What is it about Winter that evokes the thought of reading a good book?   

Reading is good any time of the year and I, for one, savor the times I can set aside whole blocks of time to read. Perhaps that is why winter is my favorite reading time: Life (used to, at least) slow down during the winter.

Besides, what can chase away the blues of a dreary, grey wintry day better than immersing yourself into the whole different world of a good book? 

With that in mind, I offer you these few selections to consider. They are all by New Mexico writers. Give them as gifts or keep ’em for yourself (I’m a great believer in giving oneself gifts).  

Two new books by New Mexico authors are actually compilations of short stories – making it easier (in my mind) to pick up and read when short minutes allow it.

The first is by Santa Fe writer Richard McCord and titled “The Other State… New Mexico, USA.” The author will read excerpts from the book as part of a special fund-raising benefit (with sales of the book) for  London Frontier Theatre Co.’s December production (Dec. 5-7.)

The Other State is a slender volume but packed full of wonderful stories that McCord has accumulated while knocking around the state. As the name implies, McCord has chosen those stories of the “it-can-only-happen in New Mexico” variety, throwing in glimpses of  himself and the 30 years he has looked at this state through professional journalistic eyes.

McCord is a hero of mine, since we come from the same background and because he not only produced an award winning newspaper, starting it from “scratch”, but he also has fought the gallant fight of keeping newspapers from becoming monopolies.

Nancy Wood calls him “Santa Fe’s answer to Mark Twain. His intelligence, wit and insight have added to our cultural life for three decades.”

And, I surely can’t describe the book better than historian Marc Simmons, who writes: “…McCord is a natural storyteller. These sketches of his, lovingly stitched together, portray quirky, unpredictable New Mexicans….”

I can promise you that if you like New Mexico, you’ll love this book. I chuckled over his “The Lady Jocks”  and felt again MY First Time reading The First Time. Two that really clicked my fancy (so far) are The Squaw Man and The Graveyard Fiesta, which I read later in his note to me are among his favorites, also.

Best way to get this book is to go to any of London Frontier Theatre Co. performances of “And a Good Night to All, Dec. 5- 7. ( See Page for details or call 505-854-2519)

The second book of short stories is by Mountainair author Joan Leslie Woodard. “Hilarious. Haunting. Spooky” says the book cover. Okay, spooky maybe. I had just gotten over reading “Ghost in a Rainbow” (I’m not normally a thriller-type reader) when I finally got to meet Ms Woodard this autumn. She laughed when I told her I couldn’t go by the Los Lunas movie theatre now without thinking of the book. “It’s just a STORY,” she said, smiling.

Joan Leslie Woodard is a wonderful storyteller. And part of what makers her books so fascinating is her characters. Her Native American heritage and her psychological training are foundations for crisp, clear visions into some ordinary and not-so-ordinary folks. Back to the book jacket which reads: Woodruff delivers storytelling at its best while forever weaving you into the lives of her irresistible characters.” These stories are glimpses into the lives of some ordinary folks – folks you don’t ordinarily read about, the decisions they make and where it leads them.

The third book, like the previous two, I became aware of after announcing my “annual book section” in the previous issue of Steppin Out. Unlike the previous two, it’s not a small, soft-back book of short stories, although each page in this book tells a story.

The Dance of the Pencil by Paul Ré is the most beautiful book I have seen in just ever so long! The suitable for coffee table (but only if you don’t have small children) volume is beautifully printed. It weighs just right in your hands and feels good to the touch, as well as to the eye. And what an eyeful!

The Albuquerque author was trained in the sciences and could have had a full career as a research scientist, but he felt the need to pick up a pencil and create instead.  Mostly self-taught, his work with graphite pencil drawings is singular. Ré is widely known for his traveling exhibit of Touchable Art: An Exhibit for the Blind and the Sighted. This book takes the reader through his 20 years from complex works to his more recent sublimely simple drawings.  He calls the book The Dance Of The Pencil. Indeed, the pictures seem to have a rhythm in their grace, to dance upon the pages.  They also have a rhyme, like poetry, calling up ethereal themes. Some are so graceful, so satisfying, they leave me breathless in wonder and awe-struck.

This book is truly a magnificent book, a must for art devotees and for those seeking a simpler, more serene life. The Dance of the Pencil: Serene Art by Paul Ré may be obtained from the artist at 10533 Sierra Bonita Ave., NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111; or call (505)298-0290.

From the moment one enters the building at 400 12^th Street in Carrizozo, it is clear that this is the studio of a dedicated painter. Every tabletop is covered with paint: paint in cups, paint in cans, paint in jars. There is paint on the floor and color everywhere. Paintings cover the walls while others, in various stages of completion, stand about, leaning against walls and furniture.

This is the studio of James Mack, abstract painter, teacher and gentle man. Educated in the United States, France and Mexico, Mack’s artistic roots are deeply imbedded in the techniques of watercolor painting; he painted plein-air for twenty-five years.

As an educator and mentor, James Mack taught  painting, drawing, design, composition, art history and art appreciation at high school and college levels  in California and Hawaii from 1950 to 1973.  He delighted in helping his students expand their vision, not only of the arts, but also of the world around them, as they developed their own creative skills under his guidance.  Besides  California and Hawaii, he and wife Fran have lived in Taos, NM, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico,  White Oaks, NM and Washington state.  The Macks  have been back in Carrizozo since April of 2001.

I asked James why he chose abstract art after so many years of plein air and representational forms of expression.  “I felt limited painting realistically,” he told me, “and sought avenues that allowed me more freedom of expression and  more freedom to explore.”  He was most influenced by artists Richard Diebenkorn, Helen Frankenthaler, Morris Louis, Paul Jenkins and Georgia O’Keefe.

James prefers to work large. Beginning with an unprimed canvas that he stretches himself, he sometimes pours paint onto the canvas, allowing a sort of planned chaos as he tips the work, then rushes to gain some control of the paint’s direction, or stops its movement with a blow-dryer.  To achieve a sense of luminosity, he often applies 10 to 15 layers of color. Brush strokes may be carefully added to complete the image.  He has created very large scale paintings, more than 10 feet in height, by laying the canvas on the floor and crawling around its perimeters as he applied the paint.  Mack delights in the physical aspects of working with large pieces, manipulating the medium as the painting evolves. By the looks of his shop apron, the physical relationship he enters into with each painting is quite real.

Understanding that “people like to see something they can identify”,  James generally incorporates a suggestion of some natural element or chooses a motif from nature.  His technique and style result in recollections of desert landscapes in soft, earthy tones, vibrantly colorful works with floral influence, the flow of molten lava or captivating, abstract explosions of form and color.  Like a great many artists, James’ creative processes are personally therapeutic, and he often listens to classical, opera or jazz  music while painting in his storefront studio.

Lately, when James isn’t working on a canvas, he is experimenting with a print-making technique that utilizes slip-clay as the carrier of the pigment.  As in his painting, the printing process grants freedom to the pigment and only an element of control to the artist.  Mack seems to thrive on techniques that allow his creations to take on a life of their own and follow their own paths.  Perhaps, in that respect, each one is a sort of a self-portrait.

James Mack is in his studio most days, and will host an open-house at the studio on Saturday, December 6, from 10 am to 4 pm.  While he has no telephone at the studio, he welcomes visitors any time and he may be reached at mackj3@tularosa.net, or at home at (505) 648-5203.

Talk about a birthday! This year in March the National Wildlife Refuge System began celebrating the 100th anniversary of it's founding. Most refuges tried to plan some special events around this milestone. For Bosque del Apache, nationally (perhaps worldwide) identified with the art of New Mexico, an art-related observance had to be included in the program.

A painting of the awakening marsh, titled "Wings of Morning" was chosen to be reproduced as a collector plate.

So many people have braved the dark and cold of the predawn hours in winter to be present at the spectacle we know as "fly-out", that "Wings" seemed a very natural candidate. And that sunrise is the real thing, photographed by the artist, Skeeter Leard, from her home at San Antonio.

The plates are a numbered edition, limited to 1,000 pieces. On the reverse, they are identified for collectibility . Many will be signed by the artist and can be personalized on the reverse when you catch up with her during Festival of the Cranes in the Wildlife Art Show tent.

These plates travel in a secure styrofoam package so you can safely transport or mail them. They will be available in the Nature Store at the

Sparkling tapestry bags by Sofia Milovidova can be seen at the Belen Art League Gallery.  At first glance, they appear to be incredibly intricate beadwork! Sofia explains that the tapestry work is actually jacquard weaving, with iridescent threads. 

Jacquard weaving is an old technique which she learned at the New York Fashion Institute of Technology, after leaving her native Russia.  The technique readily lends itself to large, industrial weaving applications, and Sofia has adapted it to smaller custom projects as well.

 Sofia started making the smaller handbag tapestries three and a half years ago. She has also shown pillow tapestries in Santa Fe.  Custom portrait wall-hangings, pillows, or handbags are all available, using the customer's choice of photograph or picture.

 For custom orders: Sofia Milovidova, 505-864-6929

If you haven’t been to the new Belen Art League Gallery, 509 Becker Street, be sure to stop by and encourage this new venture.  Three blocks east of the main street through downtown Belen, (Turn at Wells-Fargo Bank),  the gallery is housed in a historic building donated by the city. The league offers art classes to all the city’s children and opens the gallery, Wednesday-Sunday, 12:30-3:30.

The league will host a  Christmas Open House at Belen Art League Gallery, Dec. 6 and 7, from 10 am to 5 pm each day.

The Harvey House

Belen – The historic Harvey House has hosted art shows by the Belen Art League in the past, the the Harvey House will host the first Valencia County Fiber Arts Fair is scheduled at the Harvey House from Jan. 31 to Feb. 28   All the groups involved are from Valencia County, with different groups featured each Saturday giving demonstrations.

Jan. 31 -Opening reception from 12:30 to 3:30

Feb. 7 - Belen Stitchers (embroidery), BB Beaders and Silk Painters of Valencia County

Feb. 14 - Valencia Valley Girls Quilters

Feb. 21 - Fiber 2 Finish Weavers

Feb. 28 - Belen Quilters

Items will be on display and for sale during regular museum hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 12:30 to 3:30.  For more information, call the Harvey House Museum at 505-861-0581.

Events

Nov 17 – Los Lunas Winter Art Stroll, by Route 66 Society of the Arts 565-3005

Mon Eve, Nov 17, 6-10 PM, Luna Mansion and Teofilo’s Restaurant, (Just across the street from the Luna Mansion), 144 Main Street NW

Nov 29 -  Belen Annual Christmas Festival and Electric Light Parade Crafts, food, entertainment, snow queen contest, light display in Anna Becker park, lighted float parade 864-8091

Dec.  -TBA- La Gran Pastorela de Belen  30+ year tradition; Traditional Folk Play in Spanish    864-8547

Jan 24 – Hispano Chamber of Com.merce Matanza, Belen; Contests for pig roasting, horse shoe pitching, tortilla rolling, red chili cooking; and children’s activities. Jacob at 306-5912

Feb. 7 – Belen Great American Bed Race; Divisions for standard, monster, and open. 864-7622 or 864-8091

Feb  14- Mar 22 Valencia County Winter Series Rodeo; Valencia County Sheriff’s Posse Arena 864-2269 or864-8091