Last week, I was strolling the central plaza in Old Town Albuquerque when I decided to visit the Amapola Gallery on the top floor of the historic Romero House. This cooperative gallery of more than 40 local artists houses an eclectic collection of contemporary art and crafts including basketry, clay, egg art, fabric arts, glass, gourds, jewelry, macrame, paintings, photography, tin work, weaving/wearable art and wood. The who’s who list of featured artists include Robert LeBlanc, Lynda Burch, Helen Bamert, Bruce Gilbert, Mabel Culpepper, Jeanette Easley, Vera Russell, Allen Lowery, Brenda Bowman, K.D. Fullerton, Neal Drago and Gloria Casale to name just a few. Its artists interpret the modern southwest while being mindful of the area’s rich cultural heritage and its natural beauty.
I spoke with Allen Lowery who is a contemporary artist working primarily with watercolor and acrylic media. A native of the Southwest, Lowery draws much of his inspiration from nature. His subjects usually range from representational to lyrical abstractions. Lowery’s paintings, featured in this article review, demonstrate a multi-dimensional element and a lure toward abstractism similar to Picasso. Lowery’s work has been exhibited in many invitational shows and private collections.
The Amapola Gallery has a gallery opening and reception for its featured artists of the month on the first Sunday of every month. The next opening is scheduled for Sunday, January 8, 2012. For more information on the gallery operations and membership application, visit the gallery website at www.amapolagallery.com.
Amapola Gallery, Old Town - Plaza Don Luis, 205 Romero NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, 505.242.4311, Open daily, 9 am- 5 pm.
