This week on what’s up Wednesday; two more honorable mentions and a really cool color changing mug has just arrived.
Up first this week, Lisa Avila. After a full and varied career, Lisa retired to Placitas in 2020 and was able to resume painting full time. Working mostly in acrylics and mixed media, she created primarily representational pieces. As a new resident of Placitas, Lisa participated in her first Placitas Studio Tour in 2022. Last year, her painting “Painted Horse at Sunrise” was chosen as the artwork for the cover of the 36-page Placitas Studio Tour brochure. This year will be her third year of participation in the tour and she continues to exhibit in a number of galleries in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area.
Lisa told us about the painting she submitted to Balloon Fiesta this year. "I wanted to concentrate on what is integral to New Mexico and memorable to those who visit and live here. The river and the balloons are the main attraction each year, but the giant ancient cottonwoods, the golden chamisa and the mountains are also part of the scenic landscape. Since we have the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises I’ve even seen, I felt that a vibrant pink sky was a suitable backdrop for the scene."
Trevor Knapp Jones grew up in Albuquerque, graduating from La Cueva High School in 2008 and then the California Institute of the Arts in 2012 with his BFA in Character Animation. He has more than 15 years of experience working for studios across the animation industry, including Laika, Jibjab, Hallmark, Starburns, Shadowmachine, and eight years at Disney. Now back in Albuquerque, he works as a full-time Animation Designer with the science education company Complexly and teaches animation classes at UNM.
While volunteering in the merchandise tent during Balloon Fiesta, Trevor was inspired by the array of artistic interpretations that captured the spirit of the Fiesta and hoped to one day contribute his own piece to this extraordinary collection.
“Glowing Eyes, Glowing Skies” seeks to capture the profound sense of childlike wonder you can't help but feel on Balloon Fiesta mornings. It evokes the warmth we feel on Balloon Fiesta field – not just from the balloons, but from the magical sense of community and connection that warms the chilly October air. It's a nostalgic celebration of the memories formed in those enchanting moments, seeing everyone’s eyes light up in the soft warm glow of the balloons."
Like the previous honorable mentions, watch for Lisa and Trevor's artwork on upcoming items later this year.
Most people have their favorite coffee mug. Whether you use it for coffee, tea or hot chocolate there's just something about relaxing with that warm cup in your hand. Now we have one that changes colors. But not just colors, this black unassuming mug will transform into the beautiful colors of this year's Embrace the Sky theme when you add your hot beverage. While hand washing is recommended to preserve the mug, it is microwave safe, made using solar power and is just the right size for your favorite beverage. We've posted a video of the process, so click the button and check out how quickly this item transforms. This is one of those buy one for yourself and buy a few more to have on hand for when visitors drop in.
Next week on What's Up Wednesday, the final 2 honorable mentions and a wrap up of some fun Easter Bunny gifts just in time for the spring holiday.
As always, thanks for your support of Balloon Fiesta and Balloon Fiesta Stuff.