March Guest Artists Margie Lopez Read

   Margie Lopez Read

DONATION ART:  Art is life and not worth much unless it helps make the world just a little bit better in one way or another.

Art has always been important to me and I was influenced at an early age by my grandmother who is my 'tocaya' and was an accomplished artist.   Over the years I have indulged in a variety of media and styles – traditional, contemporary, surreal, pop  -- all that was around and developing in the 60’s and 70’s.  I also did a fair amount of illustration, cartoons and silk screen art with social and political commentary for high school and university newspapers.

I have been in a number of exhibits and shows, juried and open, and have won awards at times.   But ultimately, I have settled into using my art to be something permanently meaningful that helps others live better.  So, my husband Bob and I created "Donation Art".  My paintings, and/or giclee prints and notecards are traded for a check made out to a worthwhile organization agreed upon with the buyer.  For the show at Gallery Moab, I will send my portion of the sale amount directly to "Adopt-a-Native-Elder", Utah Dineh Bikeah and Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.  Other organizations could be considered as well.

One of my favorite activities that I started in Oregon in 2014 and continue in Moab during the Red Rock Art Festival, is to hold outdoor painting opportunities intended to entice others to paint plein air – most of them for the first time.  The YouTube link here will show you some of the happy faces that resulted from previous events I conducted.  Enjoy:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdg7QJhs000.

In addition to this show in Gallery Moab, I have a few paintings hanging at the following locations: the MARC (Moab Arts and Recreation), Departure room at Moab Airport, in Bluff at Bears Ears Education Center, Cape Perpetua Visitor Center and in permanent collection at the Little Log Church and Museum of Yachats, Oregon.

If the Donation Art concept interests you, please come to the Gallery Moab in March and perhaps I will be there.  Or you may take a look at my website: www.margies-art.com.