Artist Paul Ziomek with original panels from his graphic novel ‘Fakin’ the Funk’, which he created with his brother Pete Ziomek. The ‘Truth, Justice, and Freedom of Expression’ show will be on display in Step Up Gallery at Mesa Public Library through Sept. 11. Courtesy photo

Artist Jeff Benham stopped by Step Up Gallery during the Library’s Atomicon on Aug. 30. He is shown here pointing to two of his artworks. ‘Truth, Justice and Freedom of Expression’ closes Sept. 11. Courtesy photo

Step Up Gallery News:

Self expression has been on full display in Step Up Gallery at Mesa Public Library. Artists from all over New Mexico were invited to show artwork that tells a story, represents belief, or makes a point.

Among the artists with a Los Alamos connection are Jeff Benham and Paul Ziomek. Benham is showing the original drawings from two of his graphic novels: “We” and “Grace”. Ziomek has an older piece in the show, which he created with his brother Pete Ziomek, called “Fakin’ the Funk”.

The “Truth, Justice and Freedom of Expression” exhibit will be on display until Sept. 11.

Following that show, Step Up Gallery presents “Projection and Confession”, an exhibit of self-portraits that reveal the personalities and experiences of the people who create them. The deadline to register a self-portrait for the show is Sept. 8, and the work must be delivered on Sept. 15.

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 the same hours as the library: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and 1-5 p.m., Sunday.