March 2010

When used and reused, a given style of presentation creates what can be justifiably called a visual language. At this time in the arts, there exists a set of visual languages with which artists can, by their adoption, generate work with an expected look or outcome inspiring comments such as "this looks like; this recalls; etc." The danger here is that formula-driven work can be misunderstood as contrived.

February 2010

Don’t have much time? Here are some quick and easy ways to incorporate art into your normal routine. Each place is showcasing the work of Pueblo artists.

Coffeehouse Art

Solar Roast coffeehouse, 226 N. Main St., is featuring paintings by Cody Patterson. One of his pieces was shown at the Colorado State Fair Art Show and portrays the upstairs arcade, complete with the mirror, of the building at 111 Broadway that now houses apartments.

The Loft, 119 Broadway, is gearing up for a show of self-portraits. This exhibition of artistic self-exploration kicks off on Friday, February 5th, 5-7 pm. This opening reception is a great opportunity to mingle with the artists featured in the show.

In a completely different style, WireWorks Coffeehouse, 103 S. Union Ave. on the Riverwalk, is showcasing the works of Lisa M. Becker. Her work mainly features abstract landscapes and mixed media collages. Becker is the new curator at WireWorks and is seeking new artists to show at the coffeehouse.

Pueblo County Shows Off

The High Vista Gallery at the El Pueblo Museum, 301 N. Main St., is currently hosting an exhibit entitled “Pueblo County Shows Off.” The exhibit, which runs through April 1, includes creations—from glass to oil on canvas to sculpture—by fine artists from Pueblo County. The High Vista Gallery, maintained by the El Pueblo Art Alliance, is free (donations are welcome) and open to the public: Tuesday through Saturday, 10am-4pm.

Steel City Art Works!

Art on South Main has new digs and a new name. Since this art cooperative has moved to 216 S Union Ave., they have shed their Main Street name for something more geographically general—Steel City Art Works! Check out the new location and connect with local artists at the group’s monthly First Friday events. The next one is coming up on Friday, Feb. 5.

The Human Figure

Want to create your own art? Check out The Human Figure drawing class at The Red Raven Studio, 1143 E. Evans. The class includes live models, clothed in a costume or nude, and costs $10 per session. Join the fun on Wednesday nights, February 10^th and 24^th, from 6:30-9:30 pm. More information is available through Reid Garcia 719-671-4727.

Info on openings, updates and changes in the art, studio and gallery worlds of Pueblo and surrounding communities can be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

February 2010

Some of us are galloping through life without a retirement plan, refusing to use portions of paychecks to invest in the random multinational corporations that lurk behind 401Ks. While any friendly neighborhood stockbroker will wince at such wealth-defying choices, there might be a more aesthetic, less capitalistic way to invest for the future—collecting art.

January 2010

On November 19^th, The Poet Spiel gave a provocative performance at the Pueblo West Library. Much more than a poetry reading, the 90-minute event was a carefully orchestrated performance in which Spiel, also known as the artist Tom Taylor, alternated between the reciting of his poetry and the telling of personal stories.