BELEN-World-renowned artists Judy Chicago and Donald Woodman, of Belen, and their long-time collaborators, Pyro Spectaculars, will present “Diamonds in the Sky,” a new, site-specific Smoke Sculpture at the Through the Flower Art Space at dusk on Saturday, July 17.
Photo courtesy of Through the Flower
World-renowned artist Judy Chicago will present her Smoke Sculpture “Diamonds in the Sky” this weekend in Belen. Many of the local businesses in the Belen Arts District will also be open with different exhibits.
The Smoke Sculpture will happen directly outside of the TTF Art Space, 107 Becker Ave., in Belen. This will be a short but loud performance, lasting no longer than 20 minutes.
While they are limiting ticket sales to attend the Smoke Sculpture to 350 people, organizers anticipate between 400-500 people in attendance on Becker Avenue and for noise levels to be significant, particularly around dusk.
Tickets are mandatory to attend the “Diamonds in the Sky” performance; the cost for tickets is $10 per person. Tickets can be purchased at holdmyticket.com/event/373107.
In response to life during the pandemic and the feelings of isolation it engendered, Chicago created a series of small-scale Smoke Sculptures, drawings, and painted porcelain works.
“CONFINED” features a set of 12 prints documenting these intimate smoke pieces alongside other works created during this period. The exhibit can be seen at Through the Flower Art Space and will be open for tours from 12-8 p.m., pausing for the “Diamonds in the Sky” Smoke Sculpture, and from 3-8 p.m., Sunday, July 18.
Through the Flower is also celebrating the virtual launch of Judy Chicago’s new autobiography, “The Flowering,” at noon, Sunday, July 18, in the Central Parlour at Jaramillo Vineyards Wine Tasting Room. Enjoy a glass of Judy Chicago wine while watching the livestream discussion between Chicago and international bestselling author Kevin Kwan.
Tickets include a signed copy of “The Flowering.” Tickets can be purchased at holdmyticket.com/event/377289.
In addition to Chicago’s exhibit, Smoke Sculpture and autobiography discussion, multiple businesses along Becker Avenue will host art exhibitions, gallery tours, wine tastings and other special events as part of a celebration of the Belen Arts District.
Participating businesses include:
- The Belen Art League, 509 Becker Ave., will debut its first group exhibition in more than a year, titled, “Back in Action.” This juried show will include work from the members of the league in various media including, painting, jewelry, ceramics and sculpture.
- The Belen Harvey House Museum, 104 N. First St., will have free refreshments, a Christmas in July Sale, weaving and spinning demos from the Fiber to Finish Guild and more.
- Books on Becker, 513 Becker Ave., will have extended hours and a special book raffle to give away one free, signed copy of “The Flowering.” (May open depending on flooding situation.)
- The Bugg Lights Museum, 513 Becker Ave., will have a diamond-themed selfie station inside their exhibition of historic Christmas lights first displayed by Norman Bugg in 1972. (May open depending on flooding situation.)
- The Chavez Brothers Vineyard and Winery, 210-B S. Main St., will be open to the public and offering 10 percent off their signature wines.
- The GRID Gallery, 512 Becker Ave., will hold a group photography exhibition, “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
- Jaramillo Vineyards, 114 Becker Ave., will have free wine tastings and 10 percent off the Judy Chicago wine.
- Old City Hall, 503 Becker Ave., will be the venue of new work by local artists, Laura Wacha, Andrea Jaramillo and Mike Moreno.
- Solis Custom Design, 212 Becker Ave., makes unique, handmade furniture and jewelry, and will offer 10 percent off their entire store.
- Studio 508, 508 Becker Ave., has a new exhibition of glasswork and drawings by artist and director of Through the Flower Art Space Jamie Marie Rose. A beer garden outside the gallery will feature beer from the Hub City Brewing Company.
- Susan Dubiel Framing and Gallery, 515 W. Reinken Ave., is exhibiting local artists’ work and will have extended hours for the weekend.
Food truck vendors, including Better Ate Than Never, AC2, and more will be stationed along Becker Avenue.
The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.
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April 19, 2024
