NM Wax-Encaustic Art Institute Merge

By a vote of its members in November 2009, New Mexico Wax and the Encaustic Art Institute have merged into a single organization, The Encaustic Art Institute. The merger opens membership to any encaustic artist worldwide and offers members permanent exhibition space at the Institute's 12-acre site in Cerrillos, New Mexico. Institute founder Douglas Mehrens' vision for the Institute includes offering workshops and public education programs, adding space for artists studios and residencies, creating an encaustic library and a permanent collection of encaustic art. "I've been blessed in my life and now it is time for me to give back," said Mehrens from his home on the Institute property. Mehrens, who will continue to serve as CEO of the Institute, has asked New Mexico Wax founder Harriette Tsosie to serve as the Institute's first president. "I am honored to accept this position," said Tsosie, an Albuquerque resident. "I look forward to working with Douglas to get the Institute up and running." Both Mehrens and Tsosie are encaustic painters.