Local Questa-area artists are growing a fan base. This June, the Red River Chamber of Commerce has offered a large, central vendor tent to showcase our Questa Creative Council artists at their Vino in the Valley event. Additionally, individual vendor tables were made available at much reduced rates aside from the no-cost group show and sale.
The visibility local artists have gained from taking part in our nonprofit’s annual Questa Art Tours and Alumbra Holiday Markets has paid off not only in increased income for our local creatives, but with increased opportunities to share their artistry.
Our neighbor town to the east, Red River, is again hosting their annual Art & Wine Festival, Vino in the Valley, on Father’s Day weekend in Brandenburg Park, right on Main Street. Bring your dad over the mountain, and visit your favorite Questa artists while you’re there, right in the middle of it all. Vino in the Valley takes place from 10:30 a.m to 6:00 p.m., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 13, 14, and 15.
Artists whose work you will find there include the late Nick Ortega’s stained glass creations, and the end-cut functional woodwork of Larry Cisneros. Alongside these exquisite crafts will be paintings by Cerro artists Mary Jo Kelly and Judy Archuleta, the fine San Cristobal artist Joan Norris, and El Rito artists Cami Thompson, and Maruska (Ellen Wood).
Paintings by local favorites Mary F. Miller and Boneta Curry Brown of Red River, and prints from long-time El Rito resident Betsy Peirce will also be for sale, alongside mixed media work of former Taos News’ “Unsung Hero” Claire Coté—all at direct-to-artist prices. The intricately detailed beadwork of Cerro’s Rebecca Dennis is incredible, and also not to be missed.
Summer expands our ranks to include part-time residents who love our village and its surrounding beauty. Expect to find the dramatic works of Mark Lewis Wagner, and the creative “strong woman” textile designs (on pillows) of painter Vanette Harris.
Several of our well-known Questa-area locals are showing much more of their work at individual exhibit tables at Vino in the Valley. Barrie Andrews (former owner of OCHO art + event space) has turned her focus from her nationally-renowned monoprints to fused glass artworks and jewelry. We have seen her unique, colorful, and full of light pieces at previous Questa Art Tours and at last December’s Alumbra Holiday Market. Another Alumbra craftsperson and art tour favorite who will have an expanded display is Sunshine Valley’s Kathy Morsell, whose pottery work can now be seen at the new Furniture Barn studio in Questa. Diane deFremery and others may yet display at this fun June event.
Most of our artists have been creative since they were children, many going on to achieve art degrees at UNM or from around the country and world. Questa is quite the draw for artists and QCC’s artists are part of the re-imagining of our village since the mine closed. The Questa Creative Council continues seeking to inspire the next generation of talent among our youngsters.
Bring your dad, bring your kids, bring the whole family and celebrate Questa artistry in Red River this June!
