As most of you already know, the financially strapped nonprofit arts organization Magnífico recently shut down its magnificent art space at 516 Central SW. The closing put Melody Mock, Magnífico's director of exhibits and programs, out of work. Mock could've pouted on her couch with a tub of Ben and Jerry's squeezed between her thighs while sinking into the sticky existential pit of daytime television, but she decided to do something productive instead. She put together an online gallery that showcases local contemporary artists and also includes reviews, features and a calendar of local arts events. The first show will feature work by mixed media artist Valerie Roybal. Check it out at www.contemporaryalbuquerque.com.
Culture Shock
Trevor Lucero tells me he's opening “a dirty little show of sculpture” at his space on 500 Second SW. The exhibit, titled Fecund, will include work by Julie Anand, Jeff Beekman, Julie Brown, Danielle Ferreira, Blake Gibson, Heather Houston, Liz Hunt, James Rourke, Anna Westfall and Tara Zalewsky. Fecund opens this Friday evening with a dirty little reception from 7 to 9 p.m. at Trevor Lucero Studios. Runs through Sept. 30. 244-0730.
Culture Shock
The great Nobel Prize winning Polish poet Czeslaw Milosz died a couple weeks ago, and poetry lovers all over the world have been falling over themselves to celebrate and articulate his impressive legacy. This Friday, Sept. 10, a tribute to Milosz will be held at Crane's Bill Books (2828 Carlisle NE) at 7 p.m. Also on the bill is a reading by Mera Wolf from her new chapbook. 830-2515.
Culture Shock
Art students from UNM and Concordia University in Montreal, Canada have teamed up for a unique mail art project involving the exchange of five by seven inch prints on the theme of “route.” Half the show will be exhibited at the ASA Gallery in UNM's Student Union Building. The other half will be displayed somewhere on the Concordia campus. If a long jet trip to Montreal sounds a bit daunting, swing by ASA Gallery this Friday, Sept. 10, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. for the reception. Runs through Sept. 15. For details, call Carrie at 343-9967.
