SURFACE TREATMENT: December Art Walk round-up

Initially, a cold snap seemed to cool the enthusiasm of December's First Friday Art Walkers. However, the crowd increased as the wind-chill decreased. There was much to look at, and it was a bonus to discover recent work from the more forward moving artists. The following venues were worth a look

The McAllen Memorial Library Assuming the mantle of an art gallery, the Library presented several mini-shows of artist's works. The artist's were all there, discussing their aesthetic views with interested viewers. Jason Valdez' airbrushed creations, Liz 55, and Vanessa Z28, painted on Chevy Colorado doors was a show stopper. The female figures appear to represent feminized auto machines, a possible blurring of the identity of the custom auto in the eyes of its owner. Another pleasant surprise was new work by Veronica Jaeger, previously from Venezuela. The painting, Memorioso (the Thinker), depicts a man carrying his life experiences in his body. Jaeger continues her theme of the relationship of memories, culture, and architecture. Ray Garza displayed his beautifully crafted handmade knives, while A Healing Mandala series of paintings by Patricia Lowe tantalized with intricate kaleidoscopic designs. Formal musical fare filled the space courtesy of the P.S.J.A. Memorial High School String Ensemble & Concert Orchestra, and De Zavala Middle School Orchestra of La Joya.

ManicHaus The Group Show "Singularity" represented an open call to artists to celebrate the first year of this art space. The artists were expected to encapsulate the idea of oneness, one, collecting into a single unit, or a pattern of one, that exemplified the first year of ManicHaus. It was the only formal exhibition on view, somewhat uneven, but contained two outstanding works. Dawn Haughey's Untitled 2008 was one of the most exciting pieces seen at this month's walk. The Interactive wall piece consists of seven PVC pipes protruding from the wall. Tiny recorders at the end of each tube symbolize unity/oneness. On each recorder a single piano key is played with accompanying vocals. The audience participates by activating each tube.Linda Lewis transformed paper in her mixed media piece, Story of O. Dictionaries and newspapers were taken apart; the pages were machine stitched end to end to form large surfaces, resulting in a colorful, formal pattern.

Nuevo Santander Lots of new works from their artists engaged art walkers at this gallery. Don Breeden showed powerful watercolor images of traditional flora and Fauna, and surprisingly, he also showed his contemporary side. A watercolor Flag series offered a refreshing change in focus. John Maskey and Edith Maskey, watercolorists who specialize in watercolor scenes from Mexico, showed a wall of paintings each.

España Ruben Gomez revealed recent paintings reflecting his sophisticated, typically monochromatic, graphic, linear style. Red was incorporated as a symbolic/decorative element. Porch-side, Mary's Crosses, by Mary Ibarra, combined Christianity and elaborate decoration.

Douglas Clarks Studio Robert Codina's beautiful casual and fine art photographs of nature and Mexico thrived in small format. Across the studio, Edinburg artist, Philip Field, showed several of his colorful autobiographical computer prints, offering viewers a different reality.

NIU Urban Living Monterrey's contemporary-realist artist, Rigo Carrasco, showed two new large figurative paintings expressing his interest in aspects of social humanity.

United Through Art Monica Ramirez' widely diverse paintings were featured this month. A portrait of his son by Juan Carlos Garza "wero," was a popular work at that venue.

On the downside, there was increased difficulty in reaching all of the venues. The well-intended street restrictions at the heart of the Art Walk blended with detours for a seasonal religious parade. Several streets in the area were blocked, with some drivers directed into downtown McAllen, away from their Main street targets. Parking often relied on clever strategies.

Nancy Moyer, PhD, is an art reviewer for Festiva. She is an independent artist living in McAllen and may be reached at nmoyer@rgv.rr.com