Coral’s Creative Studio and Gallery opens in Los Lunas

LOS LUNAS—A new art studio and gallery has opened in Los Lunas.

Coral’s Creative Studio and Gallery opened May 1, and will hold its grand opening from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, June 13, at 1400 Main St. NW in Los Lunas.

Los Lunas resident Coral Waggoner is the owner of the studio and gallery, which features artwork from local artists in varying mediums.

Waggoner previously had a studio in her home, but having an official studio space opened her up to having art classes. Many of the local artists she works with through the gallery also teach classes for beginners.

“It’s a place where senior citizens can come and paint — we have art classes during the day,” Waggoner said. “It’s also a place for working people to come and relax in the evening.

“It’s a place to learn all types of art. I’m open to any type of artists coming in.”

Waggoner hopes to collaborate with local organizations, and is currently collaborating with Jaramillo Winery in Belen to create a reoccurring Paint and Sip event at the studio.

She also wants to get younger artists in the community involved by showcasing their art and having them teach. Reaching out to Los Lunas High School to work together to enhance the school art program is also something important to her.

“I think it’s good for them to teach a class because one of the hardest things for me was getting in front of people and showing them how to do things,” Waggoner said. “If they learn that, you can do just about anything.”

The studio offers a variety of classes, such as painting, jewelry-making, kids classes and acrylic-pour. Waggoner said she is open to new mediums like woodcarving, leather working or crocheting, for example.

“I’d like to have access to all sorts of classes, and just have a lot of the community come in and become involved,” Waggoner said. “I just want to bring more of the arts here. I want to make this a place where tourists would stop.”

Waggoner hopes to make the studio a place where local groups can hold events and have a chance to mingle. She also hopes to bring in artists from across the country to teach a class that may not be offered here regularly.

“I think it’s going to be fun, having different people get together and learn together,” Waggoner said.

Coral’s Creative Studio and Gallery is located at 1400 Main St. NW in Los Lunas. For more information, call 217-8700 or visit coralscreativestudio.gallery.