September 2011 Exhibit
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage month, the September gallery exhibit at the Center for the Arts is featuring three artists from Carlsbad, New Mexico. Arturo Lopez, spray paint artist, Eugene Santillanes, sculptor, and Josie Yrigollen Tabor, ceramist will show their work through September 24.
EUGENE SANTILLANES, CONTEMPORARY WOOD CRAFTSMAN, is a native of Albuquerque's Old town, currently living in Carlsbad New Mexico. Eugene's art is influenced by the beauty of the desert southwest and the traditions of his large Hispanic family. Known mostly for his turned wood bowls, many which are inlayed with turquoise and silver, he also creates sculptures of wood and unique electric guitars. Eugene has exhibited his work at juried art shows throughout New Mexico and Arizona. He has received numerous awards for his work including first place for woodwork at the Contemporary Hispanic Market in Santa Fe in 2003 and 2005. Eugene has been a selling artist since 1994 and is currently working on a private commission making five cremation urns.
JOSIE YRIGOLLEN TABOR, POTTER, is a lifelong resident of Southeastern New Mexico. She began an interesting life free from work but filled with hobbies of art and clay. She has attended classes, demonstrations and has had workshops under numerous outstanding potters. Her work has won many awards and ribbons from first place to honorable mention. You will always remember her excitement and love for her art in clay, after visiting with her only briefly. Her work is displayed at the Carlsbad Art Gallery which is operated by the Carlsbad Area Art Association. She has served as vice president of the Carlsbad Area Art Association and chairperson for the art shows. She also taught pottery classes at New Mexico State University for a number of years. Josie has entered the local Llano Estacado Art Association Fall Open Art Show many times and has had her work in the Gift Shoppe at the Center for the Arts. Josie said “The magical creations on the wheel and the feel of the clay are very exciting to me. I love opening the kiln after firing and seeing the array of bright colors.”
ARTURO LOPEZ, SPRAY PAINTER, known as Spraycasso is an artist known for his unique style of painting using only spray cans, sponges, and household items. Having been involved in art since 1996, and dedicated to spray painting since 1999, Arturo has used his years of experience in various mediums to manipulate and create new techniques that have revolutionized spray painting. He is the creator of Spraycasso Studios, and the inventor of the "Spraycasso Techniques" shown in his many instructional videos. Arturo also hosted the hit Television Series "Spraycasso : The Art of Spray Painting" in the city of Albuquerque, NM, and became well known for his unique style using spray paint techniques and continues to teach them freely to anyone willing to learn. The show ran successfully for 5 seasons.
