2004

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.

Through The Lens

Belen ART League Photography Show
March 6th - 20th
Belen ART League Gallery
Belen, New Mexico

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.

Belen ART League Spring Show

April 24th - May 2nd
Harvey House Museum
Belen, New Mexico

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.

Nine Photographers

June 5th - 18th
Harvey House Museum

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".

Belen ART League Gallery
1 Year Anniversary

October 2nd & 3rd
Belen ART League Gallery
Belen, New Mexico

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.

Belen ART League
Fall Art Show

November 6th - 27th
Harvey House Museum
Belen, New Mexico

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. 

Belen ART League Gallery
Open House

December 4th
Belen ART League Gallery
Belen, New Mexico

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.