‘Sabinoso’ is one of the photographs of New Mexico churches by Jim Gautier on display at the Historical Museum’s ‘Adobe’ exhibit. Phto by Jim Gautier
John Nathan Hains has studied micaceous clay pottery for 10 years at Northern New Mexico College. His pots are hand-built and fired in an open pit. This example, ‘Out of the Fire’ is part of the Fuller Lodge Art Center’s ‘We Who Are Clay’ exhibit. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
Los Alamos gets down and dirty as nearly a dozen community organizations are teaming up to present “We Who Are Clay.
This involves two months of activities focused on the material that has shaped the history and culture of New Mexico.
A full list of “We Who Are Clay” events can be found at http://www.losalamoshistory.org/we%20who%20are%20clay%20poster.pdf.
Today, the Los Alamos Historical Museum and Fuller Lodge Art Center will host joint openings.
At the Historical Museum 4-6 p.m., see the photography of former Los Alamos resident and master photographer Jim Gautier depicting his work with Cornerstones Community Partnerships.
Since 1986, Cornerstones Community Partnerships has worked to preserve architectural heritage and community traditions at more than 300 locations in New Mexico and the Greater Southwest.
By starting a model program for the preservation and maintenance of historic adobe buildings involving the training of youth in traditional building skills and sustainable construction methods, Cornerstones has built a national reputation for the creative use of historic preservation as a tool for community revitalization and the affirmation of cultural values.
Gautier’s photographs document Cornerstone’s survey of 300 churches, missions and manados. Gautier traveled more than 3,500 miles during the project, documenting each site with one to two dozen photographs, some for archival purposes and others for artistic purposes.
Gautier will be on hand at the opening. The photographs are on sale at $250 each. Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Los Alamos Historical Society.
“Jim has fascinating stories to tell about his adventures during the course of the project,” Museum Educator Raffi Andonian said.
Next door at Fuller Lodge Art Center, 5-7 p.m., is the opening reception for the art exhibit “We Who Are Clay.”
This large and diverse exhibit contains everything from bowls to statuary and displays many different techniques for working with the starring material.
Visit http://fullerlodgeartcenter.com to see slides of the entire exhibit and get an idea of the depth and breadth of the show.
Colin and Kristin Poole from Santa Fe have a number of pieces in the show. One is ‘Spirit Deer,’ a life-sized ceramic sculpture of Kahullumari, the spirit deer sacred to the Huichol people of Mexico. The piece is part of the couple’s ‘Chimaera Series,’ blending human and animal forms. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
Los Alamos photographer Leslie Bucklin presents clay in its natural form in ‘Day of Rest.’ Photo by Leslie Bucklin
Sheena Cameron from Rinconada uses many unique surface treatments and finishing techniques in her work. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
Monica Kadon’s ‘Blue Musicians Goup’ is both pottery and sculpture..Phto by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
Juanita Dunn is also a fiber artist and loves the layering of colors and textures in both media. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
Los Alamos artist Darla Graff-Thompson’s ‘Enlightenment’ brings color and texture into play. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com