Girls Art Night Out

The sky was filled with dark, ominous clouds as I headed into Albuquerque toward Old Town. The downpour of rain and traffic couldn’t keep me away from attending the Girls Art Night Out show at Bright Rain Gallery this past Friday evening. Carolyn Carroll, the owner, had dressed the gallery with a clothesline to display the “Fancy Pants” designed by Anna Goodridge, complimented by a gorgeous display of Geri Verbal’s tribal and ethnic jewelry and Sonya Coppo’s one-of-kind canvas handbags.

Geri Verble, a Placitas, New Mexico jewelry design artist, developed a passion for collecting ethnic beads and pendants while traveling with the Peace Corps. Bead collecting not only became a passion for her, but a journey into learning about the history of beads. Having majored in Theatre Arts in college, Verble’s focus was in Stagecraft Design. This sense of design has influenced her work in creating one of a kind, exceptional designs. Verble says, “The design of each piece is a contemplative process. Each ancient bead and ethnic ornament tells a story and has a spiritual energy that flows through each piece. I carefully consider color, selection, position and arrangement in the overall design. I have found that there is energy in metal that is in harmony with the earth. My goal is to create unique handcrafted beads and pendants to add to the design of my pieces.”

Sonya Coppo is a versatile artist who has created many types of art since childhood. As part of her interior design practice, Coppo has designed and painted custom furniture, wall murals, canvas floorcloths and table runners for her clients. After moving to Placitas, Coppo began creating interpretations of the Plains Indians Parfleche envelopes as well as handbags. Coppo designs and paints with acrylics and inks on heavy weight canvas reflecting the colors, culture and spirit of the Southwest.

Anna Goodridge, also a Placitas artist, spent her career as an elementary art teacher. The designs, colors, and shapes she uses are the result of her work with children and remembering what appealed to them. Recently her journey has taken her to painting with acrylic paint on gently used denims. Goodridge likes the idea of finding gently used denim that have lost its usefulness to one person then creating wearable art for another person to enjoy. This art show is not just for girlfriends to enjoy; husbands, boyfriends and children alike will find something eye catching in the gallery, too.

The Girls Art Night Out exhibition will hang through September 30th at Bright Rain Gallery located in Old Town’s Patio Market, 206 1/2 San Felipe NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, (505) 843-9176, www.brightraingallery.com