GRANTS, N.M. – The Double Six Art Gallery, operated by the non-profit Cibola Arts Council, is an oftenmissed arts venue showcasing the talent of local artists. Before entering the gallery, art confronts visitors in the gallery parking lot in the form of formidable metal and steel sculptures by Robert Gallegos. Inside the Gallery and Route 66 Vintage Museum, which beautifully presents the history of Route 66 through old postcards and pictures, is a collection of paintings, metal sculpture, gift cards, and more. “There are a lot of local artists who love that there’s a place for them to show their work,” Manager Lezlie Smith said.
To display work at the Double Six, artists need to join the Cibola Arts Council for a $25 membership fee. Once their work is on display, if it sells, the Council takes 25 percent of the sale for commission. There is no fee for school age artists. Local authors may also sell their work at the Gallery and forgo the 25 percent Council commission. The Arts Council is supported by the City of Grants, the New Mexico Arts Commission, and a few private donations.
“We really need more art work, especially since the two break-ins this past September,” Interim codirector, Ian Smith, stated. The gallery was robbed of precious art work and valuable electronics. Since the robbery, new locks and a security system have been installed.
COVID may have caused some artists to lose enthusiasm for their craft. The gallery is actively seeking work. “Pre-COVID we had a student art wall. That’s free, and we’re bringing that back,” Lezlie Smith said. Recently an email was sent out to all artist Council members announcing the annual Mt. Taylor event. Artists are asked to capture the beauty of Mt. Taylor in a painting, a drawing, or photograph and submit their work around March so that by May, the creations can be displayed to the public.
The gallery also offers Saturday art camps for kids. The next camp will be in January. “We’re considering introducing kids to painting without following a specific conventional format. We want the kids to just put paint on a canvas and let their imagination go, to paint how they see something,” Lezlie Smith said. “Take a moment to look around and see what we have to offer. We have some great artists in the area,” Smith added. The gallery also hosts a recurring film program. Check the Cibola Citizen’s Community Calendar to see what’s playing next. The Double Six Gallery is open from 1 pm - 5 pm Tuesday - Saturday. It’s located at 1001 W. Santa Fe Avenue in Grants.