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Wednesday, June 17, 2009 Camino Real 8 show work and benefit Harvey HouseBelen Individuals in the Camino Real 8 group seem to carry the very element that bears their name. For the group of local artists, that "true pathway" means learning from each other to help them succeed in their craft.
"We want people to come," said Camino Real 8 member Judy Farrow. "We think they will be pleased with the work in our show." Farrow said artists will sell paintings that range from pastels and oils to watercolor and acrylics. Most sale items are under $100. The group, which branched out from the Tomé Gallery five years ago, has also added four guest artists from Socorro for this year's show. Farrow expects to completely fill the main room of the Harvey House in a show where a portion of the proceeds will go toward the museum. "They gave us a place for the show," Farrow said. "It's a way to pay them back." The group has held shows at Albuquerque's Harwood Arts Center as well as the Harvey House in Belen. But Farrow admits the group hasn't yet reached its pinnacle. Members include Lorraine Burleson, Judy Farrow, Janice Leach, Sondra Schlotterback, Jean Stone, Gwen Wileman, Evelyn Yoder and Penny York. Guest artists are Sharon Fullingim, Natasha Isenhour, Skeeter Leard and Margie Lucena. "We want to grow as artists," Farrow said. "We critique each other and spot things (that could be improved) in other people's paintings. It's good to have criticism." Farrow said she has learned different color combinations and different ways to paint objects in her works. She said proportions are essential to make paintings aesthetically pleasing. She said oil and pastel are easier to correct and the artist can paint over mistakes in most cases. "There is a methodology to it," Farrow said. "You can either put things pleasingly or awkwardly. We are all growing in that respect." But Farrow said growth in their prospective careers hasn't been a struggle. She said group members progress in a family- type atmosphere that offers criticism without any sense of superiority. "There aren't any big egos," Farrow said. "No one thinks that they are better than anyone else. We get along very well." Artist Penny York agrees. "It's a wonderful group," York said. "It's a group that offers a lot of companionship and moral support." York, who paints pastels and watercolor, said it's important to listen to others' opinions. She said people with different ideals and backgrounds can help artists improve by bringing additional elements into painters' works. "You go blind sometimes," York said. "I think it's human nature. They can reflect on their own experiences and tell you things that you never thought of." Painter Janice Leach said she has learned different ways to paint from which backgrounds to use to the incorporation of certain shadowing. "I learn something every time we meet," Leach said. "It's good to get suggestions. It helps you appreciate the techniques of others. It helps me grow and challenges me to do better." Leach said she is looking forward to the show to see how each of the members has progressed and that it is an opportunity to reflect back on their work. In addition, Leach said meeting the guest artists will be a supplement to the improvement process. "It's nice to have guest artists," Leach said. "It gives them a place to show their work and it's a place to exchange ideas in a social setting." Farrow said the show gives the artists a chance to see how others appreciate their work. "When someone you don't know buys your work, it's really a thrill," Farrow said. Farrow said the fine arts show is the perfect place for residents to see talent from Valencia County. This year's show might be a hit since a few hundred residents turned out for last year's event. The group raised about $400 for the Harvey House in 2008, Farrow said. "We want people to come and enjoy it," she said. "It's a feast for their eyes."
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