STEP UP GALLERY News: 

Thursday, Sept. 18, Step Up Gallery at Mesa Public Library presents a new and unusual exhibit titled Projection & Confession: Self-Portraits. The show runs Sept. 18 to Oct. 18. Instead of an opening reception, this exhibit will have a closing reception with the presentation of People’s Choice awards 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome.

A Call for Art was put out last spring asking regional and local artists to create a self-portrait for this show. Fifty artists took on the challenge to show their “true nature.” Self-portraits were created in oil and acrylic paint, watercolor, pastel, graphite pencil, collage, fiber, art quilt, batik, mixed media, knitting, and ceramics. The artists were asked to reveal something about themselves in their self-portraits. The results have produced an engaging exhibit.

As they leave the gallery, the visiting public will be asked to vote for their favorite self-portrait from the show. First, second, and third place People’s Choice awards will be presented during the closing reception on Oct. 18.

Step Up Gallery (https://stepupgallery.org) is on the top level of Mesa Public Library in Los Alamos at 2400 Central Ave. The gallery is open during regular library hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 1to 5 p.m. on Sunday. There is no fee for entry.