Also on hand was Hopi/ Laguna artist Joe Stacey. He donated a piece to last year’s Fun-Raiser.
He was on hand to paint but he also sculpts. Drivers in Albuquerque may have seen his work around town. He is also a muralist and had done work along the freeway, at the Albuquerque Peace and Justice Center and at the Indian Village at the state fairgrounds.
Examples of Stacey’s work can be seen on Facebook at www.facebook.com/joseph. stacey.5/ or on Instagram at joseph.stacey.5/.
The concept of Rezilience is difficult to describe given its multimedia nature. Montoya agrees that it can be termed as somewhat of a Native-oriented lollapalooza.
“People can call it a lot of things- a festival or exhibition,” he said. “But we call it an experience. Mainly because people come and they have this experience.”
“Last year we had organizers who figured out how to bring in different creative aspects,” he said. “We had a film show- case, live painting, expression poetry, dancing, singing and art vendors. And, even hands- on activities. This year we’re just expanding on it.
“To clarify, our focus is on four elements: art, education, wellness, and technology,” he said. “All those things are present within healthy communities. And they work together to build healthy communities. That’s what Rezilience is, celebrating our resilience as indigenous peoples. But also figuring out new ways to continue to grow and build.”
The Rezilience Indigenous Arts Experience will be held at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque on April 30. Details are available at http://www.rezartx.com/.
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES | J. MORGAN EDWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY
Vanessa Bowen finishes a portrait during a live-paint at the REZILIENCE Preview Party/Fun Raiser in Albuquerque last Friday.
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES | MORGAN EDWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY
Warren Montoya, founder of Rezonate Arts, hosts the REZILIENCE Indigenous Arts Experience Preview Party/Fun Raiser last Friday in Albuquerque.