The Young and the Bold MEI Gallery Showcases American Indian Talent
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fresh face on Canyon Road, MEI Gallery opened its doors last September to exhibit contemporary Native American art. The force behind MEI is Mary Elizabeth Irene, an Oklahoma native who has lived in Santa Fe for fifteen years. Her youthful enthusiasm is tangible as she breezes through the adobe gallery, explaining the vibrant paintings and sculptures on view. A successful professional jeweler who has exhibited at the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Smithsonian, Irene knew from the beginning of her own career she wanted to showcase the work of
By Elaine Ritchel Photos Linda Carfagno
other talented artists. “It was important to me that we have more galleries that are Native American owned and that showcase Native American art from another perspective,” explains Irene, who is Muscogee (Creek). MEI represents established artists, such as ledger artist Sheridan MacKnight, sculptor Upton Ethelbah and painter Craig George, as well as up-and-coming artists like 22-year old Del Curfman, the ‘rock star’ of the gallery, who will be interning at the Smithsonian’s NMAI and apprenticing with painter Tony Abeyta this summer.
“We always have an artist in house,” says Irene, gesturing to a couple of Curfman’s expressive canvases drying on a table and a pair of workbenches where she and jeweler Fernando Benally craft intricate designs. “You can come in and meet us. People have fun in here. There are a lot of laughs.” On your next Canyon Road stroll, be sure to visit MEI for a fresh and inviting look at work by contemporary Native American artists. MEI Gallery 662 Canyon Rd. 505.780.5476 www.MEIGallery.com