Friends, family, collectors, journalists, and curious art enthusiasts gathered at form & concept on August 18th to celebrate the return of local legend and internationally renowned artist Armond Lara. Relive the magic with these event shots by Byron Flesher.
The serious art critics showed up early. A local journalist talks motivations, inspirations, and reflections with the man of the hour, Armond Lara. Check out "Art on a string" for more information on Lara's decades-long career.
Everyone wanted to meet the artist. Armond shakes hands with an old friend.
Not in town? No problem. Lara's former classmate reminisces about the past with the artist from hundreds of miles away.
"How did they hang these?"
A really tall ladder-Before the reception Operations Director Brad Hart goes where no preparator has dared go before while Gallery Director Jordan Eddy directs.
In the gallery shop a beadwork showcase curated by our very own Tiana Japp captivated a couple of fashionistas.
These handbags by Carmen Selam, originally a part of an MFA thesis show, were a major impetus for the showcase.
Back in the atrium, Lara's family and friends started to show up. The youngest family member, Lara's great-granddaughter, picks out her favorite: "I like that one!"
In between signing catalogues of his work, Armond Lara reconnected with his extended family.
You know the family wanted an autograph too!
One of many heartwarming Lara family reunions from the reception.
Local artist and friend of the gallery Melinda Hoffman admires Lara's handiwork. I wonder how Billy the Kid and Mona Lisa would have gotten along?
Works by Jaune Quick-To-See Smith and Venice Biennale American Pavilion artist Jeffrey Gibson adorned the catwalk, but the glass staircase proved more captivating to some.
The view from the second floor. Hey! Where are those buffalo headed?
At the end of the Flying Blue Buffalo trail was Lara's hardest hitting figurative works. A patron admires one star of the show, Billy the Kid Marionette, 2001.
Outlaw living ain't easy.
Between the plentiful art and sentimental reunions, the reception was a lot to take in.
Back on the ground floor, collectors were closing fast. Gallery Owner Sandy Zane talks patrons through the catalogue and pricing.
As the party wound down inside, Axle Contemporary kept the energy high with a mobile showcase of 6 New Mexico-Based fiber artists.
But one more heartwarming embrace before we call it. Those smiles are what it is all about.
A huge thank you to everyone who came out for the reception. For everyone that missed the reception, be sure to check out the exhibit: Armond Lara: A Shifting Retrospective on view until September 16th.