Lea Anderson’s “studio” at 516 ARTS last year.

Guest Blogger Lea Anderson is an Albuquerque-based contemporary artist, arts educator, and advocate for artists in her community. She exhibits locally, nationally and internationally and was honored to be the 2015 Summer Artist-in-Residence at the Albuquerque Museum.

Walking into the bright, dynamic, and visually stunning downtown space at the 516 ARTS nonprofit gallery is an experience you won’t soon forget. Coming up this weekend is the essential Studio Sale in the Gallery. Now in its second year, this unique event is more than a fundraiser—it’s an eye-popping, mind-blowing, contemporary art extravaganza. Literally hundreds of artworks are on view, and ON SALE—at specially discounted prices. This short-but-sweet event is one week only: May 14-21, with a public opening reception this Saturday, May 14, 6-8pm.

After experiencing how great last year’s event was, I will definitely be one of the first people in the door.

I participated in the 516 ARTS Studio Sale in the Gallery as an invited artist last year, and it was an unequalled artistic celebration. Much like last year’s event, 10 Albuquerque-based contemporary artists will present a wide range of stock from their studio inventories including drawing, ceramics, sculpture, painting, photography, prints, jewelry, rugs, experimental pieces and more. Each artist designs a personal exhibition space, and the result is a wild and wonderful visual feast.

If you have the desire to collect, take this rare opportunity to see and buy captivating art. You can pluck art right off of the wall and you can take it home instantly, or you can purchase it and come back and get it at the end of the week. The best part of this fundraiser is that it gives everyone a chance to buy art they love and art they can afford. Not only does this event support artists, but also the ongoing series of exhibitions and community events generously produced by 516 ARTS, a nonprofit venue that has played a key role in New Mexico art and culture for the past decade.

After the opening reception, the weekend will be active as visitors pop in to see the artists in action. The artists will be onsite making art (which you can also buy on the spot), demonstrating techniques, and greeting curious visitors. The studio practice of each artist comes alive in the gallery—a rare occasion to experience art making in the moment!

This year’s impressive lineup of talented local artists represents a range of diverse styles: Laila Cola Weeks, Fernando Delgado, Ann Dunbar, Elizabeth Fritzsche, Thomas Christopher Haag, Rachel Popowcer, Luanne Redeye, Carol Sanchez, Lauren Tobey and Joan Weissman.

The Studio Sale will be accompanied by a silent auction of artwork from the 516 ARTS archives and board members’ collections, including pieces by Norman Akers, Chaz Bojorquez, Matt Magee, Aaron Noble, and Marina Zurkow. Additionally, a special print sale from the Hirsch Greene Press Archive offers a giant caché of prints from Beth Van Hoesen, Mark Adams, Gordon Cook, Fritz Scholder, Stephen McMillan and Margaretta K. Mitchell (among others).

After experiencing how great last year’s event was from the artist’s perspective, I will definitely be one of the first people in the door this Saturday as a collector. I can’t wait to buy some spectacular, affordable art and to support the always inspiring 516 ARTS. I’ll see you there!