“Tomorrow’s Excuse” by Los Alamos Artist Amy Bjarke

By Kirsten Laskey

There is not just one way to interpret a theme. Finding an interpretation, in fact, can be an art form.

The Fuller Lodge Art Center has challenged artists with a real hefty theme to illustrate. Eighty artists responded to the challenge and their work will be unveiled to the public starting at 5 p.m. Friday at the Art Center.

The Art Center’s newest show, “Naked,” reveals numerous ways artists envision this theme.

Some saw “naked” as being the human figure. For instance, Irene Berenstein photographed herself and made the photographs an interactive display. While Joan Zalenski saw the idea of nakedness in a burned home where the heart-shaped piece of draw wall was peeling off in her photograph, “Torn/Heart.”

Fairley Barnes interpreted nakedness in nature with her sculpture, “No Regrets,” which features branches stripped of bark.

Others took a kinkier, satirical approach to the subject including Joshua McMurry’s sculptures.

Fuller Lodge Art Center Director Ken Nebel said he is pleased with how artists responded to this challenge.

“I think people came up with great ideas,” he said, adding that all shows feature beautiful artwork but this show not only features beauty but what people have close to their hearts.

“The theme ‘naked’ always brings up all kinds of views and I want to be sure all views are shown,” Nebel said.

He added he was pleased so many people participated in the exhibit. The artists are not only local but from throughout New Mexico and the country.

“We really wanted to make sure we represented the artists here and elsewhere … we are always trying to create a show with a little more depth,” Nebel said.

Still, the Art Center is cautioning that viewer discretion should be exercised when coming to this exhibit. There will be signs posted at the entrance to the show.

The theme of show continues in the Portal Gallery with Hal Davis’ “Hidden Cultures Unmasked: A Global Photographic Journey.”

In the show, people, landscapes and traditions are exposed to the viewer.

Davis explained that the show features his love of travel, people and learning about different cultures.

He added he feels he is not the only one who has these interests.

“People are interested in other cultures,” Davis said. “People are curious about the world.”

The Portal Gallery features an around-the-world tour of people and sites from India and Vietnam to Peru and Japan.

Although the opening celebration for the newest show will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Art Center, Nebel noted that other activities are being held.

A Life Drawing marathon will begin Thursday. Guest speaker Destiny Allison will kick off the marathon.

The opening reception will feature music from Roaring Jelly as well as bagpipers.

The event will also showcase perhaps the best example of the theme – “Jeffrey,” a model of a skeleton, sporting a red tie.