
George Thompson
(Frank) "Andy" Anderson
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Silversmithing & Lapidary
I was born and raised in Alabama and moved to Silver City in 1968. I have worked with different types of media, including oils, acrylic, pen and ink and ceramics. When I was working with pen and ink, I designed cards and stationery for SAGA, greeting cards in Albuquerque, and placemats and napkins for Monogram of California. My current focus is lapidary and silver smithing. I gather, cut, and polish most of the stones I set in silver. When I hike or horseback ride in the forest I gather stones to cut and polish at a later date. Some I buy at gem and mineral shows. To me, rocks are like wrapped Christmas presents. From the outside you can not tell what is on the inside. When you get them open, you see the wonders that nature has created. |
Marsha Banas
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Resin Clay Sculptures
Mixed Media • Oils • Acrylics Marsha was always drawing as a young girl growing up in Iowa, creating new places, animals and people on paper. After 25+ years as a graphic designer, she has spent more time creating new things again with oil paint. Primarily a self-taught artist, she has attended numerous art classes in watercolor, pastel & color pencil, but came to love the thick, boldness of oil paint with a series of fun whimsical dog portraits. Now she is loving her new found home in Silver City, NM and a proud member of the Grant County Art Guild. She spends her time building resin clay sculptures with beads, recycled jewelry and found items. |
Luanne Brooten
Watercolor • Pen & Ink Acrylic
Mixed Media • Upcycled Fabrics
Luanne Brooten is an artist who uses recycled materials whenever possible. She uses watercolor, pen & ink, acrylic, and mixed media for paintings and recycled fabrics and trims to make her own line of one of a kind clothing and bags. Luanne’s paintings are often inspired by the Mimbreno Indian culture or the beautiful landscapes of New Mexico. Bright colors and unique design choices are always part of Luanne’s work. She paints on stretched canvas, mounted watercolor paper, boxes, gourds, round and rectangular trays, and more.
Mixed Media • Upcycled Fabrics
Luanne Brooten is an artist who uses recycled materials whenever possible. She uses watercolor, pen & ink, acrylic, and mixed media for paintings and recycled fabrics and trims to make her own line of one of a kind clothing and bags. Luanne’s paintings are often inspired by the Mimbreno Indian culture or the beautiful landscapes of New Mexico. Bright colors and unique design choices are always part of Luanne’s work. She paints on stretched canvas, mounted watercolor paper, boxes, gourds, round and rectangular trays, and more.
Mark Cantrell www.woodcreaturesnm.com www.instagram.com/woodcreaturesnm/
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Carved Wood Creatures
Once as a boy scout in Ohio, I carved a turtle out of a bar of soap for a merit badge. The world transformed. Under the heavy influence of Maurice Sendeck and Dr. Suess, my tendency to draw imaginary creatures added a third dimension. In the years I have felt the strong influence of all manner of folk art and the imaginary and mythological creatures of the world. I have worked many odd jobs over the years including work as a field biologist, and perhaps the oddest of all, teaching children for 25 years. My work as a biologist has informed my deep appreciation for the many shapes and forms of the living and nonliving parts of our world. My work in education has informed my love for the myriad forms of human intellect, emotion, spirit, and the capacity to wonder. Most of my material is collected while walking my dog. However, my firewood pile is also a common source of art supplies. I cut no live wood, but instead find the living creature that is already hidden in the wood found lying about. Trees and time have already done most of the work actually. I see my job as to release the spirit that is already there. It is a collaborative effort. |
Greg "Hands" Collins
Copper & Brass Metalsmithing
From the heart of the copper mining area of the Burro Mountains of New Mexico, artist and coppersmith Greg Collins individually hand-crafts beautiful, functional copper items to enhance Southwestern or other decors. In addition to creating personal jewelry items such as copper pendants and engraved brass belt buckles, Greg creates“jewelry” for the home with his skillfully crafted one-of-a-kind items such as clocks, switch plate covers, and copper-framed mirrors.
Greg has been coppersmithing for 32 years. All of his copper items are crafted from local copper, produced in area mines.
From the heart of the copper mining area of the Burro Mountains of New Mexico, artist and coppersmith Greg Collins individually hand-crafts beautiful, functional copper items to enhance Southwestern or other decors. In addition to creating personal jewelry items such as copper pendants and engraved brass belt buckles, Greg creates“jewelry” for the home with his skillfully crafted one-of-a-kind items such as clocks, switch plate covers, and copper-framed mirrors.
Greg has been coppersmithing for 32 years. All of his copper items are crafted from local copper, produced in area mines.
Diane Cornelius
Oils & Watercolors
Hiking the canyons, observing plants and animals, has always been a passion. Sharing this wildness with others through my landscape paintings is a joy. Art is never ending learning. The fun and magic is in the process, not the end result. There seems to be a doubting stage in each one. “How is this ever going to come together?” It can resolve if I wait, look and let the canvas tell me what it needs. It’s usually a values modification if the composition is solid. I’m grateful for all I’ve learned from my painting teachers. I started painting in my early 30’s, and was part of a studio/gallery group on Lake Michigan, called Upstairs, Downstairs. Artist John Goray was our mentor. In 1982 I moved to Silver to join some friends, building passive solar adobes, including making our adobes and peeling our vigas. I received a masters in Counseling from WNMU and worked in town as teacher and counselor for 20 years. My painting teachers here have been Ann Simonsen, Tom Holt, and Crystal Brown.
Hiking the canyons, observing plants and animals, has always been a passion. Sharing this wildness with others through my landscape paintings is a joy. Art is never ending learning. The fun and magic is in the process, not the end result. There seems to be a doubting stage in each one. “How is this ever going to come together?” It can resolve if I wait, look and let the canvas tell me what it needs. It’s usually a values modification if the composition is solid. I’m grateful for all I’ve learned from my painting teachers. I started painting in my early 30’s, and was part of a studio/gallery group on Lake Michigan, called Upstairs, Downstairs. Artist John Goray was our mentor. In 1982 I moved to Silver to join some friends, building passive solar adobes, including making our adobes and peeling our vigas. I received a masters in Counseling from WNMU and worked in town as teacher and counselor for 20 years. My painting teachers here have been Ann Simonsen, Tom Holt, and Crystal Brown.
Franky DeAngelis www.frankydeangelis.com
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Photography & Mixed Media Painting
My art is anarchy. I’ve been passionately creating art since April of 2016 and have no formal art training or study. It all started on a cold rainy day when a talented artist friend asked me to paint with them. I was hesitant, but we forged ahead picking up art supplies and then I put down that first dab of paint and was hooked! Each piece of artwork is unplanned and just erupts, driven by loud music, love, romanticism, punk culture, world injustice, pure creative discovery, and my lifelong battle with insomnia. Or sometimes my work has no deep meaning and is pure automatism. I have created over 600 various pieces of art since 2016 and my mediums are acrylic, oil, spray paint, charcoal, water, kombucha, coffee, scavenged metal, and anything that captures the artistic spirit. I rarely use a paintbrush, and chopsticks are a favorite of mine. It’s all a wild experiment and the studio is a laboratory. I also recently delved into photography and my photographic captures range from lightning to musicians to wildlife and whatever captures my eye. Art is anarchy. Art is love. Everyone is an artist so be nice, go wild, & explore your creativity.
Thank you so much for the art loving and reading my bio. ROCK ON! Franky DeAngelis INSTAGRAM: @FRANKYDEANGELISART |
Stephanie Demme
Cosas Glass Fusion
After 55 years spent on the Eastern side of the U.S.A., I am so glad to be in New Mexico, making Silver City my home. I left a lot of friends and family behind, but also left them all with my sincere hopes that they will come visit!I am most pleased and privileged to have made the connection here at the Grant County Art Guild. I’ve been an enthusiastic member of cooperatives since 2008 and appreciate the camaraderie of creative people coming together to support each other in a very competitive marketplace. After a long working history in Graphic Arts and Display, I have been drawn to the creation of accessories which appeal to the style of people who prefer the unique. My stone accessories started with a life-long love of the diverse beauty and benefits of semi-precious stones. Then, interest in Glass Fusion began back in 2004, as I searched for additions to my stone creations. I was very lucky to meet Rhonda Young, glass artist, teaching at ‘Bella Beads’, owned by the superb beading designer & instructor, Sue Vachon, in Meredith, NH. This was the start of my journey into warm glass techniques It’s still fun. As I set my studio to rights, I am already designing pieces which I hope will be imbued by the spirit of this beautiful area.
After 55 years spent on the Eastern side of the U.S.A., I am so glad to be in New Mexico, making Silver City my home. I left a lot of friends and family behind, but also left them all with my sincere hopes that they will come visit!I am most pleased and privileged to have made the connection here at the Grant County Art Guild. I’ve been an enthusiastic member of cooperatives since 2008 and appreciate the camaraderie of creative people coming together to support each other in a very competitive marketplace. After a long working history in Graphic Arts and Display, I have been drawn to the creation of accessories which appeal to the style of people who prefer the unique. My stone accessories started with a life-long love of the diverse beauty and benefits of semi-precious stones. Then, interest in Glass Fusion began back in 2004, as I searched for additions to my stone creations. I was very lucky to meet Rhonda Young, glass artist, teaching at ‘Bella Beads’, owned by the superb beading designer & instructor, Sue Vachon, in Meredith, NH. This was the start of my journey into warm glass techniques It’s still fun. As I set my studio to rights, I am already designing pieces which I hope will be imbued by the spirit of this beautiful area.
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Sandy Feutz & Tom Vaughan https://www.flickr.com/photos/waggin
FeVa Fotos
Photography
Sandy Feutz and Tom Vaughan formed FeVa Fotos to “share the joy” they find in photography.They practice the First Principle of Photography: “Have your camera with you!”
They are eclectic in their subject matter -Silver City parades, sled dog races in Colorado, sweeping wheat fields in eastern Washington, spring poppies in Arizona, hot air balloons in Utah, the Tour of the Gila, a mackerel sunrise over Silver City - all are fair targets for their lenses as they experience what is around them at home and in their travels.
After working in the national parks and newspapering (Tom) and banking and community radio (Sandy), they moved to Silver City from SW Colorado in November 2010. The weather suits them, as does the small-town atmosphere that has SO much going on! They immediately joined the Grant County Art Guild, the Silver City Art Association and the Mimbres Region Arts Council and are active supporters of local arts. Their main venue for showing their photography is the Grant County Art Guild Gallery at 316 N. Bullard, but also show at Revel. FeVa Fotos contributes to local tourism publications, including some cover images.
More of their photos can be seen online at https://www.flickr.com/photos/waggin.
Photography
Sandy Feutz and Tom Vaughan formed FeVa Fotos to “share the joy” they find in photography.They practice the First Principle of Photography: “Have your camera with you!”
They are eclectic in their subject matter -Silver City parades, sled dog races in Colorado, sweeping wheat fields in eastern Washington, spring poppies in Arizona, hot air balloons in Utah, the Tour of the Gila, a mackerel sunrise over Silver City - all are fair targets for their lenses as they experience what is around them at home and in their travels.
After working in the national parks and newspapering (Tom) and banking and community radio (Sandy), they moved to Silver City from SW Colorado in November 2010. The weather suits them, as does the small-town atmosphere that has SO much going on! They immediately joined the Grant County Art Guild, the Silver City Art Association and the Mimbres Region Arts Council and are active supporters of local arts. Their main venue for showing their photography is the Grant County Art Guild Gallery at 316 N. Bullard, but also show at Revel. FeVa Fotos contributes to local tourism publications, including some cover images.
More of their photos can be seen online at https://www.flickr.com/photos/waggin.
Donna Foley www.fourdirectionsweaving.com
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Four Directions Weaving |
With more than 30 years at the loom, I am still utterly fascinated by the interlacements of colors & textures in weaving.
My tapestries are usually meditative pieces. Symbols, both personal & universal, as well as “found” objects of stones & feather often find their way into my work. My colors come from both the traditional dyes of antiquity... indigo for blues & purples, madder root & cochineal for reds and local plants for yellows which I overdye with the indigo for various greens.
I also weave a wide variety of other textiles emphasizing natural fibers like silk & alpaca and eco-friendly yarns like organic cotton and tencel. These I weave into soft drapable scarves, ruanas and other wraps using a variety of weave structures.
My tapestries are usually meditative pieces. Symbols, both personal & universal, as well as “found” objects of stones & feather often find their way into my work. My colors come from both the traditional dyes of antiquity... indigo for blues & purples, madder root & cochineal for reds and local plants for yellows which I overdye with the indigo for various greens.
I also weave a wide variety of other textiles emphasizing natural fibers like silk & alpaca and eco-friendly yarns like organic cotton and tencel. These I weave into soft drapable scarves, ruanas and other wraps using a variety of weave structures.
Elizabeth Ford
Watercolors
Having a deep respect for the natural world, I paint what I admire within it and strive to have an intimate connection to the subject matter of my focus. New Mexico and its unique environment provide many possibilities for exploration.
I have had a passion for drawing and painting since childhood. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, I taught English, Creative Writing, and Dance in the Northwestern area of the state for most of my adult career, seizing any opportunity to learn oils and acrylics as well. Upon retirement, watercolor has become my chosen medium as a fulfilling and fun challenge.
People often say that watercolor is unforgiving, but perhaps working with this medium can deliver invaluable lessons. True, watercolor is unpredictable, and an attempt at expression can often end abruptly. However, in the end, I find that one learns to trust the process of pigment and water on paper and enjoy the inspiration that unfolds along the way.
Having a deep respect for the natural world, I paint what I admire within it and strive to have an intimate connection to the subject matter of my focus. New Mexico and its unique environment provide many possibilities for exploration.
I have had a passion for drawing and painting since childhood. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, I taught English, Creative Writing, and Dance in the Northwestern area of the state for most of my adult career, seizing any opportunity to learn oils and acrylics as well. Upon retirement, watercolor has become my chosen medium as a fulfilling and fun challenge.
People often say that watercolor is unforgiving, but perhaps working with this medium can deliver invaluable lessons. True, watercolor is unpredictable, and an attempt at expression can often end abruptly. However, in the end, I find that one learns to trust the process of pigment and water on paper and enjoy the inspiration that unfolds along the way.
Vicki Gadberry
Fiber Arts
Although it’s true roots may lie deeper, I attribute my love of fabric to one of my earliest childhood memories, rubbing the satin binding which delightfully edged a (pink) wool blanket! As a child I was drawn to art projects- coloring, collage (kits), painting (the old paint by number sets). I learned to hand stitch and machine sew at an early age. I was taught to crochet and embroider. Evidently, my hands seek to stay busy!
While my working career was in education as a public school and academic librarian, fabric has always played a large role in my life. After being gifted a 4-harness floor loom, I (quickly realizing I would need lessons!) became a hand loom weaver! Creating fabric is its own form of magic! I became very involved in the Handweavers Guild of America (HGA), and for 20 years I both indexed their periodical Shuttle, Spindle and Dyepot (SS&D) and wrote numerous articles- many of which focused on fiber art books for children.
Gradually I drifted away from weaving and back into quilting. Basically I am a self taught quilter and while I have studied and admire traditional quilting patterns and techniques, I was drawn like a bee to honey when I “discovered” art quilting!
The strong community of artists and fiber artists in particular in Silver City has enabled me to learn more and expand my own techniques for creating fiber art. I am a founding member and former board member of SWFAC (Southwest Women’s Fiber Arts Collective) which was established right here in Silver City in 2005.
Because I am a lifelong learner and am inspired by being around other fiber artists, I have taken numerous classes and workshops to feed my knowledge base of art quilting. It’s a great reason to travel, to learn, and to meet incredible artists.
My focus has evolved and I now concentrate on creating small, one-of-a-kind art quilts that I make into fiber art cards (the card that is the gift), as well as some larger framed art pieces. I also like to dabble in dyeing - bamboo docks, cotton tote bags, and silk scarves are transformed by different dye techniques into fun utilitarian pieces.
Although it’s true roots may lie deeper, I attribute my love of fabric to one of my earliest childhood memories, rubbing the satin binding which delightfully edged a (pink) wool blanket! As a child I was drawn to art projects- coloring, collage (kits), painting (the old paint by number sets). I learned to hand stitch and machine sew at an early age. I was taught to crochet and embroider. Evidently, my hands seek to stay busy!
While my working career was in education as a public school and academic librarian, fabric has always played a large role in my life. After being gifted a 4-harness floor loom, I (quickly realizing I would need lessons!) became a hand loom weaver! Creating fabric is its own form of magic! I became very involved in the Handweavers Guild of America (HGA), and for 20 years I both indexed their periodical Shuttle, Spindle and Dyepot (SS&D) and wrote numerous articles- many of which focused on fiber art books for children.
Gradually I drifted away from weaving and back into quilting. Basically I am a self taught quilter and while I have studied and admire traditional quilting patterns and techniques, I was drawn like a bee to honey when I “discovered” art quilting!
The strong community of artists and fiber artists in particular in Silver City has enabled me to learn more and expand my own techniques for creating fiber art. I am a founding member and former board member of SWFAC (Southwest Women’s Fiber Arts Collective) which was established right here in Silver City in 2005.
Because I am a lifelong learner and am inspired by being around other fiber artists, I have taken numerous classes and workshops to feed my knowledge base of art quilting. It’s a great reason to travel, to learn, and to meet incredible artists.
My focus has evolved and I now concentrate on creating small, one-of-a-kind art quilts that I make into fiber art cards (the card that is the gift), as well as some larger framed art pieces. I also like to dabble in dyeing - bamboo docks, cotton tote bags, and silk scarves are transformed by different dye techniques into fun utilitarian pieces.
Dawn Gray
Off the Grid Art Glass
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While living in the Bay Area in the seventies, I took a class on stained glass from a community college. I was hooked.
Over the years I've enjoyed learning and creating with various techniques. My current focus is Fusing.
One of the things I love about fusing is that I can use even the smallest piece of glass, as long as its coefficient of expansion is compatible with the other glass in the project. No waste is one of my goals.
My studio is totally off the grid which is why I named it “Off the Grid Art Glass”.
Over the years I've enjoyed learning and creating with various techniques. My current focus is Fusing.
One of the things I love about fusing is that I can use even the smallest piece of glass, as long as its coefficient of expansion is compatible with the other glass in the project. No waste is one of my goals.
My studio is totally off the grid which is why I named it “Off the Grid Art Glass”.
Ruth Hamby
Oils • Watercolor
I was born and raised on a farm in Iowa. My husband Homer and I retired 22 years ago to Silver City. I enjoy the art scene in Silver City and pursuing my hobby of landscape oil painting as well as water color painting. I am primarily self taught. In the fifties, when my family was living in the old farm house in Iowa, my mother was in the process of discarding old window blinds. I salvaged those old tan canvas blinds and rolled them out to where the canvas was clean , cut them in squares, tacked them onto a board and used them as my canvases. For paint, I used the left-over paint from paint by number sets. I copied the animal and bird pictures from calendars. I kept these for several years but through moving, discarded them. So sorry about that.
I had thought of majoring in art upon entering college, but coming from a very small country school that offered no art classes, I felt that I would be put at a disadvantage. So I majored in mathematics and taught middle school math for a few years. Upon marriage and children, I did a lot of substitute teaching for two different school districts.
Since retiring , I have had more time to pursue my hobby, and improve over the years. with much encouragement from friends, observation of other artists’ work, work- shops and some very good books on the subject. I receive self satisfaction in my work and if there happens to be any monetary benefit to accompany my “hobby” that is an added compliment. I am a member of the Grant County Art Guild and have participated in several shows
I was born and raised on a farm in Iowa. My husband Homer and I retired 22 years ago to Silver City. I enjoy the art scene in Silver City and pursuing my hobby of landscape oil painting as well as water color painting. I am primarily self taught. In the fifties, when my family was living in the old farm house in Iowa, my mother was in the process of discarding old window blinds. I salvaged those old tan canvas blinds and rolled them out to where the canvas was clean , cut them in squares, tacked them onto a board and used them as my canvases. For paint, I used the left-over paint from paint by number sets. I copied the animal and bird pictures from calendars. I kept these for several years but through moving, discarded them. So sorry about that.
I had thought of majoring in art upon entering college, but coming from a very small country school that offered no art classes, I felt that I would be put at a disadvantage. So I majored in mathematics and taught middle school math for a few years. Upon marriage and children, I did a lot of substitute teaching for two different school districts.
Since retiring , I have had more time to pursue my hobby, and improve over the years. with much encouragement from friends, observation of other artists’ work, work- shops and some very good books on the subject. I receive self satisfaction in my work and if there happens to be any monetary benefit to accompany my “hobby” that is an added compliment. I am a member of the Grant County Art Guild and have participated in several shows
Kelly Hart www.hartworks.com
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Marquetry
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Kelly Hart attended the University of California at Berkeley where he worked as a free lance photographer with both the Drama Department and the Berkeley Folk Music Festival. Several of his images were used for record album covers. He also attended the San Francisco Art Institute studying photography. He was employed as an Exhibit Specialist for the Berkeley Art Center, hanging art shows and preparing brochures announcing the shows.
Kelly worked as a free lance cinematographer on various film productions, including a documentary film about the San Francisco Diggers. He developed a unique technique for making animated movies and was awarded a US patent on the process in 1975. He created the Evolution of Man sequence of animation for “The Naked Ape,” a Hollywood film. Kelly produced a number of educational video programs ranging in topics from llamas, animal telepathy, student life in the Soviet Union and Mexico, and sustainable architecture. Kelly founded several websites and has written several books related to sustainable architecture.
After moving to Silver City in 2015 Kelly took up wood sculpture as a creative outlet that combines his long standing love of working with wood and his lifetime involvement with various art media. He has created several “sculpted tiny homes” based on travel trailers decorated with wood marquetry art. Now he continues creating wood marquetry using mostly locally gleaned wood, as shown here at the Grant County Art Guild Gallery.
Kelly worked as a free lance cinematographer on various film productions, including a documentary film about the San Francisco Diggers. He developed a unique technique for making animated movies and was awarded a US patent on the process in 1975. He created the Evolution of Man sequence of animation for “The Naked Ape,” a Hollywood film. Kelly produced a number of educational video programs ranging in topics from llamas, animal telepathy, student life in the Soviet Union and Mexico, and sustainable architecture. Kelly founded several websites and has written several books related to sustainable architecture.
After moving to Silver City in 2015 Kelly took up wood sculpture as a creative outlet that combines his long standing love of working with wood and his lifetime involvement with various art media. He has created several “sculpted tiny homes” based on travel trailers decorated with wood marquetry art. Now he continues creating wood marquetry using mostly locally gleaned wood, as shown here at the Grant County Art Guild Gallery.
Hilary Klein
Painting
Hilary Klein is an artist whose work deals with themes of nature, flora and fauna, and human connections to our natural world. Colorful, fun, and filled with surreal whimsy her art requires attention as it is often filled with movement in even the quietest settings.
She grew up as a bit of a wild child, often running through the woods barefoot and dirty, in love with the lizards, plants, and the occasional slime mold. Many orphaned animals would make their way into her world being nursed back to health or given to more seasoned caretakers.
The love of art translated to graphic design in her work career eventually ended up as a web designer. Hilary currently lives in Silver City, in love with the land and all it has to offer. She hopes that her art will bring joy and connection with nature, reminding people of the beautiful world that needs our protection.
Hilary Klein is an artist whose work deals with themes of nature, flora and fauna, and human connections to our natural world. Colorful, fun, and filled with surreal whimsy her art requires attention as it is often filled with movement in even the quietest settings.
She grew up as a bit of a wild child, often running through the woods barefoot and dirty, in love with the lizards, plants, and the occasional slime mold. Many orphaned animals would make their way into her world being nursed back to health or given to more seasoned caretakers.
The love of art translated to graphic design in her work career eventually ended up as a web designer. Hilary currently lives in Silver City, in love with the land and all it has to offer. She hopes that her art will bring joy and connection with nature, reminding people of the beautiful world that needs our protection.
Don Lawyer
Silversmithing and Lapidary
Don Lawyer was born in northern Illinois and lived there for 60 years before retiring to Silver City. He was introduced to lapidary arts 55 years ago by his father, who worked in the field for over 50 years. After retiring to the SW, Don began silversmithing, taking classes and learning from his friends in the local silversmithing community. One of his most popular designs is based on the Zia. Don hopes you enjoy his work.
Don Lawyer was born in northern Illinois and lived there for 60 years before retiring to Silver City. He was introduced to lapidary arts 55 years ago by his father, who worked in the field for over 50 years. After retiring to the SW, Don began silversmithing, taking classes and learning from his friends in the local silversmithing community. One of his most popular designs is based on the Zia. Don hopes you enjoy his work.
Hiram Lewis
Acrylic Painting and Collage
As a painter I've always been more drawn to trying to depict something's spirit rather than creating a photo likeness. I like brush strokes, blobs of paint and energetic scribbles.
When I moved to Silver City I remember brushing by a plant and it made me bleed. I've fallen a number of times on Boston Hill when I took it for granted. I try to capture the spirit of danger that fills our landscape. The danger to me is as beautiful and life giving as wandering through the slums of a strange city.
Anita McDaniel
Textiles: Rug Hooking
I discovered rug hooking several years ago while on vacation in Newfoundland. Throughout the Canadian Maritimes and the US eastern seaboard it is a traditional art form dating back to the early 19th century. Hooked floor mats were used to warm cold floors and decorate the home. The technique uses a backing such as burlap, linen or monks cloth and strips of wool cloth and/or yarn pulled up through the backing with a hook creating loops.
I’m a u-tube trained hooker, and yes, we’re proudly known as ‘hookers’. I make footstools, pillows and rugs with original and traditional designs. I also take advantage of the great graphics on potato, pinto bean and chili burlap bags and hook those up for pillows. I have fun designing and hooking each piece.
I discovered rug hooking several years ago while on vacation in Newfoundland. Throughout the Canadian Maritimes and the US eastern seaboard it is a traditional art form dating back to the early 19th century. Hooked floor mats were used to warm cold floors and decorate the home. The technique uses a backing such as burlap, linen or monks cloth and strips of wool cloth and/or yarn pulled up through the backing with a hook creating loops.
I’m a u-tube trained hooker, and yes, we’re proudly known as ‘hookers’. I make footstools, pillows and rugs with original and traditional designs. I also take advantage of the great graphics on potato, pinto bean and chili burlap bags and hook those up for pillows. I have fun designing and hooking each piece.
Judy Menefee
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Mimbres-Inspired clay art
Raised in Silver City, I was overjoyed when I found a Mimbres pot shard while out hiking. It seemed like a puzzle piece, and fascinated me. I took many clay classes at WNMU in the late 70’s, learning to throw from Cecil Howard and Claude Smith. I found I didn’t enjoy the glazing process, and the Mimbres designs kept coming to mind. They show such grace, intricacy & humor. I began painting them…making bowls, wall pieces, flat dishes, and jewelry.
Mimbres designs show they had a close connection to nature. I also feel they lived in a time of peace, which gave them the space to make and paint such fabulous bowls. What beauty can be made when your tribe is not at war! It feels an honor to use their designs in my work. I really thought that using Black and White would get old. It’s been 40+ years now…and I’m still enjoying this. I feel grateful for having something that continues to inspire me to create. |
Paul Meyers
Blacksmithing
Paul Meyers has been creating art his whole life, experimenting with various mediums. He is a draughtsman, block printer, woodworker, and graffiti artist. In 2007, he began a four year blacksmithing apprenticeship in West Virginia. It was then that he found his true passion. Since then, he has enjoyed participating in art shows and completing a variety of exciting commissions. Paul loves experimenting to learn more about his craft and admiring the work of other blacksmiths.
Paul, his wife Shannon, and daughter Ruth moved to Silver City in 2019 to build their own modest, off-grid home and a metal workshop. The girls are thrilled to hear the forge and hammering coming from the shop knowing that Paul is back in his element. Paul feels honored to be part of the art community in Silver City and a member of the Grant County Art Guild.
Paul Meyers has been creating art his whole life, experimenting with various mediums. He is a draughtsman, block printer, woodworker, and graffiti artist. In 2007, he began a four year blacksmithing apprenticeship in West Virginia. It was then that he found his true passion. Since then, he has enjoyed participating in art shows and completing a variety of exciting commissions. Paul loves experimenting to learn more about his craft and admiring the work of other blacksmiths.
Paul, his wife Shannon, and daughter Ruth moved to Silver City in 2019 to build their own modest, off-grid home and a metal workshop. The girls are thrilled to hear the forge and hammering coming from the shop knowing that Paul is back in his element. Paul feels honored to be part of the art community in Silver City and a member of the Grant County Art Guild.
Julia Miller
Painting & Jewelry
My love for all kinds of artistic expression is a life long love. I graduated from Northern Arizona University in 1971 with a degree in education and art and I began teaching at elementary schools in Tucson, Arizona. My husband and I moved to Silver City in 1974 where, at WNMU, I received an associate degree to teach art for kindergarten through high school. I was asked to start an art program and teach art at the Cliff School. The rest of my 36-year teaching career, I taught in the elementary schools in Silver City. I always included art and creativity in my lessons because I know how important it is in building brain power.
Upon retirement in 2007 I continued to pursue my artistic ambitions. I dabble in mosaics, stained glass, pottery, jewelry making, basket weaving, and painting. I paint with watercolor, pastels, acrylics, and more recently oil. I enjoy the beautiful and unique places to paint around Silver City and have organized a group of artists to do Plein Air painting the third Wednesday of each month. Come paint with us.
My love for all kinds of artistic expression is a life long love. I graduated from Northern Arizona University in 1971 with a degree in education and art and I began teaching at elementary schools in Tucson, Arizona. My husband and I moved to Silver City in 1974 where, at WNMU, I received an associate degree to teach art for kindergarten through high school. I was asked to start an art program and teach art at the Cliff School. The rest of my 36-year teaching career, I taught in the elementary schools in Silver City. I always included art and creativity in my lessons because I know how important it is in building brain power.
Upon retirement in 2007 I continued to pursue my artistic ambitions. I dabble in mosaics, stained glass, pottery, jewelry making, basket weaving, and painting. I paint with watercolor, pastels, acrylics, and more recently oil. I enjoy the beautiful and unique places to paint around Silver City and have organized a group of artists to do Plein Air painting the third Wednesday of each month. Come paint with us.
Nan Chalat Noaker
3-D Needle Felting
Stop-Action Animation
Link here to the short film Shenanigans at the Art Guild
Several years ago I watched a lovely animated film by an artist from Sarajevo. Her characters were sculpted out of raw wool and that is how I discovered needle felting. I began by creating posable wire armatures and needle felting them into little people and animals for my (very amateur) stop-action short films. When I moved to Silver City and became acquainted with the wonderfully supportive arts community here, they encouraged me to expand my wool menagerie and to offer them for sale.
Since moving to Silver City I have been smitten with the colorful southwestern Talavera-style tiles and decided to incorporate that motif into this little collection. A few of my little sheep have a regional flair too. They are made with locally raised Navajo Churro wool.
Stop-Action Animation
Link here to the short film Shenanigans at the Art Guild
Several years ago I watched a lovely animated film by an artist from Sarajevo. Her characters were sculpted out of raw wool and that is how I discovered needle felting. I began by creating posable wire armatures and needle felting them into little people and animals for my (very amateur) stop-action short films. When I moved to Silver City and became acquainted with the wonderfully supportive arts community here, they encouraged me to expand my wool menagerie and to offer them for sale.
Since moving to Silver City I have been smitten with the colorful southwestern Talavera-style tiles and decided to incorporate that motif into this little collection. A few of my little sheep have a regional flair too. They are made with locally raised Navajo Churro wool.
Wendi Kitting Oliveira The Makery
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Freestyle Weaving • Book Arts
The Makery Wendi Kitting Oliveira has been a maker all her life, exploring almost every fiber and paper art there is. Currently, she focuses on book arts and freestyle weaving. A Silver City native, former Denverite, and world traveler, she is most inspired by elements of nature—mountains, forest, water, the high desert landscape. Wendi is motivated by a modern Japanese freestyle weaving philosophy called Saori, which espouses the idea that every person has an inherent sent of beauty and creativity, which should be nurtured by joyfully creating with no expectations of perfection—a process that encourages people to create what only a human being can create, in all of its imperfect glory. Beauty flows from our differences, our uniqueness, our “flaws.” In putting our heart and soul into making a thing, we not only create it, but we also continually create ourselves. She has studied Saori weaving in Japan and Massachusetts. When making journals, Wendi tries to bring out the natural beauty of the materials she chooses—the supple grain and inherent imperfections of leather, the subtle gleam of a stone or copper closure, the uniqueness of hand-printed or woven covers. She prefers binding stitches that are beautiful and allow her books to lay open flat, striving to make them small and functional pieces of art that people can actually use in their day-to-day lives. Wendi offers creative learning opportunities for adults through The Makery Workshops. She also accepts commissions, including for personalized journals and handwoven items. She can be contacted at wendi@makerysvc.com or 575-590-1263. |
Carolyn Paez
Oils • Acrylics • Pastels
Colored Pencils • Graphite
Unlike many artists, the artist developed a desire to produce art when she was too busy with her career as an educator, to pursue it. Observing artists and paintings always stirred her innermost and initiated a keen determination.
Challenge is the initial factor for her paintings, seeking to emulate the design, light, hues and emotion found in the art of the “Creator”. Realizing this unattainable task,keeps her motivation endless.
She is fascinated with the effect she has been able to render through manipulation of color and squares.
Today she enjoys painting and drawing a variety of genre and using a wide assortment of media, be it oils, acrylics, pastels, colored pencils or graphite.
Colored Pencils • Graphite
Unlike many artists, the artist developed a desire to produce art when she was too busy with her career as an educator, to pursue it. Observing artists and paintings always stirred her innermost and initiated a keen determination.
Challenge is the initial factor for her paintings, seeking to emulate the design, light, hues and emotion found in the art of the “Creator”. Realizing this unattainable task,keeps her motivation endless.
She is fascinated with the effect she has been able to render through manipulation of color and squares.
Today she enjoys painting and drawing a variety of genre and using a wide assortment of media, be it oils, acrylics, pastels, colored pencils or graphite.
Susan Rice
Stained Glass:
Spirit Glass
My name is Susan Rice and I work in glass. Like most artists, I was born with an irrepressible desire to create… and have explored many ways to fulfill this desire. For me, glass is the perfect medium for bringing out true colors by adding the ever changing effect of light. I love the way glass texture and hue creates movement, so I use colored, textured and beveled glass in my representations of universal symbols and themes. By stretching the limits of the medium, I create unique designs. Spirit Glass, my studio and business, is located in the beautiful mountains of Southwestern New Mexico. I share my mountain paradise with my partner Steve and our cat, Magic. My 3 grown children, 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren live on the East coast and in Mexico. Between glass projects I find time to garden, cook, hike and travel. Although the personal satisfaction of creating art is important, my primary goal is to bring light, joy and meaning to the owner of a piece of “Spirit Glass”. I hope you enjoy your creation!
Spirit Glass
My name is Susan Rice and I work in glass. Like most artists, I was born with an irrepressible desire to create… and have explored many ways to fulfill this desire. For me, glass is the perfect medium for bringing out true colors by adding the ever changing effect of light. I love the way glass texture and hue creates movement, so I use colored, textured and beveled glass in my representations of universal symbols and themes. By stretching the limits of the medium, I create unique designs. Spirit Glass, my studio and business, is located in the beautiful mountains of Southwestern New Mexico. I share my mountain paradise with my partner Steve and our cat, Magic. My 3 grown children, 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren live on the East coast and in Mexico. Between glass projects I find time to garden, cook, hike and travel. Although the personal satisfaction of creating art is important, my primary goal is to bring light, joy and meaning to the owner of a piece of “Spirit Glass”. I hope you enjoy your creation!
Arlene Sarkela
Acrylic Painting
Art has been a focus of painter Arlene Sarkela her entire life. After moving to Silver City many years ago, Sarkela first studied oils, then water colors. In the 1970’s, she was an early member of the Grant County Art Guild. GCAG workshops have been one way she continues to grow in technique and style. Despite taking time out to raise her family, Sarkela has continued to take an active role in Guild activities and continuing education.While she still enjoys watercolors, her current focus is working with acrylics. Sarkela paints realistic landscapes, florals and still lifes. Southwestern desert landscape and culture fills her canvases three seasons of the year. Her summers, spent at and around Lake Superior, provide contrasting inspiration with Northern forests, rivers and shores. She also paints scenes from the places she has traveled. Sarkela enjoys sharing perspectives by painting with other artists. Painting gives her a great sense of accomplishment as well as peace.
Art has been a focus of painter Arlene Sarkela her entire life. After moving to Silver City many years ago, Sarkela first studied oils, then water colors. In the 1970’s, she was an early member of the Grant County Art Guild. GCAG workshops have been one way she continues to grow in technique and style. Despite taking time out to raise her family, Sarkela has continued to take an active role in Guild activities and continuing education.While she still enjoys watercolors, her current focus is working with acrylics. Sarkela paints realistic landscapes, florals and still lifes. Southwestern desert landscape and culture fills her canvases three seasons of the year. Her summers, spent at and around Lake Superior, provide contrasting inspiration with Northern forests, rivers and shores. She also paints scenes from the places she has traveled. Sarkela enjoys sharing perspectives by painting with other artists. Painting gives her a great sense of accomplishment as well as peace.
Lizzie Slegeir
Ceramics
I have always loved making things and expressing my creativity. After college, I was looking for ways to find a new creative outlet, so I signed up for my first ceramics class and something just clicked. I fell in love with the craft. I enjoyed the level of focus and concentration it took and that there seemed to be endless things to learn and discover.
For several years, I sold my work at markets in the Central Texas area. I also began teaching pottery classes and I love being able to share the craft with others and see people experience the joy of playing with clay! Here in Silver City, I continue to expand my knowledge of all things clay. Most of my pottery is wheel-thrown, but I increasingly experiment with slip casting and making my own glazes, which has opened up new windows into finding my own expressions and styles. I use locally sourced materials whenever possible.
After admiring Silver City from afar for years, my partner and I packed up our dog and three cats and moved to Silver City in 2022. I am thrilled to be part of the vibrant art community here and look forward to being able to continue making and teaching from my home studio.
I have always loved making things and expressing my creativity. After college, I was looking for ways to find a new creative outlet, so I signed up for my first ceramics class and something just clicked. I fell in love with the craft. I enjoyed the level of focus and concentration it took and that there seemed to be endless things to learn and discover.
For several years, I sold my work at markets in the Central Texas area. I also began teaching pottery classes and I love being able to share the craft with others and see people experience the joy of playing with clay! Here in Silver City, I continue to expand my knowledge of all things clay. Most of my pottery is wheel-thrown, but I increasingly experiment with slip casting and making my own glazes, which has opened up new windows into finding my own expressions and styles. I use locally sourced materials whenever possible.
After admiring Silver City from afar for years, my partner and I packed up our dog and three cats and moved to Silver City in 2022. I am thrilled to be part of the vibrant art community here and look forward to being able to continue making and teaching from my home studio.
Miranda, of Mtn + Pine
Leatherwork and Metalsmithing
Mtn + Pine is an outdoor sustainable brand run from the small New Mexico mountain home of leatherworker and metalsmith Miranda, along with her husband and four year old son. Mtn + Pine creations are hand crafted and sewn from raw materials sourced in the U.S., which provides not only quality materials, but helps support small businesses. Mtn + Pine mixes the finest Pendleton® Wool, wax canvas, solid brass and copper hardware, and genuine leather to create a timeless statement piece ready for your next adventure.
Miranda was born in Minnesota, spending part of her youth there, before moving to Arizona and then on to New Mexico where she finished high school and college. After obtaining a Masters degree in Exercise Science and Psychology, Miranda worked as the Athletic Compliance Coordinator in the local University's Athletic Department.
Five years ago, wanting to stay home after the birth of their son, Miranda shifted her energy to her creative interests, and she and her husband launched Mtn + Pine. Motherhood and art meshed well, as much of Miranda's artistic inspiration comes from hikes in the mountains and nature walks with her son.
All Mtn + Pine items are carefully hand crafted and sewn by Miranda on a vintage industrial Consew 206 sewing machine. One hand crafted piece takes from hours to days to craft. She does not rush the process and enjoys making one of a kind items. Each Pendleton® Wool pattern is hand picked and paired with a carefully selected natural leather hide. Every bag, wallet, clutch, journal, and tote is hand cut from patterns Miranda creates. Each strap on their bags and journals is hand cut from huge hides of leather. Every item is unique. No two items are ever the same.
Mtn + Pine is an outdoor sustainable brand run from the small New Mexico mountain home of leatherworker and metalsmith Miranda, along with her husband and four year old son. Mtn + Pine creations are hand crafted and sewn from raw materials sourced in the U.S., which provides not only quality materials, but helps support small businesses. Mtn + Pine mixes the finest Pendleton® Wool, wax canvas, solid brass and copper hardware, and genuine leather to create a timeless statement piece ready for your next adventure.
Miranda was born in Minnesota, spending part of her youth there, before moving to Arizona and then on to New Mexico where she finished high school and college. After obtaining a Masters degree in Exercise Science and Psychology, Miranda worked as the Athletic Compliance Coordinator in the local University's Athletic Department.
Five years ago, wanting to stay home after the birth of their son, Miranda shifted her energy to her creative interests, and she and her husband launched Mtn + Pine. Motherhood and art meshed well, as much of Miranda's artistic inspiration comes from hikes in the mountains and nature walks with her son.
All Mtn + Pine items are carefully hand crafted and sewn by Miranda on a vintage industrial Consew 206 sewing machine. One hand crafted piece takes from hours to days to craft. She does not rush the process and enjoys making one of a kind items. Each Pendleton® Wool pattern is hand picked and paired with a carefully selected natural leather hide. Every bag, wallet, clutch, journal, and tote is hand cut from patterns Miranda creates. Each strap on their bags and journals is hand cut from huge hides of leather. Every item is unique. No two items are ever the same.
Donna Schmidt
Oils • Oil Pastel
I had always wanted to take lessons for oil painting but, it wasn’t until I retired and we moved to Silver City that I called Ruby Cox and started taking lessons.
I have also taken instructions from Tom Holt, plus many of the painting
workshops sponsored by the Grant County Art Guild. My Oil Pastel’s though are mostly self taught.
The landscape in New Mexico is so different than the Midwest part of the US. Colors arebrighter - with more contrast. When I see a great sunset, I feel likeI have to paint it. And as someone once said, most people see three or four different colors, but the artist sees 100 different colors. I’m learning to see these many colors and contrasts.
Trying to reproduce on canvas what the Lord has given us is a challenge which I enjoy!
I had always wanted to take lessons for oil painting but, it wasn’t until I retired and we moved to Silver City that I called Ruby Cox and started taking lessons.
I have also taken instructions from Tom Holt, plus many of the painting
workshops sponsored by the Grant County Art Guild. My Oil Pastel’s though are mostly self taught.
The landscape in New Mexico is so different than the Midwest part of the US. Colors arebrighter - with more contrast. When I see a great sunset, I feel likeI have to paint it. And as someone once said, most people see three or four different colors, but the artist sees 100 different colors. I’m learning to see these many colors and contrasts.
Trying to reproduce on canvas what the Lord has given us is a challenge which I enjoy!
Oils • Acrylics
Gay grew up in a military family and spent her childhood looking out the back window of the family station wagon watching her familiar surroundings vanish into the distance by moving from place to place. She has always had an interest in drawing it was a way to capture her happy memories. It was the yearning for someway to grab those images and keep them safe. Thankfully, she had the opportunity to learn to paint later in her life. Her paintings are visual records of experiences, animals and people that have touched her heart: “Pets, People & Plein Air.” Learning about color and light awakened in her a passion for painting the images of life and landscape of our beautiful surroundings. She loves capturing the world around her from photographs and en plein air, as plein air is a photograph in 3-D for all senses. She can look at her paintings and recall the smells, the breezes, the bugs, birds chirping and the people who graciously stopped by to comment. https://www.gayscheiblart.com/
Mary Margaret Soulé
Textiles & Crafts
Tucked in to a cozy corner of the Grant County Art Guild’s gallery, Mary Margaret Soulé’s crocheted hats and scarves appeal to a multigenerational range of fans. During Silver City’s chilly winter months her colorful handmade wearables fly off the shelves. What customers may not know, though, is that when they pull one of Soulé’s plush hats down over their ears, they are acquiring a piece from a local legend.
Soulé traces her roots in Silver City back two generations. Her parents and grandparents were among the pioneers who built (and after the flood — rebuilt) the town. She spent her childhood attending schools and college in her home town. Among her widely varied careers she lists: teaching fifth graders, owning and running a ceramics business, cutting and polishing gemstones, needlework and eldercare.
In addition to her reputation as a popular artist in several mediums, Soulé is regarded as an integral contributor to a number of civic organizations. The Silver City Kiwanis Club, The Grant County Rolling Stone Gem and Mineral Society and the Grant County Art Guild each owe her a debt of gratitude. Her generous donations over the years have enabled them to establish permanent homes for their activities.
Soulé has been an exhibiting artist at the Guild since its early years in Pinos Altos. She enjoys welcoming visitors to the gallery, proudly pointing out that “nothing is imported. Not even from outside of Grant County!” If you happen to visit the gallery on a day when Soulé is on duty and you want to know more about Silver City, you have come to the right place.
Jo Thomas
Mosaics & Assemblages
Jo Thomas creates wall-hung and freestanding contemporary mosaics and assemblages, many of which may be displayed outdoors, and are designed to withstand extended freezing temperatures as well as the intense heat and dryness of our local high desert climate.
Southwestern landscapes, colors, and materials heavily influence her work. Copper is a common element, both in framing and incorporated within the piece itself.
Most freestanding pieces come apart for easy transportation. The Guild Gallery has a dolly for transporting heavy components to your car. Crating of freestanding pieces is available on a case by case basis. Please contact the artist to make arrangements for crating, or for delivery and set up in the immediate Silver City area. Contact information is available at the GCAG Gallery.
Jo Thomas creates wall-hung and freestanding contemporary mosaics and assemblages, many of which may be displayed outdoors, and are designed to withstand extended freezing temperatures as well as the intense heat and dryness of our local high desert climate.
Southwestern landscapes, colors, and materials heavily influence her work. Copper is a common element, both in framing and incorporated within the piece itself.
Most freestanding pieces come apart for easy transportation. The Guild Gallery has a dolly for transporting heavy components to your car. Crating of freestanding pieces is available on a case by case basis. Please contact the artist to make arrangements for crating, or for delivery and set up in the immediate Silver City area. Contact information is available at the GCAG Gallery.
George Thompson
Segmented Turned Wood Bowls
I grew up on a farm in Eastern Colorado and used to make my own toys out of wood. After serving in the Navy, I started work as a machinist and made cabinets on the side. After 20 years, I became a full-time cabinet maker.
I moved to Silver City about 20 years ago and made cabinets until 2006, when I retired. I started making the Segmented Turned Wood Bowls and found interest in utilizing the Cholla cacti for bowls, and as many local woods as I can find.
I really enjoy making these Ollas. Should you have a special request, please contact me to see what I may do for you. Contact information is available at the GCAG gallery.
I grew up on a farm in Eastern Colorado and used to make my own toys out of wood. After serving in the Navy, I started work as a machinist and made cabinets on the side. After 20 years, I became a full-time cabinet maker.
I moved to Silver City about 20 years ago and made cabinets until 2006, when I retired. I started making the Segmented Turned Wood Bowls and found interest in utilizing the Cholla cacti for bowls, and as many local woods as I can find.
I really enjoy making these Ollas. Should you have a special request, please contact me to see what I may do for you. Contact information is available at the GCAG gallery.