Holly Day House Art Show features hand-crafted works

The Artists of Picacho Hills on Saturday hosted its annual Holly Day House Art Show, which featured a variety of original fine artwork created by residents of the Picacho Hills area.

The juried art show offered unique gifts, including jewelry, paintings, photography, textiles, basketry, glass and woodworking, created by nearly 25 artists from The Artists of Picacho Hills.

The 2nd annual Holly Day House Art Show continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at 1340 Picacho Hills Drive in Las Cruces, by Ump 88 Irish Grill.

Instead of enduring long lines and crowds of post-Thanksgiving shoppers, visitors to Saturday's show enjoyed refreshments and door prizes, while perusing unique, handcrafted works of art from the spacious venue in Picacho Hills, said Wanda Sparks, past president of the Artists of Picacho Hills, who also creates ornate and colorful gourd Christmas ornaments.

During the group's final show of the year, Sparks said more than 200 shoppers on Saturday were in search of holiday decorations, Christmas presents for loved ones, and even gifts for themselves.

"Several couples have come in and said to the person they were with, 'You know, this would make a really wonderful gift for me,'" Sparks said with a smile.

One of the newest art associations in Las Cruces, The Artists of Picacho Hills was founded in 2008 and has since blossomed into a group of more than 30 artists, including painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, photographers, woodworkers, potters, textile and multimedia artists, according to the group's website. Artists of Picacho Hills is open to all residents who create original artwork and live in Picacho Hills.

The Artists of Picacho Hills also annually hosts the popular Art in the Garden show in September, which typically attracts about 600 visitors, and For the Love of Art in February, Sparks said.

Choosing a new, more spacious venue for this year's Holly Day House Art Show, Sparks said, "No matter how many shoppers we've had at once, it's never felt crowded and the artists have had a lot of space to really showcase their art."

"It's been busy all day," said Jeanne DeArment, who organized the event, of the turnout during first day of the annual show. "It's nice to see people doing their shopping locally and supporting local artists, rather than purchasing a TV made in China. I can guarantee, what they've found here will last a whole lot longer, too."

Using various computer techniques to turn photographs into interesting works of art, Picacho Hills artist Steve Bailey said his pieces were selling fast during Saturday's show.

"I've been doing really well," Bailey said. "I've sold several of my bigger pieces and my cards are about to sell out."

Having participated in several previous Artists of Picacho Hills shows, Bailey said many who purchased works of his Saturday were repeat customers.

"Most of the people who purchase larger pieces of art are shopping for their own homes because it's just so personal," he explained. "Repeat customers also want to make sure that the piece they're thinking of purchasing will complement those already hanging in their homes."

He continued, "I'll definitely be coming back next year."

Watercolorist Marie Siegrist, who has been painting for most of her adult life, said the first day of the weekend-long show was a success.

"It's been very nice," she said. "I've already sold a painting and have interest in another."

The first time showcasing her paintings, which also feature acrylic and gouache pieces, at the Holly Day House event, Siegrist said of the art show, "It's been a great opportunity to get to know other artists and to connect with people in the community who are interested in our art."

"The more exposure the better," added Alice Terry, an oil painter. "Because of this show, I have potential for even more sales."

After taking a class in basket weaving about four years ago, artist Lonnie Wilson was hooked on the craft.

"It's such a fun project, and I've been getting a lot of good feedback here," she said. "This show has such a nice feeling since it's at the beginning of the holiday season and I think it's really coming into its own this year."

Oil painter Rosemary McKeown agreed, stating, "The response has been very positive and people have been impressed with how nice the art is."

She continued, "Because the show is juried by a third party, you know you're going to find some really nice works of art. And the facility this year is much bigger, allowing for the art to be displayed really nicely."

Gregg Tracy, who uses mesquite wood and turquoise to hand craft boxes, cutting boards and trays, as well as larger furniture pieces, said, "It's nice to have this large space this year."

He added, "The variety of art is what makes this show so nice. The group always looks for different mediums and different types of art to feature."

Judi Miller, who creates knitted shawls, said she draws inspiration from nature to come up with new designs. Her colorful pieces feature lace-like patterns that incorporate swans, turtles, lilacs, and other natural elements.

"Coming up with new patterns is always very exciting," Miller said.

Her first time showcasing her work at the Holly Day House Art Show, Miller said shoppers "seem to really enjoying looking" at her collection of shawls.