Los Alamos artist Melissa Bartlett by her new design for Gaia’s Pantry at the Unitarian Church. Courtesy photo

COMMUNITY News:

The recently opened Gaia’s Pantry Food Bank is sporting new designs by Los Alamos artist Melissa Bartlett.

Started by the Unitarian Church, Gaia’s Pantry is a food locker in the church parking lot at 1738 N. Sage Loop St., and is open to anyone in need of food.

Members of the congregation and others in the Los Alamos community donate non-perishables, some fresh foods and personal care items. The designs on the front feature “Gaia” the Greek personification of Mother Earth, and the motto, “Take what you need, Share what you can spare”.

The east and west sides feature a design of appealing healthy food items.

Bartlett, a member of the church, said it was an honor to make artwork for such a worthy cause. Her version of Gaia has turquoise skin, red hair and amethyst eyes. She is depicted with butterflies, bunnies and other natural items in her hair and she is gently holding the world in her hands. She said she wanted the figure to represent caring for others and nature.

When asked why Gaia’s skin is turquoise, Bartlett replied, “Gaia is a woman of color, turquoise color! She represents all races.”

Bartlett is a nationally recognized artist who works in pastels and acrylic, often painting animals, still life and landscapes. She says this project was a challenge because it had to be done on the computer and then the images sent to be printed onto aluminum decals, which were applied to the metal sides of the food locker.

“I’m really pleased with how it turned out,” Bartlett said. “It was a great project to work on together and anyone is welcome to take or donate food. I hope that it helps those who are in need.”