"The Big Give" a day at the Beloved Pecos Gallery

Yesterday at the gallery, I was the gallery host - the duties of this volunteer position include opening and closing the gallery, greeting the folks who stop by and providing them with info about - well, just about anything they ask that I can answer, selling the artwork, making a fire to warm the old adobe building up, and anything else that needs doing - I always tell people about the events coming up and to please sign the book by the door if they want notices of what's happening by e-mail or snail mail.

Currently, there is a showing of student art at the gallery. The Gallery was cleaned out ( the usual art stored upstairs) of everything to make room for art from the Pecos Elementary School and The Indian School in Santa Fe. It is called "The All Student's Art Show" and runs from the 19th through the end of April. (forgot to take pics - will grab the camera and visit again )

Yesterday, I was not alone - there were two of us - two gallery hosts. This was such a treat, for an artist from out of town wanted to learn how to host so that she may do so in the future. Of course we always need volunteers but the reasons the day was so enjoyable were because this woman is just full of enthusiasm, shares ideas of how we can increase participation in the events planned, she also comes up with great suggestions for events to schedule, and took on the role of organizer of a monthly event.

She is so into the Artist Bingo Gallery Fundraiser she has accomplished alot already even though the first bingo afternoon will be May 18. She brought with her yesterday 4 fun baskets of great items to which we will add something original and handmade for prizes, has involved her sister and friends into the "game" donating their time, bingo equipment, and food to sell. They are willing to drive about 45 mins using all that gas (we all know what that costs) to help out a local gallery in Pecos.

A number of the artists represented at the gallery are donating a themed basket or piece of artwork for prizes as well. This is a great thing about this gallery "community" I reflect on often - everyone connected gives and gives of themselves.

Most of us have not even played bingo since childhood, so it is such a great opportunity to have this woman and her friends etc. take charge of running the games. As she and I were talking with great enthusiasm about the baskets which are all theme based (the "Glamor", the Summer-Time" , the "Laundry", the "Bean Pot", etc. baskets), I looked out across these donated prizes and thought about all the creativity, time, and personal expense that went into what I saw and once again was filled with appreciation of people who generiously give. I even suggested that as money came in during the first bingo event that maybe some money could be used for the future prizes. Her response was perfectly in character - that no, we can use that money better for the gallery events and we will find enough people to help us through donations for the following monthly bingo fundraisers - and besides, that is the fun part.

In my opinion, she fits the description of a "Big Giver" (to use a phrase from Oprah) and I beleive you can guess why whether or not you have seen the TV show.

Are There Really Any Coincidences in Life or is it ...

The Beloved Gallery seems to be my current arena where I ponder life ... so to consider the phrase popular - there just aren't happenstance coincidences for their own sake, those moments of recognition that there is a connection throughout the Universe calling for those meetings, etc. which give insight or bring messages are actually what they seem - events, connections, meetings just filled with purpose.

A few people sitting in the Gallery, enthusiastically sharing ideas about drawing more people into the Gallery, using the Gallery, seeing it as a community center of sorts - and on and on, building upon the mounting feelings of connection - we noticed people just happening to come in at the perfect moment to help expand the ideas.

Two men, later to find out, local father and visiting son, were driving by and felt the need to come in. I imagine the two of them looking at each other and wondering what was calling to them. Turns out, the father is, among other things, a caterer of Texas bar-b-cue. We were talking about having a Farmers Market every Sat outside through the summer and who would want to become involved. Yes, we will have a member cooking delicious foods for the Market.

OK, I can see that it would be easy to explain this as just a mere coincidence ... except the experience happened a few more times, - people walking in at the right moment to add something - it was easy to recognize this as it was a slow day and those folks were the only people to come through the doors.

As we were closing up, a woman drove up and started in ... I said, maybe I should stick around to see what message she has for us, but didn't as it was 20 min or so after closing time. As I walked in the door at home, my partner told me she had received two messages from the Gallery that a woman walked in, looked at my jewelry and purchased an item, walked out and turned around, walked back in and bought another piece of my work, (I saw her at the door as I drove by and thought it interesting she was going back in).

OK, ok, what's the big deal? Want some more? I had been moaning that I hadn't sold anything in a long time, it seemed, - then we started talking about how wonderful it was we were so happy for all the artists involved in the Gallery when art was sold, didn't have to be ours sold to feel good - happy for the other artists ... then jumping into the all afternoon conversation about how to make the Gallery even more fun, etc... so I am choosing to interpret the turn of events as a very clear indication, once again, that feeling good, thinking about the good tidings for others and the expression of creativity through group dynamics acts like radio signals saying, "come on in and have a good time - there is a party going on - you are up for it and you have an opportunity to add something here, so join in".

How often have you heard something like that or a similar radio-like signal calling you? Did you answer? I am keeping my antenna aloft because I sure don't want to miss a good time.

Beloved Pecos Gallery "What a Doll" show

Great doll show at the Beloved Pecos Gallery this weekend and next. I went to the opening Friday night and took some pictures. This sign was created by Toni Truesdale
(More about work later)

At least 10 artists were represented, showing their art dolls - some were for sale and others available through commission. I was impressed at the array of medium displayed and the variety of expression.

I have been involved marginally with the Gallery - I have some of my beading creations there, I volunteer - actually only once keeping the place open on a Sunday and the biggest connection is through my partner (The Dolly Llama) who teaches workshops and shows some of her incredible dolls there. Oh, I did design a poster for the "What a Doll " doll show.

There are many other artists envolved with and shown at the Gallery as you can see from the photos. More on the history of the building, the guiding force (Robin) who envisioned a place for art serving the Pecos community, especially a place for children to be involved and the artists themselves. I am going to be more involved starting now.

Women Helping Women, a Tribute to New Mexico Women's Foundation

My feelings of gratitude fly high today and most days when I consider the women who give so generously, from love to grab the hands of women who need a boost, suggesting, in essence, here, take my hand and come on over and see what you can do.

There have been many stories of this kind of love and caring in my life and in the lives of women around me.

Today, I am feeling blessed to have just such a connection with an incredible organization - New Mexico Women's Foundation (NMWF). I have much to say about all of the people involved with this group. They continue to find spectacular ways to lend a hand, by:

- supporting girl and women artists through providing opportunities to increase the sales of their art

- developing and expanding economic opportunities for women in rural areas

- teaching fiber crafts to girls and women so they may develop skills to enjoy a more abundant life through the establishment of cottage industries in rural areas of New Mexico

- and much more

You know what? These folks say it much better than I - so check out their website www.nmwf.org ... plus much more info - grants - great pics. Go there now, then come bach, ok?


I am honored to have participated for the last 3 years in the Rag Rug Festivals produced by NMWF. (More on these festivals to follow on another day.)

I am thankful to the many supporters and volunteers of this foundation and know that it takes a Village (to borrow Hilary's book title). Yet there is one woman who has touched me deeply with her generosity, caring and concern. In addition, I am impressed with the talents and skills she has, especially in the creativity of ideas and the production of the festivals.

Ok, enough thrilling buildup, this mysterious woman is the current president of the NMWF board of directors, Frieda Arth.


This woman is incredible, the foundation and all its volunteers are wonderful ...and I tend to emote ... so check this site out and see for yourself, am I emoting or simply stating the truth?

The NMWF's web site is extremely well done ... oh, my ... here I go again, can't help it, I love the New Mexico Womens' Foundation - you will too!

Always more to say ... one of the Rag Rug Festivals is happing right now in Las Cruces NM -next time I will focus on the artist participants of the foundation.

Beaded Bags - Are They Appreciated?

I love to create small to medium bags to hang around the neck or worn as a shoulder bag. Of course the purpose of making these is to combine the bag with BEADS!

Over the years I have sold bags of leather and beads, but there doesn't seem a great demand.


I have been making felted bags to bead on but they just don't create that special excitement I personally feel creating with leather and beading.

Oh here we go again with that age old quandary do we create for the joy or do we create what we think will sell? Hate that. For the most part I create for the joy and hope to connect with the people out who are drawn to my soul expressed through my art.

It's true, I do create many things that are express little bits and pieces of who I really am and are kind of fun and safe.

Creators out there in blog land, do you know what I am attempting to express?