GRANTS, NM – The day before the new season began, Saturday, September 21, 2024, there was a variety of activities at the Double Six Art Gallery. Art lovers in the community gathered to view new artwork and participate in a crafts class.
The paintings and sketches added to the gallery are the creations of R.K. Yazzie, Allison Hobbs, and others.
Yazzie, formerly of Wisconsin, is showing his image of a shawl dancer, and a portrait of a male tribal member. His skills were appreciated in Wisconsin, his former home. The Department of Transportation asked him to design a license plate for each of the state’s Native American tribes.
Wisconsin has eleven federally recognized tribes and at least four non-federally recognized tribes. Among those recognized are the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Ho-Chunk Nation, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin. Other tribes include the Ojibwe (Chippewa), Potawatomi, and Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) peoples.
Yazzie is also a muralist, having painted a mural in Madison, Wisconsin depicting the history of the D.O.T. and in Gallup a mural depicting the Long Walk.
Ms. Allison Hobbs works in pencil, both graphite and oil. Her drawing skills belie her age, which is surprisingly young. The sketch of a kitten has already been sold. There are still two sketches remaining on Hobbs’ display. One is a color detail of a woman’s face at just the right angle.
The gathered guests were also treated to drinks and hors d’oeuvres, which they enjoyed in a nearby space where they could gather and share comments and appreciation.
The musical group Crow, Chloe, and Friends played in the next room, a quiet, joyful background to accompany the day's gathering of viewing and visiting. The group members are: Brian Johnson on guitar; Susan Spencer on keyboard; Ron Schali on accordion; and Danielle Palumbo providing vocals and violin.
Also in the adjacent room, Artistic Director, Thiel Ray, conducted the Art Camp that is regularly held bi-weekly. This enthusiastic group was given instructions in designing and decorating wooden coasters using mixed media.
A very active day to begin the new season.