OCHO is an art and event space at the junction of 522 and Highway 38 in Questa. Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos this small space is a jumping off point for local artists and conservationist to share with the public their love of the vast wilds of Northern New Mexico.
Connections by Katie Woodall
While they host a number of functions and various activities, OCHO is also the main gathering space for LEAP (Land, Experience, and Art of Place). Each year LEAP chooses a theme, holding various events around Questa and the surrounding areas of Del Norte National Monument that focus on enlivening and educating our community about our wild spaces. This year’s theme is ¡Pollinate! and while various events have been held throughout the year, this Saturday, August 13th from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. is the opening reception for the ¡Pollinate! Art Show: small is beautiful.
The “¡Pollinate! Art Show” features small works by over 20 local artists in a variety of two and three dimensional mediums. Visitors to the gallery will find photography by Phil Gruis and Michael Coleman, textural mixed media by Katie Woodall, Julia Ruth Claus and Sybille Palmer, whimsical metal sculpture by Scott Randolph, oils by Robert Perez jr. and Joan Young, monotypes by Diane DeFremery and Lee Lee, diverse ceramics by Abby Salsbury, Mandy Stapleford and Michael Ritter, watercolors by Jean Frey and much more.
Setting 1, Abby Salsbury, Ceramic
“It’s a wonderful sampling of northern Taos County artistic talent! We love seeing different artists’ sensitive and varied interpretations and inspirations on this theme,” says Barrie Andrews, OCHO co-owner and director.
Inspired by success of the educational component of the past SEED Taos exhibitions, the current pollinate art show at OCHO will feature the hands-on “Pollination Sensorium.” Youth and visitors of all ages are invited to explore the Sensorium room featuring hands-on activities and information about pollinators and pollination processes and outcomes.
Hors d’oeuvres, drinks and music by Deuce Jazz Duo will add to the celebration and People’s Choice Awards will be announced at the end of the evening.
OCHO is located at 8 State Highway 38. For more information about the space visit http://ochozone.org/ If you can’t make the opening reception not to worry, the ¡Pollinate! Art Show runs from now until September 25th! So take a drive, get out of town, and enjoy great views and local art!
The show is organized and curated by LEAP (Land, Experience and Art of Place) with help from SEED Taos, both programs of the local nonprofit Localogy. It is hosted by OCHO Art + Event Space in Questa with support generously provided by Taos County, Questa Economic Development Fund, Chevron Questa Mine Community Fund as well as local business, individuals and volunteers.