MVFA Gallery features local artists

The Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Galley (MVFG), 2470-A Calle de Guadalupe in Mesilla, will feature work by local artists Linda Hagen and Hetty Smith in July. The gallery is also welcoming a new artist, David Stevenson, MVFG said in a news release.

Hagen, who paints in oils, moved from Ohio to Las Cruces in 2004.

“She instantly connected to the light and landscape of New Mexico,” the news release said.

Hagen paints in her studio as well as plein air and enjoys the challenges of painting light, depth and color, especially at the Mesilla Valley farmland she calls home, MVFG said. Hagen’s love of nature and animals is reflected in her work, but she holds a special regard for horses.

Smith’s love for stained glass began when she was growing up in Holland, the gallery said. Beautiful homes, apartments and churches in Europe were decorated with unique stained glass in the windows, which inspired her creativity. Smith attended classes at Doña Ana Community College, where she developed her passion. Smith also used her knowledge as a dressmaker to design and color her artwork.

Stevenson has been a photographer 45 years, the gallery said. He began work with two stock photography agencies and doing shows and exhibitions in upstate New York. Since relocating to Las Cruces 10 years ago, Stevenson has participated in shows and gallery exhibitions. His primary medium is photography on metal utilizing the dye-sublimation process. Most of Stevenson’s images are from New Mexico, with a majority showcasing the Organ Mountains and Las Cuces area.

MVFG’s 30 featured artists offer original art in various media, including oil, acrylics, pastels, watercolor, fused glass art jewelry, woodturnings, stained glass, photography, ceramics, mixed media, decorated gourds, textile weavings, art tile, fiber art, natural gemstone jewelry, fused glass, colored pencil, charcoal, pen and ink drawings, prints, cards and miniature paintings.

First American Bank, 1553 Avenida de Mesilla, features the work of many of the gallery’s artists.

MVFG is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day.

Call 575-522-2933. Visit www.mesillavalleyfinearts.com.