Music - Reception - Starr Interiors
In the Return to Sacred Places, the theme for Taos tourism in 2011, what could be more sacred than an artist’s heart? They are the ones who express what the rest of us may not be able to, but respond to on a core level…..which is one of the reasons Taos has been renowned as a center for art for generations.
In recognition of this, Taos has recently been designated one of New Mexico’s Art and Cultural Districts (ACD). It has, for many years, attracted both the artists who have made Taos their home and those who come to visit because of them. From carvings, paintings, sculpture and weavings to jewelry, construction and collage, Taos galleries have long been a destination of places that represent the entire range of art being produced locally.
Unfortunately, with the national economic situation that’s been in the making over these past half dozen years, many galleries are finding that they can no longer “make it” and are closing their doors. What’s an artist to do? Looking for an alternative is challenging.
This is where I believe that those of us in the community can step in and become more innovative in our approach by reaching out in whatever way we can to be more inclusive of the immense talent of Taos artists. Although Starr Interiors has been known for more than three decades as the source for the finest of Zapotec Indian weavings, including their own designer Line of the Spirit™ collection, we are now expanding our horizon.
Housed in an historic building of the same era as the Taos Inn and dating back to the early 1800’s, the courtyard seems to offer more than just a pretty face with the colorful weavings and pillows displayed and surrounded by an abundance of equally colorful plants and flowers. It’s an ideal place for art receptions and demonstrations.
Last month’s appearance of Marsha Fawns’ work was the first in a series of Starr Interiors Features Taos Artists. Her clay figures attracted lots of attention and the show can only be termed a success if sales were the reflection of the appreciation.
Dawning Pollen Shorty, Diné (Navajo) & Tewa Artist
Sunday, August 21st Dawning Pollen Shorty will be the guest artist, with a demonstration from 2-4 PM in the Starr Interiors Courtyard and a reception from 5:30-7:30 PM.
Dawning Pollen’s work has been shown in many shows where she has consistently received awards for her work. Following in the tradition of a well known family of artists from the Taos Pueblo, this will be the first time that her work will be featured here. Both her parents, potter Bernadette Track and sculptor Robert Shorty are recognized artists, but the family artists also includes her grandmother, Jeri, her great grandmother, Tonita, and uncle John and great-uncle Ralph.
Dawning Pollen’s work is of an outstanding tradition, but she has gone beyond the traditional in her own expression of masks and figures of micaceous clay magically emerging into form.
She has not only taken many awards for her work, but teaches the art of making pottery to her students, which brings her great pleasure, instilling in them her concept of working with nature where “everything starts with the clay.”
For me, having Pollen as the featured artist for August is something quite special. Although she’s had many years of being a working artist, she started out here in Taos as one of the “performing” kids in plays that her mom was directly involved in. One of the other kids was my son who was a friend (still involved in the performing arts). For me, finding this out was a very special connection. What could be more “home grown” than these kinds of connections?
Continuing with the Taos connections, Starr Interiors will feature the work of Tupper and Richard Hawley for the September event. Unlike Pollen, who is a new (but in some ways old) connection, my connection with Tupper and Richard Hawley goes back many decades. Like Pollen Shorty they, too, come from a long line of artists on both sides of their family.
Tupper’s father was famous artist, Bill Heaton known for his amazing work in copper and her mother was the jeweler, Sammy Heaton. Both her brother, Dow and her sister Tita are artists as well. Her own work has been influenced by both and is marked by her innovative creations of fused glass. Richard’s mother, Ann St. John Hawley, who recently passed away this spring, was a much loved and revered Taos painter. Richard’s beautiful vessels of clay are unique in finish, many of which are done in raku.
The work of Tupper and Richard Hawley will be launched on September 25th with an artists’ reception in the Starr Interiors courtyard from 5-7 PM.
Zapotec Weaver at Loom - Starr Interiors Courtyard
Starting several years ago, to coincide with the Taos Wool Festival (Starr Interiors handles only 100% wool, hand-loomed weavings), we’ve hosted a weaving demonstration by a master Zapotec Indian weaver. Here, both locals and visitors can see the weaver at work while sipping on the traditional hot chocolate from Oaxaca. For us, it’s always a fun time to reconnect as well as show people what we’re all about. Florentino Gutierrez and his wife, Eloisa, have proven that we’re all inter-connected. As our business prospered, so did theirs and now their oldest son is a doctor. Our working connection has enhanced our families’ lives as well.
The weaving demonstration will be held on both Saturday and Sunday, October 1st and 2nd from 1-4 PM in the Starr Interiors courtyard and will include sampling the wonderful Oaxacan hot chocolate being made there.
More to come….
