This was the year I moved to Belen to get a fresh start. I was seeking a more art filled life so I joined the Belen ART League and began participating in their events and exhibits. I'm more of a loner than a joiner, but I thought it'd be good to be part of a creative group, others who see the world differently, like I do. I could use the moral support and perhaps give some as well.
This was the first time I ever exhibited my photography, much less entered it into a competitive event. It was a little daunting to narrow down the hundreds of photos I'd taken to just the allowable number for this event. I chose a variety of work to introduce myself.
This was my first big club event. The Harvey House makes a good venue for such an event. All the pieces of art fills it up nicely. I have no record of the judges name, but she found my photographs interesting. I entered three 35mm shots: "Greeting the Dawn", "Flamingos" and _______. "Greeting the Dawn" won a ribbon. Looking at her comments it's obvious she's a professional who doesn't hold back. That's as it should be.
This was an independent, invitational event put on by my photography mentor Tom Broderick. He was very encouraging. I picked pieces that showed a range of subjects. I exhibited "Heavenward Window", "Tome Labyrinth", "Chaco Ceiling", "Hot Air Hot Dogs", "Cholla Blossom" and "Hailstones".
The league threw a celebration event to commemorate being in the art gallery business for a year. There was face painting, demonstrations, drawing on the sidewalk and refreshments.
I entered three 35mm prints in this event: "Cottonwoods & Sunflowers", "Gourd Leaves" and "What Once Was". The judge was Debbie Christenson, a pastel artist. She gave me a ribbon for "Gourd Leaves". She liked how the strong contrast and patterns moved the eye.
This is how I was introduced to the league a year before. I saw a flyer about the open house event and stopped in. They were so friendly and enthusiastic I had to join as soon as I moved to Belen.
There's a real warm feeling about the open house event. The gallery is decorated and everyone fills the extra tables with ornaments and Christmas themed items for the shoppers. Everyone is in a holiday mood. It's wonderful.