Thursday, January 28, 2010

Art from the Heart Opens at EAI

Discover the sensuality of wax at the Encaustic Art Institute’s premier 2010 exhibition “Art from the Heart,” opening Saturday, February 13 with a reception from 1:00 - 6:00 PM.  The Institute is located just 18 miles south of Santa Fe at 18 County Road 55A (General Goodwin Road), Cerrillos, New Mexico.


“Art from the Heart” features works lovingly inspired by artists who work in encaustic (pigmented wax) from throughout the United States.  All works on exhibit are for sale with all sale proceeds going to the artist.  There is no gallery commission.  Works are reasonably priced and make unique, affordable Valentine gifts for your loved ones.



The Institute is the brainchild of artist Douglas Mehrens, a longtime Cerrillos resident who designed and built the “pyramid” structure that now houses the EAI gallery--2400 square feet of exhibition space that was once his studio.  Mehrens spent several years obtaining a non profit status, before announcing the Institute’s opening in 2009.  “I’ve been blessed in my life and career,” he noted.  “Now it’s time to give back.”  Mehrens and his wife Adrienne, a jewler, currently live on the12 acre Institute property and share visionary plans for expanding EAI.  “We want to have an art library, establish a permanent encaustic collection, and build more space for studios and workshops,” Mehrens said.


The Insitute recently merged with New Mexico Wax, an organization for encaustic artists living and working in the state founded by former Picuris resident Harriette Tsosie.  “It was a good marriage, “ said Tsosie.  At the time of the merger, New Mexico Wax was just a year old.  “We came on fast, mounting three all encaustic exhibitions, putting up a blog and publishing a catalog of our members work in that short time.“ When the two organizations discovered each other, NM Wax had 50 members.  “We had the artists: Douglas had the non profit status, land and exhibition space.  We are now probably the only encaustic organization in the country with its own campus.”


Mehrens noted that unlike NM Wax, the Institute accepts memberships from outside the state.  “We eventually want to be a global organization,” he said.  “Together, I think we can do it.”


“Art from the Heart” continues at EAI through February 28.  For more informaiton about the Encaustic Art Institute, directions and a map, visit: www.eainm.com


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