From her earliest memories, Judy Hall Stapes knew she was born to be an artist, to explore things real and unknown, to connect, to grow. Today Stapes lives in this reality. An accomplished, award-winning artist, she has worked in watercolors, inks, acrylics, oils, collage, and assemblage. Her current show, GOLD STANDARDS, at Artistas de Santa Fe, asks: What makes us precious? What are the standards by which we live, create, exist?
This body of work began with her own fears which she allowed—no, encouraged—to emerge. Exploring and probing these emotions, Stapes discovered a dense jungle where adventures presented themselves. Like an archaeologist, she treated each layer with respect, examined each particle alone and in relation to the whole, until her last piece expressed the joy, beauty, and playfulness she finds in life, and then she was soaring skyward, with a new found perspective on herself as an artist.
The viewer of this show will quickly experience the creative energy Stapes injected into each piece of art. She practically dares you to respond, to feel your own possibilities of creation and existence, to bloom and to celebrate being beautiful. She understands we yearn for this type of living and connecting. She challenges you to mine the gold in your own life.
Where: Artistas de Santa Fe Gallery, 228B Old Santa Fe Trail
When: Opening Reception: May 14, 5pm - 7pm; Exhibition dates: May 12 to June 1
Cost: Free to the public
Contact: 505 982 1320; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; www.artistasdesantafe.com