[BLOG POST 09/08/24] Over the weekend I hosted two receptions for my solo art show, "Rattlesnakes: Pastel Portraits of 13 Strong and Resilient Women Born and/or Raised in Northeastern New Mexico"at Gallery OneSixSix in Las Vegas, NM.
Friday evening was the reception for the models, their friends, and their family. Saturday afternoon was the reception for public. I am overwhelmed with gratitude that both openings were well attended and the attendees both days seemed to enjoy the artwork. 😊
Going into the weekend I had no idea what to expect. But each day there was one pleasant surprise after another and now my cheeks hurt from smiling to much!
That's a nice problem to have! 😉
Friday evening 12 of the 13 models were able to attend the opening and it was so fun to see them pose along with their portraits and family members. Everyone was smiling and having a good time. The vibe / energy / mood was joyful and I was so overwhelmed that the short speech I had planned turned into a somewhat choked jumble of thank yous. In fact, the one person I needed to thank the most was my friend Tina who introduced me either directly or indirectly to almost all the other women in the show. I'm still kicking myself for not thanking her directly.
Quite honestly, it was so overwhelming that neither my husband or I took any photos.
We did manage a few photos on Saturday (below).
Saturday afternoon I was honored to see friends and acquaintances attend not only from Las Vegas, but also from Albuquerque and Santa Fe. But the person who traveled the furthest was my sister-in-law Laura who came all the way from Atlanta, GA! She was invaluable in helping me set up the food table, manage replenishing the food / drinks, and cleaning up spilled drinks. ❤️
But the big surprises were that two dear friends from CO drove down for the show. Lyn called in advance to let me know, but Lauretta coordinated her arrival with my husband to surprise me Friday night. When I saw her you could have knocked me over with a feather! ❤️
Seriously, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much! And my heart is overflowing with joy!
The absolute best part though is the feedback I have received from the models and attendees. Here is a sample:
So I was asked to be part of Artist Lucy Finch Rattlesnakes Project... When I walked into the reception last night and saw the amazing 12 other portraits hanging...I knew it was an honor to be associated with these other women. They are truly some of the strongest, resilient and fierce women I know. The project was what the artist saw in each of her models....from their inner strength to their outer beauty. She brought it out in each of us one by one. We shared laughter, tears, resilience, and just survival.
Yes, did I want to wear my glasses, that I often hide behind.
Yes, did I want her to make me with a big dazzling smile, that I often hide behind.
Yes, did I want to wear my red sweater that brought out the best color in me.
Yes, did I want her to make me look beautiful and 20 years younger....
But no... Lucy wanted to see the raw us. She wanted to paint the emotions, show our weakness and strength, our joy and sorrow....she captured within us the vulnerable side that we hide to most.
It was a great experience to see how an artist could see through our eyes.
-Diane Moore, Las Vegas NM
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Your show, the work, and the narrative were all so impressive and inspiring! Congratulations! You made a difference and an impact.
-Tracy King, Santa Fe NM
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My beautiful mom! Love her. Respect her. Proud of her. She Continues to keep me questioning to want more. I love her.
Nicole Abreu, Albuquerque NM and daughter of one of the models
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When I dreamed of this show I saw it as a celebration of the women from this part of the world and my goal was to help them feel that they are appreciated. ❤️
I'm happy!
And I'm tired!
But mostly I feel awash in gratitude and will forever be grateful to these 13 women for sharing their life stories with me and allowing me, a stranger, to paint their portraits. It has been, and continues to be, a deep honor.
Thank you models! Thank you friends! Thank you family! And thank YOU dear reader! 🤗
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