Tuesday, February 14, the Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA) celebrated Valentine’s Day with a lively opening reception at La Galeria MC, on the plaza in San Antonio Tlayacapan.
ASA artist members were given the challenge of creating items that measure 20cm x 20cm with the theme “forever. love.” Attendees sipped on wine and prosecco while perusing the right-angled submissions. Mediums represented included oil, photography, watercolor, mandalas, acrylic, jewelry, botanically inspired fiber, a retablo and several mixed media inspirations. It is a charming assortment of craftsmanship that is complementary and offers something for everyone.
Each composition had to be contained within a structure that measured no smaller or larger than 20cm x 20cm ... and it has made for a fun, light-hearted and creative exhibition. Thirteen pieces were sold during the opening, but rest assured there are some real gems still up that should make their way to your home.
The exhibition hangs in a linear formation and occupies two of the main walls of La Galeria MC, which is the photography studio and gallery of Monica Cardenas. In addition to a being a professional photographer herself, her fine printing and framing workshop is mecca for local creatives looking for high quality production of their artistry. She is meticulous and a true collaborator when it comes to presentation.
Occupying the other wall of Cardenas’ studio is a collection of paintings from the late Georg Rauch. He is a legendary painter from Austria who learned to sketch while imprisoned in a Russian POW camp and his work is collected internationally. He made Lakeside his cherished home for 30 years and this is a rare and historic assemblage of his work.
La Galeria is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Ajijic Society of the Arts’ 20x20 “forever. love.” exhibition will be on display through Sunday, March 5. Stop by any day to become completely enamored with one of these compact works and support your local artists.