May 26, 2020
“Koi” woodblock print by Estrella Encinias
Las Vegas, N.M. – New Mexico Highlands University presents a virtual art exhibition, “Between the Lights,” featuring the work of Estrella Encinias through June 19.
Encinias, a Las Vegas, New Mexico, native, is a sophomore fine arts student at Highlands. The link for her online exhibition is http://galleries.nmhu.edu/ray-drew-gallery/
Encinias, 20, said in her artist statement that with the pieces in her multimedia exhibit, she attempts to bring out inspiration and positivity for others.
“I strive to create a happy, light-hearted mood,” Encinias wrote. “I want to bring out a sense of warm happiness that will put the viewer in a moment of peace.”
Encinias said with the pieces in the exhibit, she hopes to attract the viewer through alluring images and vivid colors.
Her subject matter includes the human form, fish, flowers and ships, among others.
“I used different mediums in ways to attract the viewer’s attention and pull them into the beauty of the form, texture and liveliness of the works,” Encinias wrote.
Encinias’ mediums include oil and acrylic paintings, ink and charcoal drawings, woodblock prints, cellophane and copper sculpture, and more.
“Estrella is a dedicated young artist who is always interested in improving her art knowledge,”
said Karlene Gonzales, curator of the Ray Drew Gallery and Burris Hall gallery at Highlands. “Estrella has worked very hard to study color, form and light, which is evident in the work she’s showing in this virtual exhibition.”
Gonzales said Encinias is an outstanding example of the talent that exists in the fine arts students at Highlands.
“As my work study student, Estrella is also a good team player with an excellent eye for hanging exhibits at the Ray Drew Gallery and Burris Hall gallery,” Gonzales said.
To comment upon Encinias’ artwork and to inquire regarding purchasing it, contact Gonzales via email at karlenemartinez@nmhu.edu