Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery features Tugel, Postelle

The Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery, 2470-A Calle de Guadalupe, across from the Fountain Theatre on the historic plaza in Mesilla, will feature two artists for the month of September: Arlene Tugel and Yvonne Postelle.

Tugel, a watercolorist and “watercolor collagist” has lived in Las Cruces for more than 15 years. Prior to living in New Mexico, she resided in California, Oregon and Washington. Tugel has taken numerous workshops from artists in the Southwest.

“The master artist of the natural world around us” is her greatest influence, Tugel said, adding that she “is happiest at her easel, painting plein air in the wide open spaces of the West.”

A native of Texas, Postelle said she has been dabbling in art most of her life. After retiring from the business world and raising a family, she has concentrated on her love of oil painting. Postelle is a member of local art associations, holding various offices. She has taken private art lessons from local and international teachers in addition to attending workshops. Her interests are mainly the tree formation in landscapes.

Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery’s newest member is Marty Alberson, who grew up in the Mesilla Valley. Alberson creates his art with glass that is melted at approximately 1,400 degrees F. He has had a varied career as an accountant, building contractor, high school teacher, oil and gas landman and home inspector.

Alberson said he became fascinated with fused glass when a stained-glass project he was creating needed a fused-glass element. That element in the project captured his imagination and he has been melting glass for the last 11 years.

First American Bank in Mesilla shows work by gallery members, who rotate their artwork monthly.

In addition, the 30 artists of the gallery offer art in various media, which include original paintings, oil, acrylics, pastels, watercolor, fused glass art jewelry, woodturnings, stained glass, photography, ceramics, mixed media, decorated gourds, handmade textile weavings, art tile, fiber art, natural gemstone jewelry, handcrafted basket weavings, colored pencil, charcoal, pen and ink drawings, prints, cards and miniature paintings.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, with limited access due to state public health orders.

For more information, call 575-522-2933 or visit www.mesillavalleyfinearts.com.