Arts Crawl features exciting new spaces

By Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola
Staff Writer

Larry Crook's "Photographs of Angkor" will be featured in an Arts Crawl reception at Crashing thunder Gallery on Saturday evening in downtown Gallup. [Courtesy Photo]

GALLUP — This weekend's December Arts Crawl promises to be a great way to round out a Saturday evening in Gallup after a morning at the Red Rock Balloon Rally and an afternoon full of arts and crafts fairs and the annual Christmas Parade.

The first Arts Crawl reception will be held early in the evening from 5-7 p.m. at arthaus 307, located at 307 E. Hill St. The public is invited to stop by the gallery space, which is located inside artist Jutta Stonawski's home, before heading to the downtown receptions. The arthaus will exhibit a group show featuring silk scarves by Kerry O'Neill, black and white photographs by Connie Gallegos, jewelry by Lyndon Tsosie, painted sketches of the human figure by Jutta Stonawski, and a collection of various ceramics and recycled art. In addition, the reception will feature live steel drum music. Visitors are also welcome to view the arthaus's show during the month by calling Stonawski at (505) 726-8027 for an appointment.

Two other Arts Crawl venues, the Red Mesa Center and Yazzie's Indian Art, will begin their receptions at 6 p.m.

The Red Mesa Center, 105 W. Hill St., will host a reception from 6-8 p.m. for local photographer Jeri Joanna Poletto. The one-woman show highlights Poletto's photographs of Southwestern architecture. In addition, the Plateau Sciences Society will offer a selection of previously owned books free to interested Arts Crawl patrons.

Yazzie's Indian Art, 235 W. Coal, will host a reception from 6-9 p.m. for its annual Christmas Art Show. Arts Crawl visitors are invited to stop in and meet many of the Native American artists whose art is featured in the show.

The remaining Arts Crawl receptions will begin at 7 p.m. and most will conclude at 9 p.m.

Crashing Thunder Gallery, 228 W. Coal, is hosting "Photographs of Angkor," a show by Larry Crook. Crashing Thunder's reception will remain open until 10 p.m.

Artwork by three advanced art students from Rehoboth High School will be on exhibit in the front of the Gallup Journey's office at 211 W. Coal. The mixed media show features the work of Danielle Suazo, Jea Hyun "Jenny" Lee, and Eldon Jim. Art teacher Dave Taylor is coordinating the exhibit.

More student artwork will be on display in the windows of High Mesa Bikes and Gear, located on the corner of Coal Avenue and South Second Street. "Balance in Children's Art," features the artwork of students in Juan de Oate Elementary Art Program. Art teacher Steve Heil coordinated the 24/7 show in the shop window.

Michael's Jewelry Workshop, 205 W. Coal, will feature original jewelry designs by Leaf Ashley and Michael Schmaltz as well as beaded jewelry by Frances "Pancha" Martinez. Ashley's jewelry is being sold for 10 percent off during the month of December.

People's Photography Studio, 233 W. Coal, will feature the work of visiting artist Tasha Towne. In addition, studio owner Delbert Tsosie will be exhibiting his over-sized photographs of the Red Rock Balloon Rally and other images.

Vital Connections, located inside The Frame Shop at 222 W. Coal, will feature a variety of artwork by different artists. David Montelongo, a local potter, will be the featured artist of the month. The gallery space will also exhibit work by Window Rock High School art students and pen and ink sketches by Kathleen Houlihan. Artists Mary Jane Milz, Greg Collison, and Debra Gill will also have work on exhibit.

In addition, fans of Rusty Strings and the Flat Tones can catch the band at the Coal Street Pub, 303 W. Coal during the Arts Crawl.

No information about an Arts Crawl reception was received from The Coffee House.

The House of Lyndon, formerly Jasmine Inc. Gallery, is still not ready to reopen in its new location. Owner Lyndon Tsosie hopes to reopen for the January Arts Crawl.

Editor's Note: This will be the last time the Arts Crawl will be held on the first Saturday of the month. Beginning in January 2007, the Arts Crawl will move to the second Saturday. Information about receptions for the January Arts Crawl should be e-mailed to ehardinburrola@yahoo.com before Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007.