Sep 10, 2008

Artists, 40 strong, show latest workBy Jackie SchlotfeldtNews-Bulletin.com

Belen — There is little activity in the main room of the historic Harvey House Museum as the late afternoon sun makes its way towards the horizon. Streams of light pour through the southernmost windows onto the many paintings hung near the open doorway into the sun room.

You can imagine the hustle and bustle that went on earlier in the day as artists worked to organize and hang their creations for the upcoming judging.

Colorful ribbons now flutter against the rows of artistic creations, signifying a job well done, and you feel a sense of excitement as you walk among the work of the many artists who spent weeks, months, and even years creating their masterpieces.

For some artists, this may be their first time displaying and selling their artwork, while for others, this is something they are very familiar with doing.

For the past 10 years, the Harvey House Museum has been home to the Belen Art League’s spring and fall art shows, providing space for the increasing number of artists showing their work.

More than 120 original pieces by 40 Valencia County artists will be on display through Oct. 3, with the majority of the art for sale during the Belen Art League Gallery fall art show.

Janet Bray, who paints under the name Janet Purnima, said she never quite believed she was an artist until she started winning awards.

“I never thought at this point in my life that I’d be an artist,” Bray said. “It’s all new to me.”

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