“Geography of Hope” featuring Maura Allen and Denny Haskew at Sorrel Sky Gallery
SANTA FE, NM: April 12, 2017; This two-person show, “Geography of Hope,” during First Friday Art Walk on June 2, 2017 features the contemporary western paintings of Maura Allen and welcomes Native American figurative bronze sculptor, Denny Haskew to Sorrel Sky Gallery Santa Fe. These two artists display a deep respect for the history of the West, and the hope that it continues to symbolize, in both a physical and conceptual way. Opening reception is from 5:00-7:30 pm at Sorrel Sky Gallery’s downtown location at 125 W. Palace Ave. The show continues throughout the month of June.
"Both convey a dynamic sense of hope. Having them show together will allow others to experience that hope." - Shanan Campbell Wells
Maura Allen brings her own distinctive approach to traditional imagery, with timeless themes of cowboys, cowgirls and the western lifestyle. She portrays the American West with rich texture, vibrant color and dynamic patterns. Her paintings have a cinematic quality that is her signature style and speaks to the rugged nature and allure of the American West. Using wood, steel and glass as her surfaces, she uses light, shadow and silhouette to achieve a bold, unique vision to her work. Allen’s own words well describe her style. “This is the West today … a place where neighbor helps neighbor, where the land inspires awe and serves as the source of our food. A place where the day doesn’t end when the sun goes down.”
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Your Cheatin' Heart by Maura Allen[/caption]
Denny Haskew, a member of the Potawatomi Citizen Nation represented for many years by Sorrel Sky Gallery Durango, works in the lost wax method of bronze sculpting. His monumental works, spanning the full spectrum of the figurative genre, have been installed throughout the United States. In his Native American series, the pieces are dynamic and capture many of the customs of his native tribe, often telling stories that are not familiar to the general public. His depictions of women and children speak to his reverence and respect, and to the native belief that children are the holy ones. That respect can be seen in all his sculptures, whatever the subject matter. “We’re all human beings inside. We’re all a mixture and will continue to mix until it no longer matters what type of figure is used as long as it makes the strongest statement possible.”
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Strength of the Maker by Denny Haskew[/caption]
Shanan Campbell Wells, owner of Sorrel Sky Gallery, expresses her admiration for Maura’s love and awe for the West, and Denny’s reverence for his subject matter. “Maura captures the spirit of the West as it stretches back in time and reaches into our futures. Denny’s work conveys his innermost being. It is intensely personal and honest. Both convey a dynamic sense of hope. Having them show together will allow others to experience that hope.”
Sorrel Sky Gallery’s innovative approach to Western art offers a select collection of contemporary and traditional fine art and jewelry for the discerning art enthusiast. Sorrel Sky Gallery was founded in Durango, CO in 2002, opening its second location in Santa Fe, NM in 2014. Representing nearly 80 painters, sculptors and jewelers, including bronze artist Star Liana York, painter Kevin Red Star, and jewelry artist Ben Nighthorse, among others.