Under the direction of Dave Daniels, eight exceptional fine artists working in a variety of media presented an impressive debut exhibition this past weekend at the Paa-Ko events center in Sandia Park, New Mexico. Featured artists included Gloria Casale, Anita Daniels, Jane Gaines, Rich Irwin, Semiramis, Dorothy McGeorge, Chris and Trish Meyer.
Ceramic sculptor Rick Irwin is a self-taught artist who began to pursue a lifelong interest in ceramics as he phased out his practice of optometry in Austin. From the beginning he gravitated toward hand-building due to the great versatility of form it offers. His work has gradually morphed from functional pieces to more complex sculptural forms, primarily figurative. The very talented Irwin says, “I never tire of the places clay takes you, the satisfaction of watching a piece develop during the forming process, the anticipation of opening the kiln to see the finished piece for the first time, and the warm feeling when someone actually likes a piece enough to take it home.”
In describing his unique process, mixed media artist Chris Meyer says, “Most of my work originates as photographs of rocks and similar natural forms. Rather than attempt to create a perfect print of my photos, I see the shapes they contain as a starting point. I study these images for patterns, then build collages out of various papers, symbols, and texts to emphasize the shapes, texture and mood of an individual photo.” Meyer has exhibited his one-of-kind art with many groups including Collage Artists of America, Los Angeles Experimental Artists, and The Society of Layerists in Multi-Media.
Contemporary glass artist Anita Daniels was first introduced to glass at Bullseye Glass in Portland, Oregon. As a Bullseye trained glass artist, she received instruction focusing on the “Old World” techniques of Pate de Verre & Glass Cane. Daniels says, “My design inspiration comes from my love of fabrics. The wide variety of vibrant colors and patterns inspire my designs.” Daniels has a degree in industrial arts and chemistry and taught many years at the middle school level. Her background in these two areas served as the perfect combination for the exploration of glass and all its unique scientific properties to create her pieces. Daniels’ glass work is exquisite. 
The Paako Fine Artists generously donated 20% of their sales to a local charity which provides emergency financial assistance and/or services to families with school-aged children in the East Mountain area. Their next exhibition is scheduled for October 18th and 19th at the Paako Events Center, 232 Paako Drive, Sandia Park, NM 87047. For more information please visit: http://paakoartists.com or http://www.facebook.com/PaakoArtists.
