"Ladies Sing the Blues"
by Gary Eklund
Carrizozo, NM

Stop by and see Gary Eklund 
at the ZoZo Galleries & Studio, Carrizozo.

February/March 2003

Carrizozo – with his cleanly shaven head and compact stature, Gary Eklund looks like a sort of jovial Buddha. But, while he may sit and meditate in private, in public Gary is always busy. In fact, this artist exudes energy and passion. 
     Whether it's arranging the space in the huge ZoZo Galleries, 412 12th St., or talking to someone about art or some idea, Gary seems to have boundless energy, the sort of enthusiasm that pick you up and sweeps you along.  
     "Someone asked me once," Gary says, " if I sleep. I told her, no. I don't have time."  
     Indeed, just curating the warehouse-sized ZoZo Galleries, would be a daunting task for some. "I like to change the gallery every month," Gary says in a dismissive manner after a tour of the 3,000 square foot downstairs space as we head upstairs: 1000 up stairs, 2000 down.  
     The upstairs WAS to have been living space, remarks wife Sharon. It still is: some 850 feet of it, at least. Every other room has been converted into show space for the artists Gary promotes. Even his own works have been relegated to a few in the stair well and in his own studio. 
     Gary likes to pick artists whose work is as unique as his own. Borrowing a phrase from his current featured artist John West, "art is an original creation, craft is when you make the second": There's no craft here; only finely crafted pieces of art which give glimpses of a unique prospective of life.

John West
Nona Church
Chuchillo
Contemporary Tapestry Exhibit

 Find out where to get Steppin Out.