Chroma Studios and Gallery First Friday Opening

We are very excited about our upcoming opening! The new gallery and classroom space are amazing! If you are local, please come visit us!

When: Friday, October 3rd, 2008 5 - 8 p.m.
Opens October 3rd and runs through Oct. 31st. We will also be open for the two weekends of Balloon Fiesta, Thurs. thru Sun. from 12-6pm.

Where: Chroma Studios and Gallery, 1606 Central Ave SE, Suite 102 & 201, Albuquerque, NM

What: Chroma Studios and Gallery Art Opening - Feathers and Flowers

Chroma Studios is happy to present the opening of our new gallery and classroom
space. We have expanded since our grand opening in June to include a gallery
and classroom downstairs. This First Friday, our new gallery will feature the
work of Chroma co-founders Paula Manning-Lewis and Josephine Brionez de Flores.
We will also have live guitar music by Chroma artist Aaron Lewis, who has
recently released a new cd Space Travel. Our upstairs gallery will include the work of our studio
artists Barak Naggan, Sarah Rose, Caroline Blaker, Chris Schelling, Kirk McGee,
Terry Hansen, and vashti b. Plus guest artists, Susan See, Diane Reitz and Michael Gallegos.

Hope to see you there!

Paula Manning-Lewis :)

Grand Opening a Hit!

This past Friday was our Grand Opening art show and open studios event. Most of the photos posted were taken before and after the show. I had planned to take more during the show, but the place was so crowded and I was so busy talking with our guests that I ended up putting the camera away.

The show was a huge success! Many people came by to see the space and ended up staying for the three hours to enjoy the art, talk with all the artists, enjoy a little food and beverages and many even left with a piece of art or two. I have been told by several people that this was the best art opening they've been to in some time. I would have to agree with that, even if I am a little biased. The art was amazing, the artists friendly, the refreshments yummy and the atmosphere in general was positive.

Thanks go out to everyone that came out to support Chroma Studios. Thanks to the guest artists that brought in their wonderful work, to the studio artists for all the hard work they put into getting everything ready, to the musicians(Aaron and Michael) that created a festive atmosphere and to our good friends Kathy and Benita that prepared the awesome food!

Chroma Artists from left to right, Michael(guest artist), Barak, Vashti, Josephine, Terri, Angelo, Aaron and Paula(Chroma Artists not pictured, Diane Reitz, Chris and Amy Schelling, guest artists not pictured, Ray Maseman, Jacqui Lewnes and Brandon Atencio)

Introducing......Chroma Studios!

Here are some photos of the new space.

Reception area

My Studio

My studio, looking into the reception area

Aaron's Studio
My husband and I both have our studios here, plus there are 7 other studios.

One space left!

Currently there are 6 other artists with one empty studio. 1 mixed media artist, 2 photographers, 4 painters and 1 musician. I have someone coming to see the last space tomorrow. I will get links up to all the other artist websites soon.

Multipurpose room

We are planning our grand opening show for the first week in May. Not sure about the exact date yet. I will keep you updated on that. We also have a conference room/classroom/gallery space. Let's just call it our multipurpose room.

One of my favorite spaces is the patio out on the roof! We sit out there on sunny days and eat our lunch.

Daily Journal paintings

Elated(click to buy)

Exhilarated(click to buy)

Here are yesterday's and today's daily journal paintings. Trying to finish up as much of these as possible to take with me to Gallup on Saturday. Spoke with the gallery owner yesterday and he wants me to bring all I have, big and small. I hope he realizes what he's getting himself into! Not a lot of time to write as I still have many preparations to make for the show and only 3 days left to do it all! I plan to take my camera with me to the show so I can post photos for everyone that can't make it in person.

Featured Etsy Shop: Jewelry by Tara

Today's featured shop is Jewelry by Tara

What made you start crafting/designing jewelry, and what was the first thing you remember making?

I have always been crafty, even as a child. The first thing I remember ever really designing from scratch was during 4th grade. Friendship pins were a big thing back then (giving away my age) anyway, I pulled apart safety pins with pliers and put beads on them. My relatives still have a lot of them today! I've dabbled in all types of crafts, crochet, knitting, floral arrangement, you name it, I've tried it. I've been designing jewelry for 7 years now. I just closed my own personal website to come over to Etsy and I have to add that I really enjoy the environment and different types of artists there.

What other jobs have you had in the past?

As for other jobs, I'm still a petsitter and I used to work in my husband's brokerage firm as the administrative assistant to the C.E.O.

What inspires you?

I'm constantly inspired by the seasons changing and all the beautiful bright colors I see. All of my designs are one of a kind because I always have new ideas and want to create a totally unique image based on my moods.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I consider myself a very liberal, artsy kinda gal. I have 2 children, 6 pets, and a husband who probably wants to move to a quieter house! I'm obsessed with antiques and I have an appraisal certificate. I hate the summer, love the snow, pink is always in, Hello Kitty is my favorite icon of style, and I'm originally from New York City.

Is there a art/craft that you admire and hope to learn someday?

Lately I've really wanted to try sewing. I see all of these beautiful bags on etsy and I want them all! So I'm definitely thinking about getting a sewing machine soon.

Back in the Swing of Things

Daily Journal Painting "Fire"

Click Here to Buy

Daily Journal Painting "Purple Sun"

Click Here to Buy

First Screen Design

First Screen Print

Hubby and son went back to school yesterday, finally back to normal for me now. I've been busy working in the studio, or should I say playing in the studio. I completed my first screen print design and finally tried the first print last night. This morning I spent painting, I was so excited to get back to painting I finished two daily journal paintings today!

One of my goals(I dont call them resolutions!) for the new year is to be more efficient in my work and spend less time online. I have so many things I would like to accomplish this year that I need all the time I can get. So....if you are one of my blog friends, I'm sorry but I won't be commenting as much on other blogs. I will however continue to read all my favorite blogs! I couldn't live without you guys! I may blog every other day instead of everyday. I know, when have I ever been dedicated to everyday?!! Anyway, I hope that what this will result in is more art to share on my blog.


This afternoon I have to spend more time on my business plan and take my son to the doctor. Hope everyone is having a wonderful day!

Today's Daily Journal Painting

Today's journal painting is called 'Worm Hole', it was inspired by the name of my brother's band. Last time I saw him he told me my spiral art would be perfect as an cd cover, so....here it is, my interpretation of Worm Hole! This is an oil painting on 8 x 8 inch canvas board.