SURFACE TREATMENT: A Peaceful World at Nuevo Santander

Distressing world events seem to surround us — the gulf oil spill with its undetermined effect on the environment and the drug violence in Mexico have been with us all summer. It is time to visit the artists at Nuevo Santander Gallery for assurance that the world is still all right.

The Gallery is currently featuring the mesquite works of Chris Hawley. Always working with mesquite, he celebrates our environmental heritage with his realistically carved aquatic creatures. His subject is initially roughed out with a chain saw and then sculpted further using grinders and sanders. For these pieces, he has chosen to reflect coastal gulf life. “The Squid” is impressive. Highly polished, it seems to confidently float across the table upon which it rests.

Cliff Cavin’s oils greet the viewer from the central wall. Cavin depicts the open grandeur and timelessness of the southwestern landscape. The use of bright sun-washed colors and fluid brushstrokes optimistically define Texas and New Mexico vistas. “West Fork Road” catches a slice of sunlight falling upon the land as a cloud slowly opens up the sky.

With “Untitled Turkeys,” Bob Guelich’s landscape is inhabited. This egg tempera painting depicts two wild turkeys in a brush filled habitat. An interesting thing about this work is the successful use of egg tempera, a difficult medium used to its best advantage here for crisp clear edges and details.

Among the several oil paintings on display by Berry Fritz, OPA, is the lighthearted “Jelly Bean Express.” This intimate painting of a child’s wooden train evokes childhood innocence and whimsy. Commenting on the still life environments that she paints, Fritz stated that although encouraged as a student to paint what she considered disturbing subjects, “I decided that I was more comfortable soothing, uplifting, or at least reassuring people with art that is grounded in reality,” she said, “and that the disturbing stuff should be left to the nightly news and artists with more driven concerns.” Fritz’s statement also appears to hold true for other artists at Nuevo Santander.

The human figure is Reefka Schneider’s inspiration. Reefka shows several water based paintings and pastel drawings depicting musicians, dancers, family, and even a soldier, all of whom reflect the South Texas border culture. A vibrantly hued group of paintings spotlight conjunto musicians as well as others, all reflecting the joy of music.

"Things may look quiet now, but behind the scenes,” said Becky Guerra, gallery owner. “We’re all busy gearing up for the McAllen Art Walk to begin again in September."

But until then, these artists are concerned with the familiar; they reinforce the enduring quality of the earth and its creatures, human and animal, fish and fowl. Their work is soothing, and as the viewer slowly moves from one piece to the next, the world is still a very nice place.

A Peaceful World At Nuevo Santander

WHERE:  Nuevo Santander Art Gallery, 717 N. Main St., McAllen

WHEN:  10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

CONTACT: (956) 618-4959 or nsantander@aol.com

Nancy Moyer, Professor Emerita of Art from UTPA, is an art critic for The Monitor. She may be reached at nmoyer@rgv.rr.com