The close of 2023 has a very sad ending with the passing of another long-time SLMM member, Nina Adkins, Albuquerque, NM. Nina was a cornerstone of the southwest membership here, serving as the regional coordinator before handing it over to myself in 2008. She was an enthusiastic and active member, graciously hosting many of our local meetings in her southwest home. Nina had a great love of art and life, blessing all of us who got to know her with colourful paintings, spikey red hair, bright smile, and hearty laugh. Her unwavering optimism was inspiration to us all and she will be greatly missed. Namaste sweet spirit. 

Laura Pope, SLMM Ex-Officio

Members of the SLMM of Albuquerque & Santa Fe

Oasis Gallery, Albuquerque October 6 to December 19, 2023

View a reel from opening night here, and info from the gallery here.

from Robin E Brooks

I will be exhibiting paintings, collages, and poetry from my Foremothers Project at Meetinghouse Arts in Freeport, Maine the weekend of May 19, 20, and 21. In conjunction with my art exhibit, we have invited two noted Maine authors, Monica Wood and Rachael Cerrotti, to talk about the art of memoir. And Maine singer-songwriter Lisa Redfern will open both Author Talks with her original songs. We will also be hosting a storytelling workshop on Saturday afternoon. Please contact Robin for more information. www.robinbrooksart.com

With heavy hearts we share the sad news that Nina Mihm passed away on January 16, 2023.

Nina was a long time member of SLMM, serving on the Board in 2006-2007 and as President 2008-2013. She also co-edited SLMM's publication "Visual Journeys' with Mary Carroll Nelson in 2010. Nina was awarded a 'Lifetime' membership in 2013 and will be remembered for her leadership, loyalty and dedication.

Laura Pope, SLMM President "Nina was a very charismatic and talented artist with a bright Texas smile! When I was serving my first year as SW Regional Coordinator, we met at the 2009 National SLMM Conference in Los Angeles where she gave me a warm welcome. That is how I will always remember her."

Jaleh Etemad, SLMM past-President "Two days ago I received the sad news of Nina Mihm's passing. Nina was a wonderfully talented and accomplished lady. She was a member of SLMM for many years before accepting the challenge of SLMM President. I served as her Vice President and I learned a lot from her. Nina also managed a beautiful, very successful art gallery ‘Dragonfly Gallery at Rosedale' near her home in Texas. The most memorable and important task that she accomplished as President of SLMM was the production of an art book titled “Visual Journeys - Art of 21st Century”, co-edited with Mary Carroll Nelson. It is the most beautiful SLMM book. She sure will be missed."

Karen Van Hooser, Executive Administrator "Nina's laughter was a light that literally lit up your day! ...and her quick wit always lifted your spirit. I served under her leadership for five very enjoyable years. I will miss her in this world and will anxiously look for my knidred spirit in the next."

Obituary

Texas SLMM members and others have gathered at the Hill Country Arts Foundation for decades to relax, create and share the energy of artists together. It's a fun time in a beautiful area. It's done for a week, the last one in January each year.

"Flow", 30" x 22", was awarded 2nd Place in the California Watercolor Association's exhibit, Corte Madera, CA, until January 27th.

I just finished a 200 page book titled, "Throughlines": The Evolution of an Artist by Richard Newman, which traces my education and career as an artist. I published it on Blurb.com and it is available in hard and soft copies. Part of it deals with my Presidency of SLMM.

"Flow" and "Rhodo's Window" were accepted into the California Watercolor Association's members exhibit, Expanding White, January 14-27, 2023,at the Corte Madera Community Center Gallery, Corte Madera, CA.

Vessel of Loose Ends was accepted into the juried exhibition, Help Ukraine, of the Tulsa Artists Coalition. The Show is donating 100% of profits, from entry fees and 35% of sold art work to the UNICEF Fund to aid the children.

I’ve had three paintings accepted into New Mexico Art League’s juried Small Works show in Albuquerque to be in the gallery and online December 6, 2022 - January 7, 2023. Reception will be at the gallery December 17, 4pm-6pm.

New Work at my Winter Open Studio If you're in Seattle over the next 2 weeks, let me know! If not, here are the details on my site.

SLMM member Robin Brooks played the role of Mrs. Julia Gibbs in a community theater production of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" in October of 2022. Here is Robin's bio from the program: 

For the past forty-odd years, my favorite role has been teaching art to children, primarily in Maine schools. My participation in "Our Town" was pure serendipity. After being introduced to the play on Zoom this past winter, Nat (the director) invited me to read the role of Mrs. Gibbs. Interestingly, I had been researching my foremothers during the pandemic, and here was a chance to play one on stage! I thank Nat and the cast and crew for this wonderful opportunity for creative collaboration.

Photos from the play can be seen here.