Old Rancher oil on board by Annette Troncoso
Las Vegas, N.M. – New Mexico painters are featured in the annual summer exhibit in the Highlands University Ray Drew Gallery through July 25.
The paintings are from the Dr. Robert Bell and Dr. Stirling Puck Fine Art Collection at Highlands.
“What I like about this show is that it illustrates a wide variety of painting techniques and styles including portraits, landscapes and abstract interpretations,” said Bob Read, the curator for the Ray Drew Gallery and the university’s fine art librarian. “The subject matter illustrates New Mexico culture, daily life and the beautiful natural environment of our state.”
The mediums include oil, acrylic, water color and egg tempura.
Read said the 23 pieces from 17 artists in the small Ray Drew Gallery exhibit allows the patron to experience a personal interaction with the paintings.
He said some of the artists featured in the exhibit include Joel Greene, Eli Levin, Annette Tronscoso, Sharon King, Trevor Lucero, Pricilla Wiggins, Shawna Wangseng and Jack Sinclair.
“This exhibit provides a venue for both well established and emerging artists,” Read said.
Read said the university’s fine art collection contains 2,750 pieces, including paintings, ceramics, tapestries, original fine art prints, historic Chinese jade figurines, photographs and more. Many of the art pieces grace the walls and alcoves of Donnelly Library.
Since 2001, Bell and Puck have donated more than 200 paintings and 2,000 original fine art prints to Highlands University’s permanent fine art collection.
“Highlands now has one of the best fine art collections in New Mexico of original prints and paintings,” said Bell, who is an author and publisher of art books. “We have absolutely fantastic figurative artists in New Mexico.”
Read said the number and quality of pieces in the university’s fine art collection is unique for a small college like Highlands.
The Ray Drew Gallery is in the university’s Donnelly Library, 802 National Ave. The gallery is open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 1 – 5 p.m.